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by paulddraper 81 days ago
They’re the financial equivalent of recreational drugs.

Not everyone gets addicted, but many do. Harms your own health/assets. Can destroy lives. Has spillover effects into general society.

The libertarian/authoritarian argument is much the same.
2 comments
butlike 81 days ago
Gambling is the only vice where the store doesn't close. Even the prostitutes go to sleep for a while. But you can drive to the casino and gamble it all away anytime.
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mikeyouse 81 days ago
It’s even worse on the phone.. there’s a running gag on IG with a lot of truth about “you might be at the bar with your friends at 12am but I’m locked in on German object splitting in half / other obscure betable ‘sports’“. It’s insane we let people do this to themselves and their families.

https://youtu.be/sMDppu-X1mY?si=MK7JGHYjW3u4iyBy

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ifwinterco 81 days ago
Not sure why you're getting downvoted, you are absolutely correct. It's exactly the same problem.

You can ban drugs/gambling, but some people are unfortunately just wired to seek them out and will do so regardless. So a ban results in fewer people using them in total, but all of the revenue going to the black market.

In an extreme scenario (for example, you ban a drug used by a large % of the population), that black market revenue becomes a real problem and you get Al Capone driving around Chicago with a Tommy gun shooting at people, massive corruption etc.

I wouldn't put gambling in that bracket but a significant minority of people are wired to enjoy it and historically when it was illegal it was a significant fraction of the revenue stream of organised crime, so completely banning it is not cost free - you will get a slice of violence and political corruption to go with it.

Having said that I agree there should be restrictions on advertising especially anywhere kids might be exposed to it

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