Gambling: Let’s Lose Money in Spirit
Down the ages, gambling has been treated as a form of entertainment, though costly. History tells us that throughout the length and breadth of the globe, people of all classes, even kings, have indulged in gambling. The Indian Epic Mahabharata would have taken a different course, if Prince Yudhistir of Hastinapur did not bet and lose his wife Draupadi to his cousin Yurdhadhan in a gambling game ‘Pasha’. Yudhistir was a compulsive gambler. He was not addicted to it, but enjoyed the game.

In the present day world, gambling has taken different forms. We have both on and off-casino gambling. On every gambling table, if we see the pale face of a loser, the bright and smiling winner cannot go off camera. It is the success of the victor that lures the innocents into the game. The rich men and women join the game only to get the heat of excitement. Thus we see celebrities lose huge money in racecourses with no bitter curse to the game. It is all fun.
In the United States gambling is legal and the state exchequer earns large revenue from it. Gambling is held as a popular diversion from daily rigors. Lotteries were widely played in the United States since its inception. In fact, proceeds from lotteries helped establish some of the most prestigious universities -- Harvard, Yale, Columbia, Dartmouth, Princeton and William and Mary. Lottery funds were also used to build churches and libraries. Ben Franklin, John Hancock, and George Washington were all prominent sponsors of lotteries for public projects. The gambling industry in the USA transacts 50 billion a year.

Those who oppose gambling on the grounds that it turns people broke and that it is dangerous for the psychology of a player, are answered that the game gives a sense of adventure, opportunity and risk. The defenders of gambling also argue that it is a recreation on the part of the players and viewers. They further say that people have the liberty to spend their money, as they like.
Despite a risky proposition, Gambling is nevertheless is a great entertainer.






Posted by subhasis on Sunday Jul 15  reply


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