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Thread: Is gambling immoral/unethical?

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    Default Is gambling immoral/unethical?

    I used to go to Vegas about once a year, but had to cancel my plans last December. So I've not been there for three years. I do gamble when I go, but not very much, primarily because I despise losing! Most of the time, I prefer sightseeing in Red Rock Canyon, or a Grand Canyon plane trip, going to a show at a hotel, etc.

    I'm asking this question because one of my friends is very disapproving about the activity, but it's just something we "agree to disagree" about, and don't discuss with each other. He has his reasons and I have mine as to how we view the activity.

    But out of curiosity, I looked up "gambling immoral" in a couple search engines, and found enough &@#$%^& material for a master's thesis on the topic!

    And at one of the religious websites which discussed the topic, I ran across this after they'd written about how gambling is not really "entertainment": "...in legitimate entertainment the entertainers are paid a predetermined fee..." I wonder if they meant that phrase to cover dancers? Well, the "gypsies" would be covered, I guess...although there are those religions which regard dancing as immoral...but that's for other people to post in other threads.

    So, do you consider gambling immoral? Why or why not? For me, the answer to the question depends upon whether or not someone is addicted to the activity.
    Last edited by PhaedrusZ; 04-11-2006 at 08:40 AM. Reason: typos

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    God/dess Emily's Avatar
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    Default Re: Is gambling immoral/unethical?

    well, depending on who you ask, anything is immoral is it doesn't bring people closer to god!

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    God/dess doc-catfish's Avatar
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    Default Re: Is gambling immoral/unethical?

    Quote Originally Posted by PhaedrusZ
    And at one of the religious websites which discussed the topic, I ran across this after they'd written about how gambling is not really "entertainment": "...in legitimate entertainment the entertainers are paid a predetermined fee..."
    Well, I guess that means its immoral to tip. Ahh, and to think of all the churches that have run bingo, carnivals, or raffles over the years.

    This is typical "you will perish in flames" crap that these religious organizations put out to appeal to our puritanical tendencies. I honestly believe that some of these holy rollers don't invest much stock in their own sermons, but they sure know that kind of talk puts money in the collection plate. 5,000 seat masoleum churches and political action commitees aren't cheap you know.

    So, do you consider gambling immoral? Why or why not?
    No, not in the least, but much like any other vice there are people who are predisposed to addiction and shouldn't involve themselves in it. I don't think the rest of us who can handle ourselves responsibly have to be punished in the meantime.

    I will say though, that the spread of gambling across the country and onto the internet is a bit discouraging, not so much because we are making it easier for addicts to find their vices, but because its gotten so demystified. Remember how exciting people thought it was to go to Vegas or Atlantic City were they were the only places with legal casinos? Oh, you can still have fun there, but its not the same as it was twenty years ago.

    I hardly like to gamble anymore because everything has gotten so corporate, and the traditional table games have been neutered in many respects.
    Former SCJ now in rehab.

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    Default Re: Is gambling immoral/unethical?

    I don't think it's immoral. Since you have to be 21, it is an adult choice to plunk down your money, knowing full well you might lose it. I think it would become immoral if the person was mentally challenged or was not old enough to partake in such an activity.

  5. #5
    Yekhefah
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    Default Re: Is gambling immoral/unethical?

    I think of it as an arcade for grown ups... you pay money to play some games, and occasionally (but not often) you get a little back. I don't think it's immoral unless you're gambling with money you can't afford to lose.

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    Banned Katrine's Avatar
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    Default Re: Is gambling immoral/unethical?

    I would say that they way the casinos structure their business can be considered unethical, but hey, the purpose of business is maximization of shareholder value. I don't think its anymore immoral than drinking and strip clubs, but about on par. Its entertainment that can have drastic consequences if taken too far.

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    God/dess sxybrat07's Avatar
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    Default Re: Is gambling immoral/unethical?

    I don't think gambling is immoral, however I think just as alcohol, drugs, and food can morph into an addiction, so can gambling. Once in awhile gambling is fun, but when it becomes an every day occurance, or you're gambling away rent/borrowed funds/food money/etc, it becomes an issue.
    I believe you Dottie and you have my support

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    Default Re: Is gambling immoral/unethical?

    I don't see how a persone choice to go and gamble their money is a question of morality in the first place.

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    Default Re: Is gambling immoral/unethical?

    Quote Originally Posted by doc-catfish
    ...Remember how exciting people thought it was to go to Vegas or Atlantic City were they were the only places with legal casinos? Oh, you can still have fun there, but its not the same as it was twenty years ago...
    Yeah, it was a lot more fun and you got much better deals when "Da Syndicate" was running Vegas.. OTOH, most of the corpoate guys will only hound someone to death via attorneys for gambling debts, vs. burying the bodies out in the middle of nowhere.

    Quote Originally Posted by Katrine
    I would say that they way the casinos structure their business can be considered unethical...
    Unethical? A Major U.S.-based corporation would do something unethical? Say it isn't so!...j/k rotflmao

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    Veteran Member Tara Nicole's Avatar
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    Default Re: Is gambling immoral/unethical?

    Quote Originally Posted by Yekhefah
    I think of it as an arcade for grown ups... you pay money to play some games, and occasionally (but not often) you get a little back. I don't think it's immoral unless you're gambling with money you can't afford to lose.

    I agree with Yekhefah.

    Gambling can be addictive and a problem in that sense but like most things when kept in perspective and done in moderation there is nothing wrong with it.

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    God/dess Silverback's Avatar
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    Default Re: Is gambling immoral/unethical?

    It's too boring to be immoral.
    "He will come in one of the pre-chosen forms. During the rectification of the Vuldrini, the traveler came as a large and moving Torg! Then, during the third reconciliation of the last of the McKetrick supplicants, they chose a new form for him: that of a giant Slor! Many Shuvs and Zuuls knew what it was to be roasted in the depths of the Slor that day, I can tell you!"

  12. #12
    Jay Zeno
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    Default Re: Is gambling immoral/unethical?

    It must be immoral because it's illegal in most states. Unless, of course, the government is running the game (lotto) - and then they give you REALLY crappy odds.

    Something is really twisted about the government outlawing stuff that they then offer.

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