Playwright Anscar Wilde once wrote, “Truth is rarely pure and never simple.”
Yes, it’s a gamble.
As of 25 years ago, gambling was legal in only three states. Today, all states except Utah and Hawaii rely on gambling income to generate income to help avoid taxes. State-sanctioned gambling and especially state-run lotteries are forms of “voluntary revenue” that regularly put money into state coffers. However, these “casual games” are cursed by many conservatives and represent an unworthy society of crime, corruption and moral corruption.
The gambling problems are not with the games or, in most cases, the organizations that make the games. Gambling problems are related to gamblers. They are no different than social problems with alcohol, drugs, sex, sports, television, video games Exercise and food. Anyone can be addicted. All “addictive” activities have one common thread: How much, or how little, the decision is unique.
Last year, my wife and I drove a group of young people to Camp Yeshua, a Hebrew roots biblical camp in central Oklahoma. On the way back, passing through Indian reservations, we decided to check out one of the casinos. I’ve never been to a casino before or anywhere near it. We finally decided on the FireLake Casino, Oklahoma City eastward, that the access to the facility was completely based on the shuttle. Before we went in, we set a maximum limit of $50 and were only playing slots. Inside it was straight out of a TV movie: Cigarette-smoking gamblers lined the blackboard and flashed in front of multicolored slot machines. The waiters, with Casino ID cards attached to our t-shirts, were offering free drinks and showing us the free snack and ice cream bar< /a> for those who do not study in alcoholic beverages. We were rookies; We just wanted to play some slots. Teri was specifically looking for one of those “old timey” machines with a pull handle. As it turns out, cartoon loop machines were in short supply and quite popular. Everything was available for use. We started with every electronic game and just as quickly doubled down on the $10 machine we were rebuilding. Since it was about $25, we got one of the hand held machines. Teri bet conservatively and won about $10. We were getting ready to leave and he wanted to place one more bet. He did that. And he won almost $50. It was a great laugh, a treat and an experience to be repeated.
But before we left, maybe we discussed hanging out while we were in front, playing a few more machines, just to see if we could do better. We don’t want to risk our profits. But the food is free. The thrill of winning, when the doll jingles on the screen, flashing, is luxury and impudence: It’s easy to say, sure, just more But as the rush to the area rushes and the speed pours into the long open direction of the carriage, the impulse must be controlled. If it is ruled, there is no doubt. Like having two drinks and saying enough is enough is a unique decision.
From a religious point of view, there is no shortage of biblical texts that directly address gambling. This fact is verified by Bible research at www.bibleinfo.com. The writers of this site are quick to point out, however, that “there are a number of scriptural texts that involve the principles of address”. This, in turn, quickly spirals into a litany of religious double talk when they suggest nothing at all. (1 Another unfair or uneducated example, the listing of “casual games” can be seen on the website www.noslots.com. The creators of this site show a laundry list of horrors under the title: “Problems with Expanded gambling.” (A headline that raises the question of why these problems aren’t gambling but, in the end, is probably nothing more than poor writing.) In this laundry list, frightening phrases like “Lost Families” and “Damaged Quality” of life. .” However, nowhere can the authors and writers of the site provide any documentation, statistical data or verifiable research to back up their claims. (2
According to Bryan Huie, Bible researcher and Elder Derek Le’Chayim (Way to Life) Bible Study Congregation “Alea” really I do not think it is such. I believe that God is in charge of everything, and everything is preordained by him. Therefore there is no such fortune, neither good nor bad. “Not many recognize this view. “Most people do not accept that God is completely in charge and directs the actions of men. They are under the illusion that “they can beat the odds” if they are lucky, Huie says. He adds, “I make bets and casual games” for fun. While the game is viewed, I don’t think it is a problem with the writing. He says, however, there can be times when there is a personal problem it becomes, which is more important than matters of religion, family, and work. “It becomes a question when one becomes addicted to making a pledge, or to avoid actual work through gambling. “The last thing is to pay for nothing.” I personally think they should buy lottery tickets. » He notes, however, that public lotteries provide the public administration with a lot of money: “whether it be or not, let it be; good thing ” (3 )
This is correct in these taxation of funds for the states. According to a January 25, 2009, release of the Associated Press, in the US, gaming is a $54 billion annual industry employing more than 350,000 people. (4) Most public gambling revenues come from lotteries, circuses and betting machines. such as slot machines and video poker. A recently passed lottery in Arkansas is expected to generate millions in higher education scholarships for students with GPAs of 2.5 or better. These educational rewards will come from the “profits” after paying the costs of operating the game. Opponents believe that all the money from the entire operation will be consumed by these “working books”. However, in this case, whether education is always funded by the state lottery, the prices themselves will create jobs in the state. resulting in increased revenue through the services, manufacturing and distribution of the lot of materials. In addition, Arkansas will no longer drive gamblers to surrounding states to purchase lottery tickets. One intractable argument for in-state gambling is that as long as neighboring states allow gambling, money flows from Arkansas to these neighboring states.
In the end, it will be a personal decision whether to spend a few extra dollars on lottery tickets or drop some coins in a slot machine. A hundred gamblers with heavy French (NCPG estimate) (5 shouldn’t keep the rest of us from casual games as recreational activities. Like any game, from games to watching movies, every body to say “it is not”. However, gambling is not the door to hell, it has often been made and is not as intrinsically evil as we believe fate and beyond- buying lottery tickets or pulling a loop in the slots doesn’t make one a “problem gambler” any more than hanging out in the garage does some mechanic.
Sources:
1. Anonymous, gambling, www.bibleinfo.com
2. GSCAEG, Front Page, www.noslots.com
3. Bryan Huie, Interview, March 2009
4. AP, Associated Press, News Release Jan
5. NCPG. Talking points, www.NCPGambling.org
