賭博問題與賭風猖獗的現象已困擾臺灣社會許久，而「賭博合法化」與「開放(觀光)賭場特區」，也常被提出來當作 「治賭良方」，甚至還以為可藉之達到．「以賭興鄉(邦)」的美景。「開賭」的相關議題也已數度被各方炒得炙手可熱，非但表態支持屢被當作競選期間的籌碼，更曾有媒體因為前臺灣省省長宋楚瑜對此採取開放態度，而聲稱其具有開明作風，突破了賭博禁忌。立法委員曾幾度正式提案過，並有兩次初審通過相關條文草案之紀錄。近年來，政府各單位首長對「賭」所持的態度從嚴令禁止;到睜一隻眼閉一隻眼、欲禁又止;到半推半就、被動面對;到甚至有部分官員與政府單位化被動為主動、決議把設立觀光賭場列入政府開闢財源方案。無可諱言，在這種現象的發展過程中，我們的價值體系已遭受到相當程度的扭曲與摧殘，這個現象實在是應該加以深刻地反省。本文的主旨除了以邏輯、經驗法則與事實等角度剖析支持「賭博合法化」與「開放設立賭場特區」者之種種論點外，也希望藉此釐清賭博問題以及賭風之何以會如此猖獗。

　　　　　Taiwan has definitely reached an era of affluence. However, it seems that the paucity of leisure outlets must be held, at least partially, responsible for many social problems (including many gambling related ones) we have faced in recent years. In fact, many negative impacts of gambling continue to increase during the past decade in Taiwan--which has created anew many problems along with serious negative consequences. Not having enough knowledge with regard to those associated with gambling has made us helplessly facing problems coming along with it--which is mostly due to the fact that we do not know: 1) Why are so many people attracted to this potentially additive pursuit? and 2) What are the factors causing the gambling epidemic in Taiwan? In fact, solutions would be easier to find, if we are capable of answering these questions. The main purpose of this study is to carry out a critical analysis on issues associated with "legalization of gambling", and, hopefully, it could also provide insights leading to a better grasp of the above questions. It is also our intention that this study would lead to better quality in the drafting of legislation as well as government policy.