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Old 11-11-2019, 11:35 AM   #37
StevenGilford
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Quote:
Originally Posted by WinnisquamZ View Post
This conversation reminded me of one I had with my father’s advisor. Asked him to explain why it was ok for my father to travel and spend 2k a month, but if he preferred to spend that same amount at a casino it was a mistake. Why must others judge what someone finds enjoyable? $100 on the Pats to win by six or 18 at the LCC it is still money spent. Would also add the 100 on 18 is gone. The 100 on the Pats could double. A better investment!!!

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First off I would suggest your father considers looking for a new advisor. If his advice was truly "this leisure pursuit is ok but this one is a mistake" then he sounds like a terrible advisor.

Second, no one on this conversation is trying to say that there is anything wrong with an occasional flutter or gambling as a leisure activity. What we are saying is that:

1) When people can gamble, some people will develop gambling addictions

2) A high proportion of gambling profits come from lower income households

Whether you think this is a problem or not comes down to individual social ideologies. If you think it is a problem, there is a decision on is it my (or the state's) problem or is it a problem of individual responsibility. If you think it is a problem that we should do something about as a society, how should it be dealt with (limits, advertising restrictions, funding of gambling-addict services, etc.).

Yes, there are different opinions and ways to look at this issue but opinions aren't facts. Just because you, or I, or many others can spice up a football game by throwing down an inconsequential $50, or take a fun weekend trip to Atlantic City, doesn't change the fact that the gambling industry is mainly a "poor tax".
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