A recent public opinion poll found that Israelis are opposed to legalized gambling in their country.
Jerusalem-based market research firm Keevoon Research Strategy and Communications asked Israeli citizens their thoughts on the recent talk of legalizing casino gambling in Israel, and whether they support it or not, reports Ynetnews.
Of the 500 people polled, aged 35 to 44, 55 percent said they opposed legalization, while 37 percent said they were in favor of bringing in legal casinos.
According to the results, religious beliefs may have influenced people's opinions. 85 percent of Haredim Jews--the most theologically conservative form of Judaism--and 78 percent of Orthodox Jews are opposed to legalizing gambling. On the other hand, the secular Israelis are 47 percent in favor of such a measure.
Gender appeared to have played a role in difference of opinion as well, with 47 percent of men in support of legalization and 61 percent of women opposed.
A casino once thrived in Palestinian-controlled Jericho with a daily turnover of close to $1 million.
Because Jericho is no more than 25 miles from Jerusalem, Israelis were able to travel to the city to gamble. The casino was closed down in 2000, however, as the Intifada (violent uprising) broke out among the Palestinian Arabs in the region.
Since then, Israelis have had to travel abroad for gaming activities.