With this Report, the Commission on the Review of the National Policy Toward Gambling concludes its 3 years

of research and hearings into the controversial and divisive subject of gambling. Our work is completed; the American people must now judge its accuracy and usefulness. What the Commission has tried to do is to set out what is known about each form of gambling and the possible consequences of its legalization. Based upon the facts contained in this Report, it is now the task of the Congress, and the States as well, to take the next step in developingfor the first time-a fair and reasonable national policy toward the existence of gambling.

This Report and its recommendations will surprise most Americans and may startle some. But those who are surprised or startled should carefully reflect on the significance of the fact that a pastime indulged in by two-thirds of the American people, and approved of by perhaps 80 percent of the population, contributes more than any other single enterprise to police corruption in their cities and towns and to the well-being of the Nation's criminals. If I were asked to describe simply the Gambling Commission's task, I could say it was to find out "why?"

Most Americans gamble because they like to, and they see nothing "wrong" with it. This being so, they see no real distinction between going to the track to place a bet and backing their favorite horse with the local bookmaker. And this truly free-wheeling logic-so consistent with the free enterprise philosophy of most Americans-permeates the country's judicial system: police, prosecutors, and

courts.

The Report of the Commission contains a hard statement: "Contradictory gambling policies and lack of resources combine to make effective gambling law enforcement an impossible task under present

conditions." Not "difficult"-not "frustrating"-not even "almost impossible"-but impossible. And why not? How can any law which prohibits what 80 percent of the people approve of be enforced?

"What should we do about this?" the Congress has asked this Commission. With a small, able, and very dedicated professional staff under the direction of a truly outstanding talent, seven citizens and eight experienced legislators have concluded that a joint venture is necessary between each of the 50 States and the national government, with some significant changes in the pattern of Federal laws. Each of the Commission's recommendations has been warmly debated and carefully thought out, and it would not be considerate to discard any of them lightly.

At its first meeting back in January 1974, the Commission made the decision to pursue its tasks with a small permanent staff and to perform its research function through contractual arrangements with established research firms. The wisdom of this approach was proven early and resulted in very substantial economies in the Commission's budget. But it is the staff self which must be given the lion's share of the credit for meeting every deadline imposed upon it and for adhering strictly to the budgetary limitations of Congress. James E. Ritchie, the Executive Director, and his Deputy, Marilu Marshall, have truly earned the gratitude of everyone concerned with the national phenomenon of gambling. This Report would never have been possible within the allotted time were it not for these two extremely talented, knowledgeable, and aggressive prosecuting attorneys. It is my pleasure to take this opportunity personally to thank them for all they have done, and I know I speak for every member of the