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Old 02-01-2007, 10:27 AM
revots33 revots33 is offline
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Join Date: Aug 2004
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Default Why is gambling considered \"bad\"?

I was doing some research into pathlogical gambling and came across this passage (from "Pathological gambling: Etiology, comorbidity, and treatment." by Nancy M. Petry):

[ QUOTE ]
One can also consider gambling from a socioliological perspective. For example, a squirrel might expend energy gathering nuts and storing them in a nest for the winter. These nuts may then become available for consumption during leaner times, when they are of much greater value to the squirrel. However, in expending the energy to gather the nuts and not eating them on the spot, the squirrel is, in essence, risking the possibility that another animal will find and confiscate the stored food or that a natural event, such as a flood or storm, will sweep it away. Similarly, a coyote in the wild must make a decision when it encounters a group of rabbits. It can go after a young bunny, which will be easy to catch and almost ensure a small meal, or it can risk not getting any food at all and chase the larger rabbit, which offers the possibility of a larger, more satiating meal. Thus, all species must make choices that are guided by probabilistic outcomes. The concept of gambling appears to be a basic aspect of life.

[/ QUOTE ]

This passage reinforced what I've always thought: life is a risk. Getting in your car and driving to work is a risk. Investing money in the stock market is a risk. Buying a home is a risk.

So why the moral outrage against games of chance? And why do religious groups in general seem to have such a problem with it? It can't simply be that "some people get addicted", because this is true of eating, surfing the internet, shopping, and just about anything else. Gambling, IMO, is not simply frowned upon because of those who become addicted. The activity ITSELF is frowned upon by many religious types, even as a recreation or as a way to earn income.

If life is inherently a process of juggling risks vs. rewards, why is gambling the target of prohibition efforts? What is the moral problem with gambling?
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