Gambling

[nclib]

I'd have to say yes, though I am a bit concerned about its' impact on the poor.

I would definitely oppose the idea that gambling should be illegal based on moral reasons.

I was just wondering how much of a partisan correlation there would be.

[IDS Judicial Overlord John Dibble]

I support people's right to make their own bad decisions.

[ijohn57s]

It can also raise crime rates, though.

[Josh/Devilman88]

sNOOO

[The Duke]

Yes---in Nevada.

[??????????]

Yes because if a state wants to go ahead and make that mistake then let them have it.

[IDS Judicial Overlord John Dibble]

It can also raise crime rates, though.

That's true, but I think proper zoning could help keep increases minimal.

[True Federalist]

I would want "truth-in-gambling" laws requiring the posting in a conspicuous and consistent manner of the house advantage.  I.e., "The house earns 23c of every $1 dollar bet on average." but otherwise, if people want to gamble let them, so long as it is regulated and taxed in a manner consistent with good governence.

[Beef]

I would want "truth-in-gambling" laws requiring the posting in a conspicuous and consistent manner of the house advantage.  I.e., "The house earns 23c of every $1 dollar bet on average."

Why?  If payout sucks at Casino A, and is good at Casino B, won't the market correct this on its own?

[ilikeverin]

I would want "truth-in-gambling" laws requiring the posting in a conspicuous and consistent manner of the house advantage.  I.e., "The house earns 23c of every $1 dollar bet on average." but otherwise, if people want to gamble let them, so long as it is regulated and taxed in a manner consistent with good governence.

What he said.

[AuH2O]

Gambling is sweet...

[Nym90]

Option 1, though anyone who gambles as a way of making money is a fool.

If you just simply enjoy gambling, that's fine, but in the long run you are guaranteed to lose money.

[AuH2O]

Wrong.

Poker and sports my man.

[Nym90]

Well, that's true, if you wager with friends on these things, then you have, all else being equal, a 50% chance of victory. I was talking about going to a casino. Friendly gambling with another person gives you even odds.

[ATFFL]

Blackjack is the way to go to make money.  Get a good team together and let teh big numbers carry you away to profitability.

[IDS Judicial Overlord John Dibble]

Option 1, though anyone who gambles as a way of making money is a fool.

If you just simply enjoy gambling, that's fine, but in the long run you are guaranteed to lose money.

Not true. Believe it or not, there's people who gamble for a living(though they are a rarity). These people are pros too, they know how to gamble and win consistently. Also, even infrequent gamblers can make money in the long run if they know how. So, while possible to lose money in the long run, it's no gaurantee.

[Nym90]

Option 1, though anyone who gambles as a way of making money is a fool.

If you just simply enjoy gambling, that's fine, but in the long run you are guaranteed to lose money.

Not true. Believe it or not, there's people who gamble for a living(though they are a rarity). These people are pros too, they know how to gamble and win consistently. Also, even infrequent gamblers can make money in the long run if they know how. So, while possible to lose money in the long run, it's no gaurantee.

Well, that's true, it is possible to win. Not EVERYONE is guaranteed to lose, but obviously most people do, or else casinos would go out of business.

[cwelsch]

Don't gamble for money, it's a distraction, it's fun.  Like seeing a movie or going to an arcade.

[PBrunsel]

Yes

[© Tweed the Younger]

Yes!

Football is so easy to bet on!

[Fmr. Gov. NickG]

So far, I'm the only Dem to vote no.  

Actually, I don't really oppose gambling small amounts of money for a small potential pay-off.  I'm a fan of poker, both playing with friends and on TV.  

What I really hate are state-sponsored lotteries that are effectively regressive taxes...they encourage the poor to spend money they would be much better off saving in the hopes of a virtually non-existant million-dollar payday.  The government should not be taking advantage of people's desperation, and should not fund itself on the backs of the poor.

And even those few people who win the lottery don't in any way deserve it.  If society is going to allow a select few to become ridiculously wealthy, those people should at least have to work hard to earn their wealth.

I mean, if an elected official proposed a bill that said "let's take a couple million dollars out of our budget and give to a random single person for no reason,' who would be in favor of that?

[True Federalist]

I would want "truth-in-gambling" laws requiring the posting in a conspicuous and consistent manner of the house advantage.  I.e., "The house earns 23c of every $1 dollar bet on average."

Why?  If payout sucks at Casino A, and is good at Casino B, won't the market correct this on its own?

Because a lot of people stink at math and either can't figure out the expected results or don't bother.  Truth-in-gambling would allow for people to make their own decisions and it is a lot easier for the house to calculate the odds once than having each player calculate the odds for himself.

[frenger]

I would want "truth-in-gambling" laws requiring the posting in a conspicuous and consistent manner of the house advantage.  I.e., "The house earns 23c of every $1 dollar bet on average."

Why?  If payout sucks at Casino A, and is good at Casino B, won't the market correct this on its own?

Because a lot of people stink at math and either can't figure out the expected results or don't bother.  Truth-in-gambling would allow for people to make their own decisions and it is a lot easier for the house to calculate the odds once than having each player calculate the odds for himself.

I'm sorry, but isn't that subsidizing stupidity?
Besides, that would raise the costs to the casion, so the odds would lower even more.

[frenger]

But I think gambling should be legal yes. Everywhere whereit has been legalized it has largely benefited the economy. Las Vegas and Atlantic City are there for you to see for yourselves.
And yes, it it possibly to consistently win, you just have to know how to bet, and know the tricks. The reon most(I think 90%) of he people loose is because they are too stupid to bother to learn it.

[Bleeding heart conservative, HTMLdon]

Rep/yes.   Though I would place restrictions on where casinos could be located, I strongly support peoples' right to be stupid!