Should Gambling Be Legal, Essay Example

One of the most common arguments, used by the proponents of gambling legalization in the United States of America, is that from the historical perspective it was and is common for our country. Moreover, even one of the most honored Americans – George Washington – was a gambler himself. It is especially important nowadays as gambling can potentially contribute to revitalization of the economy that suffers from recession. On the contrary, the opponents believe that the negative consequences of legalization of gambling significantly outnumber the positive ones. They insist that gambling can bring crime and social illnesses to American cities. Regardless the fact that gambling may increase the revenues of a municipality and even of the state in general, it should not be legal as it harms the society and the individuals.

According to CBS News, gambling is ‘a $54 billion annual industry that employs more than 350,000 people’ (CBS News, 2009). So the casinos, gaming terminals, lotteries, and betting devices can significantly reduce the unemployment rates. It has double-effect on the city economy. First of all, it brings more revenues and allows the local governments pay more attention to the needs of society – education, health care, safety, etc. In addition, as the people receive a job, they no longer require government support and it can reduce the spending as well. The fact that people will receive more jobs from legalization of gambling is one of the strongest arguments of its proponents today. Gambling industry can help local authorities and provide new opportunities to the low-income and extremely poor people. Furthermore, many citizens of states, where gambling is not allowed, travel to other places and spend large amounts of money there. It is better to keep the money in the state. The gambling will make the city more interesting and attractive for the tourists, enriching the nightlife. Therefore legalization of gambling gives a chance to freely choose how and where to spend leisure time and money.

On the contrary, the opponents of gambling strongly believe that its negative impact overwhelms any positive influence. Gambling can contribute to significant increase of the crime rates as many gamblers cannot control themselves after a major defeat or when they desperately need money to continue gambling or to repay the debts. They may start stealing from their employers or families and, moreover, can even conduct an armed robbery or assault. It is proven that the drug dealers are usually attracted to such territories as well. Finally, it may lead to development of prostitution and street crimes as the people will walk around, carrying large amount of money in cash to gamble. The other problem is that it is hard to draw a line between ‘appropriate’ gambling and inappropriate. Even in the states that allow gambling, not all types of it are legalized. Usually it is forbidden when involves any harm of animals or other people. However, the public may legitimize the gambling in general without distinguishing what is legal and what is not.

But the most important argument in favor of forbidding gambling is that it can cause serious social illness. Sometimes it is even compared to drug abuse as it is hard for certain categories of people to control themselves and stop, when necessary. More and more young people turn this habit into a way of live, devoting all their time and effort to race for the prize. Gambling can cause job efficiency decrease, unemployment rates among young professionals, inability to pay loans, and increase of divorce rates. But the problems are not only social. Addiction to gambling can lead to serious health problems as well. Pathological gamblers suffer from permanent stress, are often aggressive and depressed, and may even conduct suicide attempts. Finally, the opponents of gambling highlight legalized gambling changes the life of the community significantly, involving increase of the costs of living and 24-hour neon lifestyle (Elder, 2007). Besides, it is not yet proved that legalized gambling can have a long-term positive effect on the local economies. Gambling places concentrate money, diverting them from other businesses.

Consequently, gambling is no more than a bad habit. It can bring insecurity, violence and lawlessness to the city. There are other ways to attract the city and make it comfortable both for inhabitants and the tourists. Gambling can cause serious disorders in the community, including drug and alcohol addiction. From the long-term perspective, it can never benefit the local government as the profit would be only for a short period of time while the social, economic, and health problems can harm it for many years. Therefore, the gambling should not be legal.

Works Cited

“States Roll the Dice on Legal Gambling: Former Taboo Falls Under the Weight of Budget Deficits.” CBS News. 25 Jan. 2009. 16 Sept. 2009. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/01/25/business/main4752432.shtml

Elder, L. “Stakes Raised in Gambling Battle.” The Daily News. 9 Mar. 2007. 16 Sept. 2009. http://galvestondailynews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=f6888a81b43983a2