Gambling

Gambling: A chance to win big or loose your shirt. Some people think it's too harmful and should be outlawed. Among their concerns are the negative effects casinos can have on local economies and, probably most importantly, gambling addiction and how it can ruin lives. Contrary to these concerns, others say it is a matter of personal choice and responsibility, that it generates tax income, and that if it were illegal then criminals would step in.

So what's your take? Any thoughts on the differences among casinos, online gambling, and lotteries? What about simulated gambling in games for kids - and for that matter, what about age limits? Got any other reasons you think it should be allowed or not?

I started gambling at 18 and I didn't get too much into it, but when I do gamble I get certain thrill or sensation that you just can't describe. It happens whether you win or lose.

I think it helps to educate people that even though higher risks yield greater rewards, sometimes the risk is so great that it should make you at least think twice.

I for one, think it should be allowed simply because I'm not the kind of person who wants to dictate how people should spend their money. If you want to take a huge risk with your money, that's your choice.

I'm probably going to look at gambling as a "health issue" because that's really hip and in these days, whether the issue be abortion, drug use, obesity, etc etc etc. I'm not really informed about the dangers of gambling, so this might be completely out of touch with reality, but I never saw gambling as a big social vice. It's something that has always occurred to me as more easily swept under the rug. As a result, I don't think there's much need to regulate it or give it more attention. There will always be the sucker who loses big, but in light of all our other problems, they're acceptable losses. If gambling addiction becomes a significant strain on our health system, probably through strain on the delivery of mental health care, then I'd advocate stricter regulations and better funded and thought out prevention policies. But until then, it's not going to be something that's on my mind as a citizen.

The censorship of casino games in the NA (don't remember about Europe) version of HG/SS, for example, was regulation gone too far imo.

Gamblers can actually get addicted and get a literal "high" from playing, just the same as somebody who smokes or drinks, or whatever. Same areas of the brain light up. Gambling addiction is a real health issue. Now, I think in moderation, it's fine. But certain people can fall prey to addiction easier than others, and should exert caution when playing, so that it doesn't turn into something bad.

I don't know about the outlawed thing. It's actual income for Nevada, so taking that away kind of bothers me.

However, I do have a problem with gambling for personal reasons I do wish not to share. I think more people should stay away from it actually.... Or at least learn how to control it. (I doubt learning how to control it is impossible though....)

I despise it, but I'm probably biased because my grandfather is heavily addicted to it (and cost the family a fortune trying to cover his debts).

I understand how playing the odds feels good (have gone for broke in a lot of minigames in video games, haha) so I'd probably be comfortable with outlawing it. It's dangerously addictive and the destructive potential outweighs any sort of benefit IMO. I'd rather it be made illegal and go underground than be perpetuated on billboards and commercials like it's a cool thing to do -- too many people unwittingly get sucked into it through adverts when they could have never heard about it at all.

I don't think that gambling should be outlawed. It's people's free will to do what they desire with their money, and we shouldn't intervene. If they want to waste it all then that' fine as long as it doesn't hurt me in any way. I don't have anything against casinos, in fact I believe that they provide people with a myriad of new jobs rather it be with people in the hotel or people working with food or service. Also, I think that they provide much revenue to help the state out as well. I think gambling such as going to Chuck E' Cheese is fine as long as it's not taken to an extreme. I think people shouldn't start gambling until they are 21. I've never actually gambled before, and I'm glad I haven't. I'm afraid if I gambled that I would take it too far and would lose too much money. I may gamble in small amounts get over, but I will have to go with a group of people so I don't take things to the extreme.

Personally, I have a harsh take on this and other similar situations. Sure, by all means, people are free to do whatever they choose with their money. If it means ensuring their family meets all the required basic necessities for living, all the more power to them. If they want to mindlessly spend it on gambling, so be it. But my opinion on gambling changes once it becomes an issue where the individual begins complaining about their money issues. I'm not implying everyone does this, baring their financial issues to everyone who will listen, but if gambling becomes such an addiction then it's probable. That, I view as ignorance, and I see it as their own fault. They have the will power to take themselves out of the equation and yet continue to do what obviously has negative psychological effects.

Overall, I have a negative view on gambling because I look at this issue from what might seem like a different perspective to people.

At the end of the day, gambling can be a fun and exciting activity when done in moderation. But it's important to be aware of the risks and take steps to protect yourself if you're prone to addiction.

I'm going to lock this thread since it has been dead for the last 9 years. A topic can always be started again though with a new thread, if you still have interest though.