Gambling/Casinos/Betting/OTB

[22lcidw]

Do you believe that gambling/casinos/OTB should be legalized across every state in any location? And should there be gambling/betting on pro and collegiate sports?

 

[ABikerSailor]

Do you believe that gambling/casinos/OTB should be legalized across every state in any location? And should there be gambling/betting on pro and collegiate sports?

In any location, but only if the town wants it there. Here in Amarillo, we had an OTB place, and that was a pretty good way to spend a weekend afternoon. My roomie and I would go down there, have a beer or two and bet on a couple of races. Most of the time, we made enough to pay for our drinks and meal, and maybe walk out with a couple of bucks in our pocket. Was a cheap and fun way to spend a few hours with friends. When they took it out, we were both pretty disappointed.

 

[MarathonMike]

My personal opinion is 'no'. Logically, sports betting should be as available as buying lottery tickets. But what I have seen is the people who get involved with sports betting and OTB are people who can ill afford to lose money gambling. My Dad was the prime example who was a terrible handicapper but would be betting on horses every week. He paid for it by remortgaging our house. Not good. Also my son and his buddies often go to the casinos here in Arizona. My son has a good enough job and can afford to lose. His buddies don't make a lot of money but they bet big and they all lose. I think it becomes a macho thing.

 

[beautress]

Gambling is hard on families if one parent or the other risks everything and loses. That happens more than people think.

 

[22lcidw]

It is spreading more and more. Atlantic City was seen as becoming Las Vegas East. It never happened. Some success but not as envisioned. Over half the people coming in were/are day trippers and mostly senior citizens. And you don't get in the way of a senior citizen and a slot machine. Other neighboring states have expanded gambling in massive fashion also.