Over the last number of years our governments have been busy legalizing and decriminalizing a considerable number of activities that people can freely engage in. Prior to our legislators giving these formerly illicit activities their blessing, your participation in some cases would have seen you looking out from behind bars. And to be clear, not the ones serving drinks.
At one time, gamblers may have covertly dealt with bookmakers but now one can practically do the same at the local convenience store. Admittedly that statement is an exaggeration. However, the number of ways people can be separated from their money has grown dramatically in recent times.
Our legislators discovered that there is money to be made in legalizing and, in some cases, operating some of these previously known social vices in an effort to supplement tax revenues. As you may know, the raising of taxes by the party in power can conceivably cost that party a ton of votes. So the search for additional sources of revenue is an especially crucial undertaking.
One of the more recent incursions into one of these previously so-called vices is internet gambling. Companies such a DraftKings, FanDuel and Bet365 are currently spending millions of advertising dollars to encourage many of us couch potatoes to use their internet betting platforms. One can place a bet on a wide variety of outcomes and happenings with just a click of their TV remote control. Among the more popular betting areas is sports, its stats and the outcomes of competitions.
Ontario was one of the first provinces to get on this new bandwagon of internet casinos made legal just about a year ago. According to an Op-Ed piece written by Rosie Dimano in the Toronto Star, the province reported that in this first year of operation, Ontario saw $26.6 billion being wagered on line. Billions! And this activity resulted in additional revenues to the province of almost $900 million. Eureka! Our legislators discovered a gold mine. That’s the good news.
However, we have yet to face that other side of the coin. For it is true that for every action there is a reaction. It is well known that gambling can be an addiction for some and can ruin a victim’s life, livelihood and family. It is as yet unknown how such easy access to gambling will affect those afflicted with this disease. Hopefully this prospect was carefully considered by those who encouraged the passage of such legislation. Is it a safe bet that some of that new-found revenue will be dedicated to study and treat such a potentiality? Don’t bet on it.
Potentially, one of the greatest downsides to the introduction of internet gambling is how the rolling-out of this former social vice might affect the younger set. The advisory in place, in small print, that users of internet gambling must be over the age of 18 will easily be overcome by our technologically competent youth.
It is to be hoped that a good chunk of this new-found revenue will go to effectively preventing any potential negativeness associated with the introduction of internet gambling. Such monies would be well spent rather than having to set up new rehab centers to treat an increased cadre of victims of their gambling addiction.
