[Joachim]

Originally posted by Jack Simth:

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Originally posted by Joachim:
Ditto in Oz, I remeber the debate about internet gambling, some archaic pollies calling for its banning . Any one with half a brain saying that it is pointless 'cause they will go offshore - much better to allow it and tax and regulate it.
Of course if you could ban gambling world wide that might be a good thing as it is a tax on stupidity - then again if you *really* think you can beat the odds - heh go for it.

Anyone who gambles for profit without being the house is an idiot, granted. However, for those who gamble properly, a loss is expected - gambling takes on the role of entertainment, where a loss of money is reasonable, not something done for profit. For that portion of the population, gambling is not a stupidity tax. For the rest of the population, however....

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Problem is that it can become a very expensive from of entertainment that can result in all sorts of crazy stuff. Such as kids locked in cars at Casinos, no money for food because the pokies ate it instead.
It is hard when a form of entertainment can be so obviously problematic to some - the question is - when is the social detriment worse by allowing it than banning it?
(aren't we all happy that a SEIV addiction is so comparatively cheap!)