Gambling in the public perception, has always teetered uncomfortably on the line between moral curse and economic blessing.

Governments attempt to teach welfare recipients responsibility, yet advertise on public transportation for state lotteries.

Churches caution parishioners to avoid attempts at quick gain--except while turning out for the weekly bingo game.

And this year, Gov. William F. Weld '66 and opponent Mark Roosevelt '78 dance a delicate two-step, trying to keep the high moral ground while--or perhaps by--filling local and state coffers. The dance has taken them two different directions.

If Weld and Massachusetts' Wampanoag tribe get their way, New Bedford, a Cape Cod city about 90 minutes from Boston, will be home to a new $150 million casino complex, owned and operated by the tribe.

From Weld's perspective, the decision to build is an economic one. The plan, which would include a theme park and restaurants as well as the casino itself, would mean profits for the tribe and the state.

In addition, Weld has said, the New Bedford area--plagued by tough economic times--would be revitalized by increased economic activity in the region.

Weld has some evidence to cite. The best case for legalized casino gambling is the mind-numbing success of the Foxwoods High Stakes Bingo and Casino in Ledyard, Conn., which is owned and operated by the Pequot tribe.

In just two years, Foxwoods has become the largest grossing casino in the U.S., bringing in $600 million annually.

A Wampanoag casino would come under the same federal guidelines, established by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. That legislation allows federally recognized Native American tribes to open gaming facilities.

Since they are "semi-sovereign independent" nations, tribes can operate casinos even if gambling remains illegal in the rest of the state.

In just the last four years, the number of states allowing some casino gambling has jumped from just two--New Jersey and Nevada--to 23.

Many other states have seized the opportunity to turn the Native Americans' special privileges into profits for the state, and Weld hopes Massachusetts will be next.

Roosevelt

Gambling may bring big money, but it also brings big problems, according to Roosevelt. The challenger has called gambling "short-sighted" and a force for "cultural decay."

"I say no to the casinos, no to the slot machines, no to the further corruption of our communities, our families and our way of life," Roosevelt said in his victory speech after last month's primary.