I clicked on "same as Bill" button, but I was looking for the button that said "this type of gambling is going to ruin lives and ruin families more than any single decision in history." I'm not morally opposed to gambling, I just think this type of rapid access, and the type of things that you can now bet on, are inherently problematic. MLB is grappling with this right now with regard to gambling on predictions that players have control over.
I agree with Craig. The prediction market is gambling. This is leading to many problems and addiction issues for the near future. Very sad, depressing, unfortunate etc “trend”. I don’t see a solution. I grew up with a compulsive gambler and am thankful that the prediction market and technology was so called old school years back. All turned out well for my compulsive gambler but I don’t know if I could say the same thing if this was happening in today’s world.
I believe there has to be insiders in this administration who are profiting from this and members Congress. These are illegal actions which should be prosecuted , but we have seen that this Justice Department and FBI ae compicit in the administrations actions that this is not going to stop. The Supreme Court decision has allowed this gambling mentality to spread to the detriment of society in the US. This breakdown in morals and integrity in this country is a glaring problem which must be addressed and stopped.
The thing with gambling is that the house always wins. And it’s addictive. I wonder if we will ever know how many lives re ruined through the ease of gambling through smart phones. I love playing the penny slots, but we always had a budget, usually $20. When it was gone, we moved on. Without that limit, I can see easily spending $100 without blinking an eye. I get betting on sports, but the other stuff is just people with too much money.
Nice to see the Voice of America may be back soon.
Considering "Americans bet $166.9 billion..." and the 83% responders agree with you, you are attracting the smaller audience if you want to get rich. Maybe have Kalshi run your polls. 😉
So Is gambling an acquired addiction? In a society that binds you as either MAGA or Woke is gambling the safest way to exercise the risk-taking muscle? None of my friends gamble much so I don't know who the marketers go after. There must be some studies out there.
I had never looked at it from that perspective, Bill, thanks! While I've never bet actual money on a game, I have filled out my share of MM brackets. Not because I actually watch the games or even care, but because my friends and aquaintences asked me too. Peer pressure?
I've always thought that there were plenty of other "legal" vices/addictions, so what's one more? If people want unhealthy habits they will find one. My unhealthy-est habit personally is yarn and I stayed up till 3 am one night last week to finish a sweater 🤣😳
But the national security issue is real and I didn't know people were even betting on governmental goings on! That is really interesting - especially given the international audience that anything online generates. Thanks, as always, for another thought-provoking article!!
Since I don’t really gamble I’ve been blown away by how it has blown up. It does seem like every other commercial is about gambling. Thanks for the lesson of what caused it, Bill. Yet another not very good call by the Court as far as the country goes anyway. And yes, no doubt the prediction gambling re: government actions is coming from criminals in government (far too many of those these days).
I have noticed a great difference in NHL officiating since game betting was allowed. And now people bet during the game and are allowed to manipulate. Easiest way to manipulate a game is through the Refs and linesmen. And the available monies are HUGE.
Not only is it scary, but it's disgusting to bet on military strikes that will potentially kill many innocent lives. The whole war is being treated by the administration like some kind of video game, entertainment. Makes me feel sick.
Brings to mind the book Fahrenheit 451 - didn't like the book, didn't see the movie, couldn't believe people we so incapable of independent thought/reason, still one of the most influential reads
Actually a little scary - Thanks for ending with the little Fox piece - think I can finish my coffee now
I was thinking the exact same thing!
I clicked on "same as Bill" button, but I was looking for the button that said "this type of gambling is going to ruin lives and ruin families more than any single decision in history." I'm not morally opposed to gambling, I just think this type of rapid access, and the type of things that you can now bet on, are inherently problematic. MLB is grappling with this right now with regard to gambling on predictions that players have control over.
I agree with Craig. The prediction market is gambling. This is leading to many problems and addiction issues for the near future. Very sad, depressing, unfortunate etc “trend”. I don’t see a solution. I grew up with a compulsive gambler and am thankful that the prediction market and technology was so called old school years back. All turned out well for my compulsive gambler but I don’t know if I could say the same thing if this was happening in today’s world.
Great article Bill, as always!!
I believe there has to be insiders in this administration who are profiting from this and members Congress. These are illegal actions which should be prosecuted , but we have seen that this Justice Department and FBI ae compicit in the administrations actions that this is not going to stop. The Supreme Court decision has allowed this gambling mentality to spread to the detriment of society in the US. This breakdown in morals and integrity in this country is a glaring problem which must be addressed and stopped.
The thing with gambling is that the house always wins. And it’s addictive. I wonder if we will ever know how many lives re ruined through the ease of gambling through smart phones. I love playing the penny slots, but we always had a budget, usually $20. When it was gone, we moved on. Without that limit, I can see easily spending $100 without blinking an eye. I get betting on sports, but the other stuff is just people with too much money.
Nice to see the Voice of America may be back soon.
Considering "Americans bet $166.9 billion..." and the 83% responders agree with you, you are attracting the smaller audience if you want to get rich. Maybe have Kalshi run your polls. 😉
So Is gambling an acquired addiction? In a society that binds you as either MAGA or Woke is gambling the safest way to exercise the risk-taking muscle? None of my friends gamble much so I don't know who the marketers go after. There must be some studies out there.
I had never looked at it from that perspective, Bill, thanks! While I've never bet actual money on a game, I have filled out my share of MM brackets. Not because I actually watch the games or even care, but because my friends and aquaintences asked me too. Peer pressure?
I've always thought that there were plenty of other "legal" vices/addictions, so what's one more? If people want unhealthy habits they will find one. My unhealthy-est habit personally is yarn and I stayed up till 3 am one night last week to finish a sweater 🤣😳
But the national security issue is real and I didn't know people were even betting on governmental goings on! That is really interesting - especially given the international audience that anything online generates. Thanks, as always, for another thought-provoking article!!
Since I don’t really gamble I’ve been blown away by how it has blown up. It does seem like every other commercial is about gambling. Thanks for the lesson of what caused it, Bill. Yet another not very good call by the Court as far as the country goes anyway. And yes, no doubt the prediction gambling re: government actions is coming from criminals in government (far too many of those these days).
Huge unintended consequences seen on the near horizon and it’s scary.
I have noticed a great difference in NHL officiating since game betting was allowed. And now people bet during the game and are allowed to manipulate. Easiest way to manipulate a game is through the Refs and linesmen. And the available monies are HUGE.
Not only is it scary, but it's disgusting to bet on military strikes that will potentially kill many innocent lives. The whole war is being treated by the administration like some kind of video game, entertainment. Makes me feel sick.
Brings to mind the book Fahrenheit 451 - didn't like the book, didn't see the movie, couldn't believe people we so incapable of independent thought/reason, still one of the most influential reads