#151 - The House Advantage

2016-05-18

The list of privately prohibited activities the government renames and engages in is long and varied. Theft becomes eminent domain. Extortion becomes taxation. Gambling becomes the state lottery.



The common argument in favor of gambling's ban is that it preys on the weak willed. Often ignored is the fact that gambling is still open to the supposed victims through state sanctioned means. Somehow, this has not diminished the popularity of the claim. One would think that if lotteries do not produce the mass destruction of society's moral fabric, it would neither arise from private enterprise.



Casinos lure in rowdy patrons for sure, but if that is a concern of the state, then it would be logical to prohibit the operation of bars as well. Yet again, consistency is not the government's strong suit.