Gambling: The good, bad, ugly
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Bridging the Divide
Chuck Bradley
Last week I discussed the possibilities of gambling being an issue in the 2026 Alabama governor’s race.
It is pretty easy to make the case that Alabama already has gambling with the easy accessibility to it in contiguous states, as well as with the ease and accessibility of playing games of luck online, gambling has woven itself into the fabric of everyday life for many. As with anything else, this brings about specific benefits, disadvantages and challenges.
Keep reading as we delve into how gambling affects modern lifestyles – looking at the good it brings, the bad it causes and the downright ugly it may attract.
Although many people contest this, a growing gambling industry filled with many active gamers offers plenty of benefits. Some of the most extraordinary things about gambling include:
From online slots featuring the latest immersive graphics and fun bonus rounds to live casino games encouraging socializing with other players, gambling is considered a great way to socialize and have fun. The entertainment factor of trying your luck is one of the main attractions that draws so many players to the activity.
With our modern lifestyle progressing at the speed of light, gambling helps provide a distraction from the worries of everyday life and an opportunity just to have some fun. This allows players to de-stress, unwind and prepare for the next thing on their schedule.
One of the most apparent benefits of gambling is the chance to win significant prizes. While hitting the jackpot is by no means easy, and only a select few ever achieve it, even smaller wins can help contribute to a more stable feeling of financial freedom.
Like personal income, gambling contributes massive amounts of money in taxes to governments. In the U.S. alone, tax revenue generated by gamblers in 2022 reached almost $13.25 billion. This money is funneled back into social programs that everyone benefits from.
Alongside the good that gambling adds to the lifestyle, some of the bad elements must also be considered. The most significant of these include:
The U.S. is home to some of the steepest taxes levied against income from gambling throughout the world. These federal and state taxes can significantly reduce the take-home amount of any decent-sized win – mainly if you are in a state with a high gambling tax.
Another prevalent disadvantage to gambling is the disruption of a proper balance between the activity and other aspects of life. Should gambling become legal in Alabama some gamblers will find it difficult to stop playing to complete other necessary daily life tasks.
Moving beyond being a minor disadvantage, some aspects of gambling are simply downright ugly. These have often been highlighted by activists who are opposed to the pastime and have been the subject of contention for many gambling bodies and governments worldwide.
One of the ugliest disadvantages of gambling is the financial loss that it can lead to for individuals and even their families. A common belief among unsuccessful players is that spending more gives them an increased chance of gaining a return. Unfortunately, this seldom works and can easily lead to greater losses which could end in financial ruin.
Although great strides have been made to provide a more social aspect to gambling, the activity is, for the most part, still a private affair. In some cases, players will prioritize gambling over their social interaction with others – leading to diminished relationships and even broken homes.
Easily, the ugliest part about gambling is the addiction that it can lead to. In the U.S., studies have estimated that almost four million adults will experience a problem with gambling addiction in their lifetime. This same report further states that up to nine million could have borderline addiction that causes them to prioritize gambling, but are knowledgeable enough to stop it before it affects their lifestyle.
Gambling has many unique and fantastic elements that it brings to the modern lifestyle. However, considering the serious risks it poses for those who aren’t careful, every gambler should do their best to view it as a form of entertainment and nothing more. As Kenny Rogers says, “You got to know when to fold them, and walk away.”
Until next week, please send your questions or comments to bradleychuck92@gmail.com.
