Remnants of an era of fear and over control of personal responsibility (e.g. drugs and sex education). Abstinence rarely works for the masses. There isn't really much of a push to have it legalized from what I've seen.

The fear that if we legalize gambling, then anyone could fall into the trap. "I've seen what Vegas has done to people." Yes, if you only have one area that is widely open for gaming, you will attract gamblers that become addicted. In my opinion, that is not enough of a reason to entirely restrict the general public.

Legalization allows for regulations, regulations designed to protect the well being of the public. Currently, if you want to gamble on sports, you have to go through some sort of illegal channel, which is a riskier endeavor with less safety nets.

It will pass eventually, there will be resistance.