Gambling

A common practice among a vast portion of the population reflecting the traditionally weak popular confidence in economic ventures.  Cockfighting as a betting sport has a long tradition in Hispanic countries. The government lottery, introduced in 1812, was most effective in channeling enthusiasm for seeking large economic gains in the shortest possible time.  Other significant forms of Cuban gambling have included casinos and Jai-alai. The first United States intervention temporarily curtailed many forms of gambling. Later, and especially in the 1920s and 1950s, casinos, horse and dog racing were promoted as a way to attract foreign tourists. During the 1940s and 1950s a regular police function in major cities was protecting prostitution and gambling houses, as these were manipulated for political purposes. The Revolution of 1959 ended the lottery, closed the casinos, and sought to wipe out the small entrepreneurship of Cuba’s many gamblers.