BIG TOBACCO'S GAMBLE.(A SECTION)(Editorial)

For decades, there have been two gambling industries in the United States. One of them lures gamblers to flashy casinos and tracks, where they can play the slots and pick the ponies and puppies. The other industry does the betting and sells tobacco, too.

The domestic tobacco companies have one of America's longest running bets - they've gambled that political prostitution would allow them to minimize their risks and keep their products free of regulations commensurate with the dangers posed to users.

Big Tobacco - led by Philip Morris Cos. and Brown & Williamson - is rolling the dice again in perhaps the biggest gamble in its history. The tobacco companies …