How is gambling wrong? I think people who think it is immoral are just of that opinion for religious reasons. It's just like playing a game but with money on the line which can make it exciting, but it's not morally wrong. It's like saying alcohol is wrong. It's not illegal in most places and most people can enjoy it responsibly without it becoming an issue, but on the other hand there are those that can't and it does become an issue for them, but others can enjoy it in moderation and without it becoming an issue or a problem. Same goes for gambling. I gamble once every while, but I can go weeks or even months without doing so, but it's nice to have a 'flutter' as they say every now and again and I think it's just another form of entertainment and something I enjoy. For sure I don't like losing but that's part of the game and something you accept and you should certainly never chase your loses as that's how gambling can become a problem very quick.
I have this new way of looking at addiction. As long as the addicted person isn't interrupting or harming another individual, it's okay. The moment that they steal from someone or take advantage of someone, that's when it becomes wrong. What's legal and what's illegal doesn't determine what's right and wrong. People choose to do those things and they are indeed free to do that. We don't have to mind their business at all. And I think with this new attitude, you get to not care about the world. It saves you from the stress. It's the same reason why I choose to not watch the news as well. Other people's wrongdoings shouldn't be a concern of us unless we are involved.
Well this is also my argument as to whether something is a crime or not. Something is only a crime if it hurts or endangers somebody else. Drug use shouldn't be a crime because that hurts nobody else but the person who is taking the drugs and that is their choice (unless you start stealing and harming others to feed your habit then it becomes a criminal matter). Same goes for gambling. There's nothing morally wrong with gambling or using drugs, but if you start harming others through your addictions then that's when it crosses the line. People can get addicted to gambling or drugs but people are responsible for their own actions and self-control, and everybody should not be penalized because there are those that can't control their addictions. If you want to gamble or take drugs then you should be free to do so, just know your limits and don't hurt or deprive anyone else of money in the process.
One major reason why drugs was declared as illegal was so that the tobacco companies can take over the world. There's no immediate effect to one's health and the majority of people are addicted to it. Some are even dependent to it. They deal with problems with cigarettes on their hands. How is that different from people who are using substance at all? Sadly cigarettes and drinking is more socially accepted when drunk people has made more damage to this world than stoned or baked people. They are pretty chill people when you meet them. They have intention in harming other people. They just want to relax and so they need drugs.
There's a stigma in gambling for as long as we can remember. As kids, we were taught to not gamble because it's an unhealthy habit. The only real way to rid the world of this stigma is for everyone to be open-minded and admit that they are being hypocrites for dissing gamblers (alcoholics, druggies, and stoners). We're all destroying ourselves one way or another. Some things are just more socially accepted. Others are addicted in debt. They buy everything using their credit cards and end up with a blown-up amount of debt. Isn't that just the same as other addictions? Someone with a lot of debt is also prone to steal from others and their lives are pretty much over. They can work all their lives but still be unable to live a decent life because of the debt. Credit card addiction might even be worse since the consequence can't be removed, it has to be paid with money which you can't get, they're stuck. Yet, here we are, living in a world where people who have credit addiction are disrespecting those who have addictions like gambling just because of the social stigma around it.
And honestly the government wants more people to be addicted in debt because large companies are making money from it. Plus, it gives pressure to people to work harder and stay longer in the office.