Comments on: Prohibition Deja Vu? U.S. Says No To Online Gambling

By: Steven Bradley

Steven Bradley — Wed, 04 Oct 2006 18:09:46 +0000

Matt I’m often amazed at what we seem to think is objectionable here in the US. For example living here you would think that if a child ever saw a naked person their life would come to an immediate end and they would have no chance of ever being a successful adult. On the other hand it’s perfectly fine for them to be inundated with images of violence.

I think it’s ridiculous to make rules for a few that affect the majority. I appreciate that not everyone will like every rule put before them, but to prohibit many from engaing in an activity they clearly want to participate in to protect the few who can’t participate responsibly makes no sense.

If you continue doing that in time everything will be illegal. No matter what the activity there is usually a few who can’t do it responsibly. Should none of us be allowed to drive, because some people suffer from road rage.

I can’t say if the motivation for the new laws is to protect those who can’t gamble responsibly. Just a hunch on my part. It’s probably more to do with a select few here who think gambling is wrong and were able to convince enough of those in power who could affect things.

By: Yuri

Yuri — Wed, 04 Oct 2006 07:01:40 +0000

Well, I have to note that the problem the government was trying to fix could be fixed with some other patch other than blocking everyone from gambling (however addictive it is and however negative impact it makes on some).

By: Matt Johnson

Matt Johnson — Wed, 04 Oct 2006 05:52:37 +0000

In England we have fairly relaxed gambling laws. In my street alone we have 4 bookmakers and a fruit machine place. Even chip shops here have slot machines in them.
Like you steve, I think it’s crazy that a government can tell people what they can spend thier money on.

The vast vast majority of people who gamble spend what they can afford to lose and it never becomes a problem. If it was legal and widely available they could tax it and use that money to help the few people who do find themselves in difficulties as a result of gambling.