Gambling Essay Research Paper Research Paper 2Gambling

Gambling Essay, Research Paper

Research Paper 2

Gambling

“Just one more pull, only one more dollar. Anytime now this machine is sure to pay off big!” This is an example of the chatter you may hear if standing along a row of slot machines, or “one arm bandits” as some like to call them. You might find yourself in the midst of a diverse crowd. There are people celebrating their birthdays, and couples celebrating retirement. You see anxious people putting nickels in slot machines, and you see others risking thousands on a hand of poker. Some are here for the social aspect and to have fun. Others are here, because they have no choice. They are addicted. Regardless of age, amount of money spent, or reasoning for coming. They are all here to gamble.

Gambling has become a major aspect of our cultural lives. However, its social and economical impact remains controversial. Some claim gambling is the answer to nearly all of our countries financial problems and concerns. Others are quick to point out the downfalls and negative aspects of gambling.

In order to make a decision on the gambling debate, it is important to hear a variety of opinions on the topic. There are a few major views as to what course we should take for gambling. The three views are to do away with the restraints on gambling and openly promote it, regulate gambling to make it safer, and to stop gambling for the sake of all.

The major focus of choice one is that gambling is simply entertainment, and it should be treated in that fashion. Denny Rowe discusses why his family chooses Las Vegas, a premier location for gambling, as their favorite family vacation spot. Denny says, “It’s fun, and the price is right.” The Rowe family views gambling as just another way to have fun and “spice” up a vacation. Apparently, they are not alone. Many Americans who visit casino resorts say that they had a more satisfying and more exciting vacation than others who visited ski or country resorts. They disagree with their opponents who see gambling as a hazardous activity that needs to be smothered with restrictions. They are quick to point out that Americans have never wanted a public agency dictating to them how to spend their own time and money. Supporters of opinion one think that often the government tries to play “Big Brother” by trying to prevent problems before they occur. This, according to them, negatively effects our society by pushing government into our lives, slowing economic growth, and by reducing resources that may be needed to solve more serious issues as they arise.

Opinion one also substitutes the term “gaming” for “gambling.” They feel like the word, “gambling” has a negative vibe, having been associated with the Wild West, Mafia-owned casinos, and the Victorian idea that gambling is evil. They say that “gaming” is a more neutral, clear, and accurate representation of the industry. An industry that they point out is partially owned by millions of Americans through mutual funds and stock investments. Supporters point out that this industry is booming, and we are all sharing the wealth. Americans spend more on gaming than books, recorded music, and movies combined.

Supporters of opinion one point out that the gaming industry has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in communities across the nation. They are quick to show examples of this. Every year money from gaming activities on Native lands has been placed into food, housing, and health programs that were suffering sever budget cuts at the hands of federal authorities.(H.C. 55) They also focus on the jobs that are provided from the casinos. Gaming has brought over 10,000 jobs to people all over the country.(H.C. 55) In addition, 37 states have a lottery; this gives residents a fun way to make voluntary contributions to educational, environmental, and other operating funds. In 1994, lottery sales amounted to just over 30 billion and the states got to keep 13.7 billion dollars to go towards such funds.(Davidson 65) Opinion one supporters say that is $13.7 billion that taxpayers do not have to worry about for the year.

There are many people who support opinion one; however, there are some Americans that feel although casinos do have advantages, they should be strictly regulated. These people fall into the group of citizens who support opinion two. This group feels that gambling is neither good nor bad. They feel that it is popular, but dangerous because it is easily abused. They compare it to alcohol, and point out that it can be socially devastating. Opinion two supporters call for a “major overhaul” in the enforcement and regulation of all forms of gambling. They feel the government has a duty to protect American consumers by restricting unfair business practices and dangerous products.

In contrast to opinion one, choice two supporters are in favor of the “Big Brother” choice. They feel the government must regulate nearly every aspect of American life to prevent problems before they occur. However, they still support gambling to an extent. They feel that casinos can be beneficial if profits are directed to the proper place.

Supporters of choice two feel the need to step up regulations to make gambling less seductive and less likely to be abused. For example, casinos should limit bets, stop serving free alcohol, get rid of the provisions for easy credit and ready access to ATM