Gambling Should Not Be Legal, Essay Example

Nowadays gambling is one of the most controversial issues in our country, especially with regard to current economic conditions. The lawmakers in many states rush to legalize gaming as they believe it to be the solution to budget deficit problems. It is true that the gambling can bring additional revenues but its actual cost for the communities is much higher. So the arguments for and against it should be considered more carefully before making such decision as it can potentially have long-term harmful effects.

One of the favorite arguments of gambling legalization proponents is that it is traditional for the USA. George Washington – one of the most honored Presidents – was a gambler himself. In addition, gaming industry, according to CBS News, employs more than 350,000 people so lotteries, slot machines, betting devices, and especially the casinos can significantly decrease the rates of unemployment in the communities. In addition, they are paying fees and taxes, bringing more revenues for the local governments that can be spent on social needs – health care, education, security, etc.

Also the proponents of legalized gambling argue that its prohibition does not stop the people from spending money on it. The citizens of states, where gambling is banned, travel to nearby casinos and take their money out of the state.  Therefore the gambling will keep the money in the communities and bring additional revenue by making them more attractive for the tourists, who seeks nightlife entertainment.

At the same time, negative effects of legalization of gambling significantly outnumber its positive influence. First of all, gaming contributes to considerable increase of the crime rates. Many gamblers lose their self-control and are likely to steal from their employers or families, or can even conduct an armed robbery after a major defeat or when they desperately need money to continue gaming or to repay the debts. It is also proven that the drug dealers are attracted to the communities with gaming. The prostitution and street crimes prosper as well as the gamblers are walking around with large amounts of cash.

The other problem is that it is difficult to draw a line between ‘appropriate’ and ‘inappropriate’ gambling. Even the states that legalize gaming limit or prohibit some forms of it. Usually the gambling that may harm animals or other people is forbidden. However, the public may face difficulties in distinguishing what is legal and what is not as the legalization of gaming legitimizes all its forms in their eyes. Besides, the costs of living in the communities with gaming entities increase and the way of life significantly changes as they start to have 24-hour neon lifestyle.

Finally, gaming causes serious social illnesses. It should be treated in the same way as drug abuse as it leads to similar addiction that is hard to overcome. Many young people turn this habit into their lifestyle, spending all their time attempting to win. As a result, unemployment rates among young professionals rise, they are unable to pay their college loans and home mortgages, and the divorce rates increase. Furthermore, gaming addiction may cause health problems as well. Pathological gamblers suffer from depression and permanent stress, are often aggressive, and likely to conduct suicide.

Consequently, gaming is nothing more than a bad habit and should be treated accordingly. It disrupts the peaceful life of the communities, bringing insecurity, violence and crime. There are numerous other ways to increase the revenues and attract the tourists to the cities while gambling causes serious health and social disorders. From the long-term perspective, the local government can never benefit from it as the problems, caused by it, harm the communities for many years. Therefore, the gambling should not be legal.