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.

Roosevelt's staunch opposition to gambling fits in with the rest of his moderate platform--tough on crime, big on welfare reform, supportive of small business.

None of those positions, he says, can be truly realized with a casino in town.

"It would be a tragedy to make Massachusetts the Las Vegas of the East," Roosevelt said in February.

While casino supporters can point to the success of Foxwoods, Roosevelt spokesperson Dwight D. Robson points instead to Atlantic City, N.J., where virtually every business in town except for the casinos has died since gambling came to town.

New Bedford officials don't deny there are disadvantages.

"It will create a certain amount of corruption and violence," says John Saunders, a New Bedford city councillor. "You have to adjust the area."

Roosevelt says those disadvantages are more than enough reason to kill a proposal that will have the opposite of its intended effect on the local economy.

"Who can compete with a restaurant offering you a $2.99 steak dinner and free drinks for everybody?" asked Roosevelt last month.

And while spokesperson Robson denies that Roosevelt sees gambling as an inherent moral evil, the candidate himself has based his opposition on the idea that some things--such as "personal responsibility"--are more important than money.

"I want to be the governor for the people who play by the rules, who want to make the most of their lives, who work hard day-to-day, who know that there is no quick fix, no easy jackpot, no success without effort," Roosevelt said last month.

Roosevelt's running mate, Robert K. Massie, is much more straightforward in his criticism of gambling from a moral standpoint; he calls it "morally reprehensible."

That may be explained by Massie's background. A lecturer at Harvard Divinity School, the lieutenant governor hopeful has served as an Episcopal priest.

The Wampanoags

The tribe that would run the casino, too, must answer the tough question, both economic and ethical: Is opening a casino in their best interests?

At first glance, the answer is an easy "yes." Planners estimate the casino will create 5000 to 7000 jobs, virtually guaranteeing employment for the tribe's 682 members.

But many in the tribe are convinced there must be a better way.

"I've got a personal problem with casino gaming," says Marc E. Widdiss, a member of the tribe. "Casinos are a pseudo-entertainment form to take your money. If you don't know that, you have no business putting one in your town."

Some Wampanoags suggest that the casino expresses a part of their identity as a tribe, an extension of a phenomenon that has developed in tribes across the country who have incorporated casinos into their culture.

But other Wampanoags don't buy that either.

"Some tribes have a history of gambling throughout their history," says Willard M. Marden III, another Wampanoag. "Whether our tribe was or not is unclear. It's more of a moral issue than a cultural one."

The Region

Other area residents have similarly mixed feelings about the casino, fearing general social decline, but New Bedford municipal leaders remain largely enthusiastic about the plan.

They say that the lack of money--not the love of it--is the root of all evil.

"Violence and crime happen when there's a feeling of despair, there's no hope, there's no opportunity for them," said New Bedford City Councillor David M. Gerwatowski. "If you create an opportunity for them to get jobs, then you'll help the crime here."

But Gerwatowski can sympathize with those who question the wisdom of starting down the casino road.

"I'm not a big fan of gaming." Gerwatowski says. "I've been slow in accepting this."

But voters, like Gerwatowski, seem willing to overlook their qualms about casinos and attempt to walk the line between financial gain and moral loss.

Gov. William F. Weld '66 says New Bedford would be revitalized by the increased economic activity sparked by gambling.