It is safe to say gambling is as old as human existence. Even before the modern era and the emergence of begging apps, humans had other ways of gambling. For example, the culture of horse racing was deeply rooted in ancient Greece and Rome. Although people still gamble through horse racing, it was particularly popular at that time. Some ways humans gamble before the inclusion of technology and betting apps was through card games, dice games, and many more. If you watch 19th century movies, you'll see that humans made fortunes (especially through lotteries) and of course, lost their fortunes when they got addicted to it. With this, it is evident that betting/ gambling has been an integral part of human existence for a long time now. Over the years, there has been a long standing argument about gambling. While some are of the notion that gambling should be banned, others believe that it should remain. It should be noted that governments worldwide have tried to place a ban on betting, but these efforts have failed repeatedly.
Today’s edition of Hive learners’ prompts asks us if betting should be illegal. Betting can transform lives, making people millionaires overnight. On the other hand, it can also destroy and take away more than it can give, in a blink of an eye. Do you think banning betting/gambling will do more good than harm? Well, just like other things, there are two sides to this argument. In my opinion, although gambling is one of the major vices in the lives of people, it should not be banned. Interestingly, I have substantial reasons to back up my notion.
Growing up, I used to think those who gamble are “bad” people. I used to think they were committing a very grave crime and if caught, would be thrown in prison. Throughout my years in high school, some of my friends would often play bets in betting shops, but I never for once joined them. I had heard stories of how people lost their properties worth millions and stories of how people committed suicide due to gambling/betting. So, I concluded that gambling was a no-go area and that those who gamble are bad people. It wasn't until I got to the university that I realized not to judge those who get involved in gambling.
At that time, things were really rough for me financially. I had bills to sort, and nowhere and no one to run to. My friends also needed to sort things out. We all opened betting accounts, played the games and got something tangible from it. It was the first ever time I did such a thing and I was lucky with it. I know this is not something proud to say, but thanks to gambling, I was able to sort my bills. Many people around the world, particularly Nigerians, are also in this situation. The economy of the country is in shambles and no one is doing anything about it. There are many jobless people out there, some are even university graduates, walking aimlessly and looking for jobs from one place to another. Gambling/betting is a source of employment for many. Of course, it is not the most righteous way to make a living, but really it is better than doing nothing.
Mayor of Ekiti (on Twitter) is one of the many Nigerians who has built a fortune through gambling. Asides providing employment opportunities, another reason why I think gambling/betting should not be banned is that it will increase the rate of crimes. I have established the fact that people survive solely on gambling, if this is snatched from them, some will result in crimes like robbery.
Again, I am of the opinion that betting/gambling should not be banned. Ultimately, it all comes down to individual self-control. People should only bet what they can afford to lose. I understand that betting can be addictive, but one must be disciplined if they want to get involved in it. For those who choose not to exercise discipline, it is their responsibility, and they will reap the consequences.
Thank you so much for reading.
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True, some people have made a fortune from gambling and these are the ones that people look up to and refuse to give up regardless of how broke they get.
When it enters your blood- you get addicted, it is difficult to stop it.
Hello, Love. 🥰
You’ve spoken really well and I must say at some point I felt like I shouldn’t have said what I said, lol.
Well, I’m glad betting saved the day for you and for many others too but then, I still prefer it is made illegal because someone once said that a meat you don’t want to eat, you should not use your teeth to divide it. Prevention is better than treating it.
But yes, it’s also fine if it is left as a legal game so men can struggle with them being disciplined or consumed by their greed. After all, nothing is completely bad, we just have to find the right balance and it will be fine.
And on the aspect of gambling becoming illegal and those involved going to seek for other illegal ways to survive, it goes to show us that whether or not gambling is allowed, men will always do what they want to do. Human trafficking is illegal but then that’s what some people do till tomorrow and they are living well and even helping people live a good life too.
Not everything that helps is good. And the truth is, sometimes finding the balance is hard so it’s just best not to even accommodate it at all. And the truth is, it’s only a matter of time before those involved will start wishing they did something different.
You’ve spoken really well and I must say at some point I felt like I shouldn’t have said what I said, lol.
Lol. Hey, love. It is okay to have different opinions, you know?
I agree with you that prevention is better than cure. I agree with the saying “You should not use your mee to divide a meet you don’t want to eat.” Gambling has led to many deaths (suicide) and loss of property. It will do a lot of good if it is banned.
On the other hand, it has also helped many people. If we think about it well, it both has advantages and disadvantages. Think about these betting companies and their employees. Think about the many people who have made fortunes through betting.
In the end, people should do things wisely. Find balance.
Thanks for stopping by, love.
Yes, love. It’s fine to have different opinions.
Finding a balance is a good solution to it, I hope anyone involved finds the balance.
It’s my pleasure stopping by. 🌹
When I was a teenager I liked to play betting the most but in the World Cup season it is certainly tempting when we have one of the teams we choose to win in a match, I often get a win overnight.
Try to pay attention if I win until the World Cup match is over, I can be a millionaire, but sometimes in gambling games there are certainly big losses, maybe personally I think it would be better to make gambling illegal so that future generations of children are not disturbed.
Hello there, Sir. Your point is valid. If gambling is made illegal, future generations will be saved. However, I believe this is a very big decision. There will be so many sacrifices if gambling is made illegal.
It is true that gambling is not easy to legalize which of course has pros and cons, there may be a fierce debate to make this decision.
Do you think people will stop even when governments make gambling illegal? Let's use human trafficking as an example; despite being illegal, people still engage in it.
In my opinion, it is very complicated to solve gambling even though the government takes illegal decisions, but it may be a little less than today, teenagers, children are really rampant in playing a role in gambling.
I like your conclusion. To a large extent, self control is very important and if that can be achieved certainly there would be nice.
Yes, sir. I wouldn't say gambling is totally bad. You just have to be wise.
Thanks for stopping by.
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STOPBut the rate, at it's eating up our youth is becoming alarming
I actually understand your point on the above question because I have also being able to pay for some things through gambling. But still I don't think it should be legal because it caused so many pains and regret likewise others that engage in it as well.
Hmmm, this is deep.
I haven't gambled before, but I have spent the money that came from gambling, and it also helped a friend sort his rent bills, but the same friend always tells me not to gamble.
Even if gambling can't be stopped, there should be strict regulation to watch the actions of people who gamble. Some times, the urge to win can lead one into becoming an addict, and this is where things start going wrong.
One thing I know about my friend is that he has disciplined himself not to be too focused on the wins and losses that come from gambling. Can I be as disciplined as him? I don't know which is why I don't bother.
Most of the gamble I do now is buying and banking that the crypto coin bought might do X5 so I can sell in two days . heheh
I agree with you 100% gambling should not be banned because it has helped and is still helping so many people sort their bills till today.
Moreover, gambling is not by force, so it's your choice and you're free to either play or don't.
Omo... You're lucky ooo.
I was also broke in school one time when I tried it. I don't watch football, so I decided to play what my friend who knew how to bet was playing. I lost the money😂😂😂
200 to win 5k. I wasn't even greedy ooo, but I didn't get it.
I didn't try it again since then.
I believe that financial education and regulatory bodies help a lot in monitoring and learning, I believe that gambling for leisure and distraction is good, as long as it is not overdone, of course, anyone who knows they have an addiction should avoid it.