It cannot be denied that gambling is always a legal issue. According to Gallup data from 2004, two of three Americans participated in some form of gambling in last 12 months. Gambling in some form is legal in every state except Hawaii and Utah. Thus, gambling is called-for form of entertainment, and the history proves that any law prohibition causes the rise of illegal gambling only.
To make the decision on the state regulation of gambling, it is necessary to examine pros and contras on issue.
1. “If we can not stop it, we must adapt.” Â Legal gambling means the taxable gambling, thus, revenue-generating potential is one of the arguments in favor of expanded gambling operations. Another point of gambling supporters is potential economic benefits, including job creation and development.
Really, gross revenues from legalized gambling reached $72.9 billion in 2003 (the latest data available). Near one million people in the USA work on gambling industry, every year these jobs generate more than $12 billion dollars in wages.
Many people participate consider gambling as a form of recreation, and some of them even as a way to gain an income.
2. Gambling produces a number of negative effects on society. Â Studies show the spread of gambling might cause the growth of violence and property crime. Besides, gambling is often addictive and harmful, especially for adolescence. Problem gambling is the form of addiction, like alcoholism or narcomania.
Besides, the size and form of gambling industry is not related to the law of supply and demand. Unlike other industries, this market depends on government decisions, for example, legalized lottery gambling is always the state monopoly.
Conclusion
The government control on gambling industry means the high cost of entry for private business, though this is almost the one negative effect. From the other hand, government control allows gambling taxation and prevents adolescent gambling. Thus, gambling industry must not operate without the government control.