MonsterUSMC,
I've had that discussion at length with friends and in our opinion no it doesn't. The mob will take a bet without paying up front (you better square things away if you lose) a casino or other legal enterprise for the most part will not. So the degenerate gambler which the MOB prays on still go to them. Then the loan shark, then ….
you're very correct majicrat. Although gambling is becoming legal, and the mob is definitely taking a hit, the fact remains that between the convenience of betting on credit, the difference in the spread or "line" on occasion, the "tax-free" wins if you hit your game, and the fact that if jammed up, you can pay on extension by paying a 'vig'
an illegal bookmaker still is attractive to some folks
