Pericles,

<< I suspect that any form of gambling - even on a lacrosse match - is most distinctly haram>>

Yes, you are absolutely right. Gambling is haram.

However, there is a big BUT (and it has nothing to do with the lacrosse camp follower).

Literally anything haram is permitted if it is done with the view to advancing the cause of Islam.
The 911 holy warriors for example were observed drinking alcohol,gambling, and attending strip-clubs

Well I guesss that settles it, democracy does take freedom from us while anarchy delivers it.