Should they outlaw Gambling?

[anotheoldgit]

We have seen hard drugs outlawed, tobacco almost outlawed, Drinking frowned upon, and they now try and control what we eat.

But something that causes much suffering, hardships and crime, yet they fail to take any measures to stop it, in fact they actually encourage it.

And this is 'Gambling' it's advertised on TV ie Bingo, Football Pools, etc. it is on the internet Poker, the state allows a national lottery, there are bookie's shops on all high-streets where one can bet on horse races, dog races and most sport' results.

Taking into account the hardship and troubles that those who try and get rich at a scratch of a card, a turn of a card, etc. and still spend even more money trying to get back the money that they have already lost

It is gambling that really needs to be outlawed.

[McMouse]

Why should responsible smokers, drinkers, foodies and gamblers be penalised by the lack of willpower of losers?

[ummmm]

I'm with McM. I'm very anti gambling because I've seen first hand the damage it can do. So I make that choice for myself.

[Mamyalynne]

No people must learn self restraint.

[joggerjayne]

Isn't that like outlawing bridges because of the number of people who throw themselves off ?

[Davethedog]

All you would do is start another black market. I don't remember it but illegal betting was rife prior to the 1960's and it was just like loan sharks now.

As McMouse says why take away pleasure from the responsible majority for the weakness of the minority.

They will still get what they want while denying the rest of the law abiding.

[sandyRoe]

It should be made less accessible. On-line gambling is a particular problem.

[joggerjayne]

That argument can work both ways, Sandy.

I love Casinos, and I enjoy the bookies.

I never gamble online because, for me, gambling is a social activity.

But ... for some people ... maybe it works the other way round, and being online represents a form of social contact. A bit like (dare I say it?) ... AnswerBank ?

[jomifl]

just tax it heavily, it won't stop gambling so freedom won't be infringed but non gamblers won't have to pay so much tax.

[joggerjayne]

jomifl ...

Would taxing it do any good ?

Problem gamblers, who are addicted, would still gamble, but would end up broke more quickly.

[Zeuhl]

Some good points made here about the futility and counter productive results of prohibiting pastimes popular in just about any social grouping of humanity since time began.

Is this then not an argument for removing the criminal element in the supply of marujana by legalising and taxing it in line with these other 'adult leisure choices'?
.

[joggerjayne]

Yes (to Zeuhl's question).

[jake-the-peg]

Shall we outlaw shorting stock at the same time?

Or is gambling on the stock market OK?

[society]

Taxing gambling heavily would further encourage it to be done 'behind closed doors'.

[bazwillrun]

The main problem is the amount of people that under normal circumstances wouldnt gamble, but because of the now high profile of internet poker, roullette on TV etc , are being enticed , lured and "cajoled" by smart slick and cleverly worded ads etc to participate in what can only be described as legal theft.

[joggerjayne]

Jake ...

Short selling on the Market usually involves other people's money ...

... which obviously makes it okay !!

[joggerjayne]

Anyone who plays Roulette on TV ...

(just because they can't resist the "hostess" in the bikini)

... deserves all they get !