Weighing in on Gambling
Gambling is always a relative matter that depends on one's religion, upbringing and type of society. Some places prohibit gambling mainly because it is against some religious doctrines. While in other places, gambling is accepted to a degree - meaning it is allowed to flourish but regulated by the government. This is because gambling is not only incorrect on some religious basis but also brings upon questions of social responsibility.
Just think of the question - if a man only had $4 dollars left enough to buy himself food and sees a slot machine enticing him to put his money on that with hopes of having more, would you allow that man to gamble his remaining money?
The situation above may be a little exaggerated but in its most simplified way, government sees its responsibility that way. They are tasked to veer away people from gambling when the public has better uses for that money, say education, food and shelter.
On the other hand, government is allowed to encourage gambling to an extent so that whatever extra cash wealthy people have may be 'redirected' to businesses that support employment and provide government-needed funds for public service. As you can see, things have gone full circle.
To prove this, gambling or 'gaming' in the US had a revenue of $72.37 billion in 2003 and in 2005, commercial casinos alone generated a state tax of $4.74 billion. Add to that the fact that casinos provide employment for 356,312 people in 2000.
On the other hand, community groups are against gambling because they believe that it leads to corruption, like during the mafia times when some gambling lords are prone to give out money to politicians for protection, and higher crime rates, an example would be when people who are addicted to gambling may resort to stealing just to gratify their impulses.
To completely reject gambling somehow seem hypocritical and shows hasty judgment for failing to weigh the good things that it also brings to society. In the end, to view gambling as just either simply bad or good seem to miss out on the whole point. Gambling is neutral.
Just like any weapon, it has the capacity to hurt and harm someone but given to the right person, it has great potential to defend and protect. What you could do is to master yourself so that when you hold that weapon, you yield it with discipline and responsibility.