Gambling Is The Largest And Most Financially Significant...

Gambling is Canada’s largest and most financially significant entertainment industry. The world of gambling is not limited to solely the casino. It has a presence everywhere, even innocently, from video games to Wal-Mart arcade games. In the adult world there are various types of gambling, ranging from horse racing to scratch lotto cards. One could argue that gambling is a regular part of life. We have become almost desensitized to it because it is so apparent in our world today. Gambling is considered a fun, exciting past time. The most appealing part about gambling is obtaining money without actually having to earn it. Not only is gambling appealing to citizens, but also it is rather appealing for the state. It accounts for 267,000 full†¦show more content†¦One of the major costs of gambling is problem gambling, also known as an addiction to gambling. Problem gamblers are not only a risk to themselves, but they disrupt the lives of other people, such as their partn ers, parents, children, or friends. The government providing treatment for problem gamblers does not necessarily repair the casualties committed by the gambler. One third of all gambling revenue is produced by problem gamblers, therefore society is wrongfully profiting off the backs of the helplessly addicted. As of right now, there is no national policy on problem gambling. There is no focus on educating the public on what is responsible gambling or the prevalence of problem gambling. Problem gambling needs to be addressed, because the onus of self-control cannot be placed on those who have a serious impulse control disorder. In the words of John Maynard Keynes, â€Å"Individual liberal is important, but it was never the sole consideration because it always had consequences for other individuals†. As much as people have the right to make their own informed choices about gambling, they also have the duty not to infringe on the rights of others. This is similar to John Mil l’s claim that â€Å"The only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others†. This is not to say that the state has a duty to parent individuals, but that the state has the duty to intervene if one