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by mcmcmc 36 days ago
One distinction I think really needs to be included in any gambling bans is whether it’s a game of chance or skill. Betting on yourself is quintessentially American. I’d argue betting on someone else’s game of skill (eg sports betting) is a game of chance.

Would be interesting to see how a new prohibition amendment on gambling on games of chance would work.

1 comments

> game of chance or skill

The line isn't all the clear, is it? Is poker skill or chance? What about betting on a horse? Or buying a stock option?

In poker you have some control over the outcome through your actions in the game. Your skill at judging horses and jockeys cannot affect the outcome of a horse race. Options trading I don’t really know enough to have a strong opinion, but since it’s already regulated and has some utility in contributing to price stability, I don’t really consider it in the same class.