Experts say that pathological gambling is a problem that effects 11 million people, a biological illness with a distinct pathophysiology, that many people don't have a clue. Trying to stop people who gamble is more difficult than banning video-gambling in Peoria County. Programs like Gambling Anonymous and and residential treatment centers such as "The Center for Recovery in Louisiana" help a limited number of gambling addicts.
In fact, the more we attempt to regulate vice from illicit sex to drugs and gambling the more we seem to promote it. I recall vividly the day (1994) sex education manuals were introduced to Peoria Public School District #150. Did sexual disease and out-of-wedlock pregancies decline? Better check with the County Health Department who have figures showing it hasn't. Sexual disease with treament most usually supported by the taxpayer, teen age pregnancies, most parents WITH NO training or financial support. This is repeated not only in the City of Peoria and is a national disgrace. You think most sexual activity, even in a marriage, is not a gamble? Think really hard about what I just said.
Back to video gambling. Check my blog of 8/4/09. "Video gambling ban may return" where I said "you can write laws till the cows come home" and people will still exercise their vices in one form or another. I also said why aren't those who feel stopping video-gambling haven't been able to stop the Illinois Lottery, the casinos, on-line gambling, their own kids playing hold-em or all kinds of poker for money.
It is often said their are only 2 things you have to do; pay taxes and die. That, of course, is no longer true. Most people are going to feel that they must have sex, one way or another, gamble one way or another , drink moderately or in excess and smoke somewhere and use drugs. Did I leave out that they must steal, cheat or enter politics?
A portion of the gamblers go broke; the house never does, a portion of those with a desire to drink will drink and some will be busted on way or another, a portion of those who want sex will have it before, during, and after marriage. A portion will catch more than they bargained for and those who want drugs can find them in dozens of places in just Peoria alone. Some claim they can handle the use but most can't.
The law and well-meaning; usually, do-gooders say they can control or even eliminate all of these human vices. The record will show that in some cases they have had some successes but everywhere in the U.S. these vices are growing and at a fastest rate of growth.
People who could care less about this country but care only about how much money that they can make with the immense amounts of profits from gambling (and drugs) overshadowing risk, are taking peoples money and paying no taxes, no duty's and taking innocent lives.
I would estimate that for every drug bust that makes the media, 10,000 drug deals are happening on a daily basis. With billions in taxes lost, 100's of thousands of people employed at taxpayer cost in frustrating and sometimes dangerous efforts to stop the tsunami.
All this money cdould go into prevventive teaching and education.
Saying this, I support union boss Mike Everett and his article in the Labor paper in legalizing and taxing video gambling as being the lesser vice of trying to stop people from gambling. Collect taxes from those who say that they will gamble and if not video gaming, they Will bet on something else. There are hundreds of ways to make monetary bets, most major gambling is legal, including the gamble of hopefully picking the winner of the Kentucky Derby which is on TV this afternoon.
For those who are compulsive gamblers, seek help. One of my friends did and succeeded. For those who can't enjoy the ride, let the government collect gambling taxes, know that the deck is stacked against you. On those "lucky" days you do win, understand the odds say you will eventually give all your winnings back plus more. You should know you fight a losing battle at the casinos as the casino will report your winning as taxable and that you can not deduct your loses.
Better to play the stock market, which is a gamble, buy a house you THINK you can afford which today is another form of gambling. Or get married, which may be the biggest gamble of your lifetime.
Try not to lose more than you or your dependents can afford to lose or seek help.
Good luck.
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