Gambling

On the NE ballot this year are Initiatives 429, 430 and 431 to allow casino gambling at licensed horse race tracks in the Husker state.  The expansion of gambling is promoted as a tax relief for the state.  It is argued that NE is losing money to IA which has casino gambling on the east bank.  Also promo’d are the rights or freedoms one should have to pursue their interests and dreams – if one wants to gamble, why be denied?  Why is it wrong?  Some thoughts about why it is wrong:

1. Time consumption.  Whether on a home computer or at the casino, gambling takes time away from family and other activities.  Not a big deal – just a deal.  Only 24 hours in a day for all!
2. Money.  It takes money!  It is extra money?  Almost never does it render a credit to one’s account!  Is it money that can be lost – money that is not needed?  Almost never!
3. Examples.  When is the last time you found Warren Buffet or Walter Scott pulling the lever of a slot machine?  Do rich people buy lottery tickets and play Keno?  Nope!  Why not?
4. Addiction.  “Just one more!”  “Surely my number is next.”  “Just a little more.”  “My ship is surely about to come in.”  Many borrow or steal so to try one more time.
5. Marriage woes.  I know a couple whose marriage is in trouble because he spends the weekend gambling.  Most of her money goes to supporting the home and most of his toward gambling.
6. Just how many winners are there?  Few – very few – just enough to keep people returning to the trough.  And there are even fewer who win big!  It is a losing proposition!  It lures in the weak and wanting and drains them of the few assets they do have.  It is a tax on the poor!
7. Casinos with lavish restrooms, lights and glitter, cheap food, and many bells and whistles are able to provide all that from – a secret gold mine?  An inheritance left to the owner?  A government grant?   You know where – from profits made from the gamblers! The gamblers pay for all the fancies.  Gambling makes some rich but not the gambler!
8. Most all gamblers are losers.  Losers!  Does losing give them worth and well-being?  In many cases it sends them heading for the bottle to wash away their shame and low self-image.
9. Children suffer.  Dad and/or Mom are gone.  Dad and/or Mom is depressed or distraught.  Dad and/or Mom have less money for clothes and food, less for school supplies, less for medical needs.
10. Health deteriorates.  The emotional and mental drain leads to depression and anger.
11. Work suffers.  Focus is on the next gambling opportunity or on the near miss last night.  The passion draws focus away from the duties at hand.
12. Mental sickness and suicide.  The pain of not winning and of losing well-being, marriage, house, employment, children piles up.  The debt piles up.  Soon there seems no escape.  One’s world collapses.

Gambling is driven by greed – want of a fancy home, a race car, or carefree life.

Gambling is driven by discontentment – not thanksgiving.

Gambling is driven by desperation – a means to meet needs/bills.

Gambling is driven by lies – “You can have it all!”

Gambling takes away life and hope.

Gambling can put some money into schools and bring some property tax relief, but the over-all cost to society is far, far greater (it is often said that costs are 3 times income).  Gambling is a HUGE drag on homes, work, and society.