NCJ Number
126311
Date Published
1989
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This paper examines a range of ethical issues related to gambling including the ethics of commercial gambling operations and the role of government in promoting gambling activities.
Abstract
Among issues involved in the ethical position of the gambler are his motivation, which usually involve monetary regard and social interaction, the inherent risk of gambling, which contributes to the general perception of gambling as vice, and the notion of excessive behavior in persons willing to gamble away their well-being. Finally, the fairness of play perceived in various types of gambling impact on the issue of morality. More than the individual gambler, it is the commercial gambling industry that is controversial, raising questions about regulation, the location and type of operation, gambling promotions including inducement, and the level of profits. Fairness, legality, and honesty also enter the debate over commercial gambling ethics. Finally, gambling is often linked to other shady activities including prostitution, loan sharking, and drugs. In Canada, where many charitable organizations raise funds through gambling events, concerns have been voiced over the increasing dependence of such groups on gaming revenues and the government's abrogation of its responsibility to fund these social programs. In fact, the government faces potential conflicts of interest over its three roles as revenue generator (through lotteries), revenue spender, and private gambling sector regulator. 9 notes and 15 references