Ethics Of Gambling

ldlax30 · May 1, 2004

Hey Guys,
I am currently researching and writing a graduate thesis on the ethics of gambling and its legalization using an established ethical approach, i.e. Utilitarism, etc..
I was hoping that a few of you could voice your opinions on the subject. Or if you have any academic sources you would like to share it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

DarrylParsons · May 1, 2004

If one accepts the premise that adults should be free to engage in any activities that they please provided it does not harm or discomfort others, then it's hard to make a convincing argument that gambling is unethical.

One attempt might be to say that it is addictive and therefore leads to criminal activity, family alienation, anti-social behavior, job loss, etc. in some cases, but I respond by saying that gambling is only the symptom and not the cause of these problems. To take away a legitimate form of entertainment from the great majority of adults who can control their impulses just to give symptomatic treatment to a few problem cases is a disproportionate drain on the nation's resources and represents a philosophy which is inconsistent with the defining principles of American life.

My 2c for what it's worth. Good luck with your thesis.

dimeplayersonly · May 1, 2004

legalizing gambling through an established ethical approach???

some forms of gambling are legal in most states....

sports betting remains a no-no, outside of vegas....and imo will remain a no-no for quite a long time....

using a "established ethical approach" (whatever that may be)

isnt an answer to legalizing sports betting or gambling where its currently not legal..

gambling has and always will have its share of people who dont want it legal in any form (ie. bible-belt, ultra conservative)

an "established ethical approach" will not change their minds about something they feel is morally wrong...

the successfull approach to legalizing gambling, has been to make gambling ( ie. casinos, lotto) a needed revenue producer for states ie. schools, jobs, public works, ect....

ethics takes a backseat to money....that is how you can sway the gambling opposers....jmo

sportsmonitor · May 1, 2004

This whole country is based on Freedom. Freedom of the press, speech, religion, etc. etc. so why not the Freedom to spend our hard earned money any way we choose other than drugs and hookers which is another topic. I don't buy that crap about people addicted to gambling and they can't stop until they have spent all their money. That's like pumping your car full of gas but you like the smell so much that you refuse to shut off the pump. Anybody who cannot manage their money gambling doesn't have enough sense to come out of the rain. I have a nephew who spends his entire paycheck every week on his girlfriend. Apparently he's addicted to her and I keep telling him someday he's going to be sorry. There's probably a million guys out there like this. What are these bleeding hearts in this country going to do next...outlaw women??
I don't drink or smoke, but look at all the people who spend money on alcohol and cigerettes. There's a liquor store in just about every town in this country so why not a place to gamble? Give me a break, I should ethically be able to spend my money however I feel!

dimeplayersonly · May 1, 2004

sportsmonitor..... i see your point... but gambling addiction is real, just like other physcological addictions....

sportsmonitor · May 1, 2004

I realize gambling addiction is real just like alcoholism, drug addiction, steriod addiction, yada, yada, yada. That's part of life, but like the saying goes "you can't stand the heat get out of the kitchen". Another words we all know the consequences and shouldn't get started in the first place if you don't want to get addicted. A man or woman should know their limitations. A person who just pisses their money away every week on whatever their so called passion in life is and cannot pay their utility or food bills is just plain foolish. I don't believe anyone in this country should be able to tell me how I can and cannot spend my money within reason. I should be able to tell my Nephew how to spend his money, but that doesn't mean he has to listen to me. He has the option to choose however he wants to spend his money.

BuckNaked · May 1, 2004

I published a couple of academic articles about gambling about 7 or 8 years ago. Different area but I will see what I can find. The only article that rings a bell is the one below.

Rosecrance, J. (1987). Bookmaking: A case where honesty is the best policy. Sociology and Social Research, 72, 7-11.

oldmantime · May 1, 2004

Be sure to mention that good sports handicappers, spend a lot of time studing what plays they are going to make --looking for value etc.--Much like those that are successfull in the stock market or futures markets.
To be successfull--it requires W O R K!!
Please make that clear.

rugby · May 1, 2004

The gov't reaps the benefits of lotteries and taxes, so why shouldn't the skilled handicapper reap the benefits of gambling? Just make sure you spell "utilitarianism" correct in your paper.

GL.....Rugby