My blog

Online Gambling: Legitimate Hobby or Existential Threat?

It is interesting to note how different cultures view gambling, particularly in a data-driven world that has taking casino games out of land-based establishments and put them on worldwide computer networks. The rise of online gambling has created quite a stir. Some see it as a legitimate hobby and nothing to worry about. Others view online gambling as an existential threat to humanity. Where do you stand? The debate over online gambling would be humorous if not for the fact that it is a political and legal hot potato. Take China, for example. Almost all gambling is illegal in China except for a few sanctioned casinos in the territory of Macau. You can get arrested for promoting online gambling there. You can get arrested for playing. The flip side of that coin is the UK. There, you can gamble to your heart's content. Gamblers have access to online casinos, urban betting shops, sports betting, card games, slot machines, and on and on. They are as open to gambling as China is closed to it. Historical Opposition to Gambling The debate over gambling's legitimacy is rooted in historical perceptions. In many countries, gambling is considered a vice. That makes it morally unacceptable. But what many believe to be arcane morals are still practised today. For example, gambling is illegal in many Middle Eastern countries because it is considered immoral. The US is generally opposed to gambling as well. Though there are not such strict links to religious beliefs, gambling … [Read More...]