For good or ill, Americans don't like being told what to do. If a person wants to gamble their life away, that's their business. If a person wants to drink themselves into oblivion, also their business...as long as they aren't hurting anyone else.
I play poker and of course I see people who are addicted to gambling. I feel bad for them. A non-zero pct of poker players manage a bankroll and play at their skill level and occasionally will play above their level to "see if they can do it," and often they get scared and jump back down to a safe level.
The one thing I will absolutely refute is any kind of "morality" assigned to gambling. It's an entertainment choice. I could play golf every other day and spend _way_ more money. I could travel and spend more money. I could enjoy fine dining weekly and spend more money. I might have a wine collection or car collection.
People have passions and gambling is just one of many. If you and others want to live in a cave and not enjoy whatever it is you enjoy that costs money, then I feel bad for you. You're only in this life once. Embrace it like it's your last....with the caveat that you should still be responsible to your family and community.
I play poker and of course I see people who are addicted to gambling. I feel bad for them. A non-zero pct of poker players manage a bankroll and play at their skill level and occasionally will play above their level to "see if they can do it," and often they get scared and jump back down to a safe level.
The one thing I will absolutely refute is any kind of "morality" assigned to gambling. It's an entertainment choice. I could play golf every other day and spend _way_ more money. I could travel and spend more money. I could enjoy fine dining weekly and spend more money. I might have a wine collection or car collection.
People have passions and gambling is just one of many. If you and others want to live in a cave and not enjoy whatever it is you enjoy that costs money, then I feel bad for you. You're only in this life once. Embrace it like it's your last....with the caveat that you should still be responsible to your family and community.