squid5580 said:
Why stop at gambling then? Lets go back to the 30's and try prohibition again. I mean come on some people enjoy gambling. Lottery tickets, horse racing and the term "I betcha" is a common phrase. Some people enjoy watching people gamble away thier dignity for a chance at a million bucks or less. It goes deeper than that though. People spending thier money on something they enjoy. Something that isn't hurting anyone, makes some rich and others poor for what could be a few hours of fun. They may not be paying 60 bucks a game but if that is what floats thier boats, and another is willing to provide said services (which they are already although your govt doesn't see a dime because they are on native property) then where is the harm? Don't like it simply don't look at it.
Gambling isn't a substance. There are no illusions with alcohol, tobacco, LSD, marijuana, PCP, meth-amphetamine, cocaine, heroin, or any other currently or once controlled substance. These substances, while potentially destructive, are... honest. A substance can't deceive a person. A drug dealer can, but thats just an argument for legalization and regulation.
Organized gambling profits off the illusion you can win. But since the house never loses, no one can really win.
While its true that criminalizing anything pushes it into the hands of
criminals, corporate run casinos are no better than mob run casinos... they're just slightly more family friendly... mostly in hopes of bringing in people with houses/collegefunds to lose.
