Thoughts on Gambling

by George Baumler

In southern Indiana, where “riverboat” gambling is now allowed, there may soon be games of chance allowed on dry land.  It’s not just idle talk either. Since more tax revenue is expected, it’s likely to be approved.  So-called “riverboat” gambling has been allowed for several years now and hasn’t been the bane or boon that the anti-gambling forces or proponents of legalized gambling said it would be.  The widespread destruction of families hasn’t occurred, nor has an economic whirlwind descended to enrich the lives of Hoosiers.  A more objective look should now be taken at casinos and gambling in general.

A casino is a business, and government involvement in the running of business enterprises doesn’t have a great record.  (California’s electrical difficulties ring a bell?)  If you believe that an individual has the right to do as he pleases with his or her own money, then surely an individual has the right to engage in games of chance.  Those that complain that some people will squander the grocery money almost never include themselves in the “some people”, which seems a little paternalistic to this Libertarian.  If you accept that people have a right (Right, NOT to be confused with duty.) to squander their money foolishly, then it follows logically that people willing to engage in a business enterprise to satisfy those gamblers should also be allowed to operate without much bother from the government.

Kentucky’s government is hell-bent on protecting the thoroughbred racing industry, and so the very idea of competition for gamblers’ dollars is met with open hostility (except for the state's lottery)).  Usually, an odd coalition of horse racing interests and fundamentalist Christians defeat any talk of legalized gambling in Kentucky before it really begins.  Anti-gambling laws, like many prohibitions, merely serve to drive the activity underground, where patrons and operators become criminals.  Any disputes must then be settled outside the bounds of the law, since gambling is an illegal activity and cannot be settled in a legal court of law.

Hopefully, Indiana’s experience with gambling will foster a tolerant attitude toward individual liberty and will allay fears that, just because there is a place to gamble, everyone will spend the rent and grocery money trying to strike it rich.  Allow more casinos closer together -- competition only benefits the consumer.  Imagine what the price of food would be if grocery store locations were as regulated as casino locations are.  Gambling is already legal on Wall Street -- it is time that gambling is made legal on other streets as well.