Gambling in the U.S. has become a real epidemic. It’s not enough to buy a lottery ticket or play roulette at a local casino; gambling has spread like wildfire through online betting.
You can bet on almost anything: who will win the Super Bowl or any other sporting event, who will throw the most touchdowns, run the most yards, make the most tackles or score the most goals – quarter by quarter and minute by minute, before and during the game.
Now you can even bet on who will win an election or a debate, whether the price of oil will go up or down, who will start a war or break a ceasefire, whether a tornado or hurricane will strike and where, or whether the Federal Reserve will raise or lower interest rates and by how much. These are called prediction markets, and they are just as dangerous as any other form of gambling.
Online betting may even influence the outcome of an election or how players perform during a game. Compulsive gambling can result in depression, bankruptcy, crime, domestic violence, increased alcohol and drug use, and, God forbid, suicide.
Our governments should not encourage, promote or expand gambling to fill their coffers or help get politicians reelected. Much of what is gained in tax revenue from gambling may ultimately be spent treating problem gamblers or incarcerating those who commit crimes.
Instead, elected officials should educate and protect our citizens, especially our youths, who are most susceptible to online betting, from the ills of gambling.
Abdel Berrada
Cortez
