Why do some governments actively promote gambling as a source of revenue when it is known to be so harmful to so many of its people? It is common knowledge that gambling can be addictive and destroy or take lives, yet they still want that revenue. For its citizens? When they report the income from lotteries or casinos they should balance the books with the loss to players, their citizens.
Through their marketers they use sly tactics to entice more playing. Glossy lottery commercials constantly pop up showing just how wonderful it will be to win an enormous amount of money. "Play now and get super rich". Perhaps broken gamblers would like to get back the money they lost but the odds are stacked against them. They need help not encouragement to try again!
As if to justify this greedy and often cruel business they post warnings: A short quick justifying blip might complete an ad or commercial: "Know your limit. Play within it." But play to win! They even warn: "Gambling can lead to financial and legal problems, loss of career and family, and other serious issues." No kidding! Well cease and desist! And "Call this help line if you have a gambling problem". It's too late I have lost everything!
I'm having a very difficult time understanding this. Government is supposed to be there for the people. If these actions are acceptable isn't it remotely possible that our politicians could introduce the pressure selling of alcohol, tobacco and drugs. But, "Know your limit. Drink, smoke and snort within it."
Gambling might have a place in society for people who want to gamble but it should not be marketed. Ideally any gambling should be non-profit with the participants playing with and winning or losing money to each other.
The Canada Safety Council's Canadian Roulette has information on gambling's effect including bankruptcy, family breakup, and suicides.
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." - Edmund Burke
Grampa Ken ~ Author of 32 KEYS About Life and Blogger at Social-Fix
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Gambling: A Sick Tax
