Thread

1. whatever1 · 1789584798 · focus · HN ↗

   All gambling should be state owned. It is a strict societal loss anyway, we can at least soften the overall blow.

   Losses can be redistributed and cover for the externalities of gambling. And we will be able to control the knob on how addictive we make them.

   For profit companies have the target to maximize their profit, so of course they will ramp up any method that can bring in more revenue.

   1. pstuart · 1789585485 · focus · HN ↗

      Pretty much agree. But even then, the state should not be incentivizing its use (looking you, CA lottery and friends).

      Gambling is a drug, and should be recognized as such.

      1. ffsm8 · 1789587463 · focus · HN ↗

         Adrenaline is the drug, ain't it ... And gambling is just one way to leverage it.

         However once you realize that gambling is not the drug, and merely something that triggers your body to create a rush... Then can you really call it a drug? At least any more then any other of those activities?

         Eg Skydiving and basically any other extreme sports.

         And once you're there, you should really realize that it's not worth the sacrifice.

         This is a societal issue and should not be addressed with legislation.

         The only thing that can be safely regulated are things like disallowing marketing.

         1. elil17 · 1789590298 · focus · HN ↗

            Why wouldn't it be addressed with legislation? What is legislation for if not to solve societal issues?

            Also, gambling is empirically much more addictive and leads to worse outcomes than extreme sports - hence why many feel it needs to be limited.

            1. cortesoft · 1789591094 · focus · HN ↗

               How do we determine at what point something is “too addictive” to be allowed?

               There are many people who can gamble responsibly and enjoy it. I love playing poker, and play in a tournament every few years. Lots of people are compulsive gamblers, though, and lose it all.

               Do I have to give up my hobby because some people can’t handle it?

               What about drinking? I enjoy a happy hour once a month or so, and have a couple of drinks when I do. Others drink 10+ drinks a month. Do we ban it because of the people who can’t stop? (We know how well that works)

               I am not saying we do nothing, but I don’t think it is as easy as “just pass legislation”

               1. elil17 · 1789713768 · focus · HN ↗

                  If all you're saying is that it needs the right legislation/thoughtful legislation and not just a blanket ban, then I guess I agree. The base of this thread was someone saying that all gambling should be state owned, which seems like a reasonable thing to me.

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