Take a look at these scenes from "Easy Money," an investigation of gambling's rise in America, co-produced by FRONTLINE and Mother Jones. (You'll need RealPlayer to view them).

J. Terrence Lanni is CEO of MGM Grand.

"Ten years from now, the issue of gaming won't be an issue.... There'll be little difference between a major motion picture studio, a hotel/casino, an entertainment casino, a nongaming resort. It's going to be much more acceptable on that basis."

Lefty Rosenthal, the former Vegas entrepreneur played by Robert De Niro in the movie Casino, now runs a bar in Boca Raton, Florida.

"Ninety-nine percent of the public, including myself, have two chances: One is slim and the other is none -- and slim is out of town."

"James Bond is not standing in line with a blonde on his arm waiting to buy his Quick Pick ticket. Understand this is preying on those people who can least afford it."

Dick Floyd is a California assemblyman and a former lobbyist for the card club industry.

"You know, I think [politicians] have been milking certain segments of the industry for cash.... Nothing that this legislature does can affect the Indian gaming stuff. That's a federal thing. Somebody's been milking the Indian tribes big-time."

Lobbyists can have a tremendous amount of influence in shaping bills. Here's one extreme example.

Bill Lockyer is the California Senate President, Pro Tempore.

Why would a legislator kill his own bill? We have our own suspicions, but listen to his explanation.

The Bicycle Club

Part One:
Is gambling addictive? There is evidence that the habit can be hard to kick -- even if you're the U.S. Department of Justice.

Part Two:
Federal contributions to the club.