It is safe to say gambling is as old as human existence. Even before the modern era and the emergence of begging apps, humans had other ways of gambling. For example, the culture of horse racing was deeply rooted in ancient Greece and Rome. Although people still gamble through horse racing, it was particularly popular at that time. Some ways humans gamble before the inclusion of technology and betting apps was through card games, dice games, and many more. If you watch 19th century movies, you'll see that humans made fortunes (especially through lotteries) and of course, lost their fortunes when they got addicted to it. With this, it is evident that betting/ gambling has been an integral part of human existence for a long time now. Over the years, there has been a long standing argument about gambling. While some are of the notion that gambling should be banned, others believe that it should remain. It should be noted that governments worldwide have tried to place a ban on betting, but these efforts have failed repeatedly.
Today’s edition of Hive learners’ prompts asks us if betting should be illegal. Betting can transform lives, making people millionaires overnight. On the other hand, it can also destroy and take away more than it can give, in a blink of an eye. Do you think banning betting/gambling will do more good than harm? Well, just like other things, there are two sides to this argument. In my opinion, although gambling is one of the major vices in the lives of people, it should not be banned. Interestingly, I have substantial reasons to back up my notion.
Growing up, I used to think those who gamble are “bad” people. I used to think they were committing a very grave crime and if caught, would be thrown in prison. Throughout my years in high school, some of my friends would often play bets in betting shops, but I never for once joined them. I had heard stories of how people lost their properties worth millions and stories of how people committed suicide due to gambling/betting. So, I concluded that gambling was a no-go area and that those who gamble are bad people. It wasn't until I got to the university that I realized not to judge those who get involved in gambling.
At that time, things were really rough for me financially. I had bills to sort, and nowhere and no one to run to. My friends also needed to sort things out. We all opened betting accounts, played the games and got something tangible from it. It was the first ever time I did such a thing and I was lucky with it. I know this is not something proud to say, but thanks to gambling, I was able to sort my bills. Many people around the world, particularly Nigerians, are also in this situation. The economy of the country is in shambles and no one is doing anything about it. There are many jobless people out there, some are even university graduates, walking aimlessly and looking for jobs from one place to another. Gambling/betting is a source of employment for many. Of course, it is not the most righteous way to make a living, but really it is better than doing nothing.
Mayor of Ekiti (on Twitter) is one of the many Nigerians who has built a fortune through gambling. Asides providing employment opportunities, another reason why I think gambling/betting should not be banned is that it will increase the rate of crimes. I have established the fact that people survive solely on gambling, if this is snatched from them, some will result in crimes like robbery.
Again, I am of the opinion that betting/gambling should not be banned. Ultimately, it all comes down to individual self-control. People should only bet what they can afford to lose. I understand that betting can be addictive, but one must be disciplined if they want to get involved in it. For those who choose not to exercise discipline, it is their responsibility, and they will reap the consequences.
Thank you so much for reading.
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