Gambling... Yay or Nay?

The legalization of gambling has been on the center stage of the political arena, specifically in state governments, for years. Protesters of the legalization of gambling in all states are voicing their concerns about financial matters, stating that there is a trend with gamblers; they bet what they cannot afford to lose. On the other side of the argument, we have people defending the claims of economic stimulation, specifically increasing tourism generation and job creation.

Various studies have been conducted focusing on the human behavior aspect of gambling. Recent results of these studies indicate that people always want what they cannot have. Therefore, if legislation increases the number of people who are allowed to legally gamble, this should reduce illegal gaming behaviors. There is an overwhelming amount of social concerns that the public has discussed concerning the parallel of addiction and gambling. Like the addictive substance alcohol, the feeling of winning can be addicting. According to a handful of opinion leaders in cities that have recently legalized gambling, people are participating in more illegal activities in order to obtain the money to go out to these casinos. Along with alcohol, cigarettes, the internet and other addictive items, gambling involves self-control. A responsible gambler enters a casino with an “x-amount” of cash, with clear intent of only using only that amount for that evening. It is comparable to an individual walking into a bar with a few friends with the intent of only having a couple beers. An alcoholic feels they need alcohol to survive. Someone who is addicted to gambling would do everything in their power to get ahold of more money to fund their addiction, just as any other addict would do. Not everyone lacks self-control. Essentially, the argument that the majority of people are posing is, if we make gambling illegal everywhere, then there might as well be legislation banning alcohol, cigarettes, the internet and anything else that the general public uses for recreational purposes.

Looking at it from a political angle, it is a popular opinion that gambling would in fact balance our government’s budget. Sin taxes are taxes on items considered to be harmful or undesirable, such as alcohol and tobacco products. According to public documentation, the amount of federal excise tax revenue on cigarettes in 2011 was nearly $33.3 billion. By taxing gambling, it would provide enough revenue so it could potentially reduce the amount of taxation in other areas, (i.e. food), and lessen the burden on the lower class.

 Research indicates that it is a government assumption that legalizing gambling and enacting sin taxes would be a net gain to society. Debate will continue until the legislation reaches a verdict.