Lately I’ve been seeing lots of media about how online gambling is ruining lives. Our smartphones have become slot machines. Such easy access paves the way for some incredible degeneracy. No longer do people have to physically get on plane to Las Vegas.
But is it a problem that needs solving? As with any vice, there’s opportunity for going overboard. The few that would drink themselves into bankruptcy (or death) shouldn’t prevent others from enjoying alcohol responsibly. Prohibition only does to drive the vice underground. Organized crime benefits, while the drunkards remain.
Adults are making adult choices. Therefore they should shoulder the consequences (if any) of those choices completely. Yes, online gambling platforms are exploiting the heck out of our dopamine pathways. That’s not any different than buying Pokemon card packs and praying you get that rare one to sell online for a relatively massive return. I can assure you no one will have sympathy for the guy in the basement going into five-figure debt on what is essentially cardboard.
Besides, don’t we already have an escape valve for folks in heavy debt? The only thing that personal bankruptcy can’t solve is student loans. That’s the downside exposure for these gambling platforms: if enough of their users declare bankruptcy, the shrinkage may become untenable. And maybe, just maybe, stricter limits on bets would materialize.
That’s probably wishful thinking. The United States consumer will keep consuming longer than you can remain solvent.
Loving him is red.