Alexander Cronquist
Blog 3
By: Alex Cronquist
There are many different viewpoints surrounding the topic of gambling and how it has a fine line with ethics when weighing out all the pros and cons of the activity. The benefits bening mostly economic in the field of casinos such as increased employment opportunity, greater tax revenue to governments, and overall increased economic activity (Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, 2003). The two main subjects within the topic of “Balancing Economic Benefits with Social Costs of Gambling” we will be looking into how communities can maximize the economic benefits of casinos while minimizing the harmful aspects and what responsibility do casinos and governments have for regulating gambling. These two points are very important when it comes to the topic of gambling ethics as it helps us get a better picture of healthy ways gambling can be used for good. It also shows us with a more clear lens who should be responsible for the regulation of gambling to keep it socially and economically beneficial within communities. With many economic benefits, but also many problems involving social issues such as addiction, fraud, depression, suicide, theft and bankruptcy there is a very fine line when it comes to finding the perfect balance (Canada Safety Council, n.d.). When it comes to gambling I think with the proper guidelines and rules implemented it can be a useful economic tool for communities and governments.
References:
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. (2003, Winter). Casinos and economic development: A look at the issues.
Canada Safety Council. (n.d.). Gambling addiction.
Blog 2
History of Gambling and the Dangers of Modern Methods on the Human Mind
By Alex Cronquist
Gambling is an extremely old activity conducted by humans with evidence by writing and equipment found in old tombs (Encyclopaedia Britannica, n.d.). As it is in today’s world, gambling was also extremely regulated in ancient societies (Encyclopaedia Britannica, n.d.). Laws were very harsh in societies such as Rome, ancient China, and ancient Egypt. A common sentence for illegal gambling was forced labor (Encyclopaedia Britannica, n.d.). Although the first records of gambling did not use modern currency, once currencies were established around the world that became the norm for stakes of most gambling (Pause Before You Play, 2022). Experts believe that Italy was likely the birthplace of casinos, then it would have spread throughout Europe and eventually the world (Pause Before You Play, 2022).
In today’s world gambling is much different with the incorporation of modern-day sports betting apps and electronic gambling devices such as slot machines and blackjack/roulette machines (bet365, n.d.). This has had an adverse effect on its users as it is extremely easy to play online gambling in the form of virtual casinos or sports betting on apps such as bet365 (Michigan Medicine, 2021). This easy source of dopamine has led to many gambling addictions and unhealthy hobbies in people of all ages, which raises questions about the ethics and morality of these websites even though many of them are legal (Michigan Medicine, 2021).
After interviewing our guest it was apparent that his habits with online gambling were not making him any money as he was only hitting parlays along with other sports bets roughly 10% of the time. Even though this was the case, he was still placing sports bets showing that even though he hasn’t made any money off these bets in over 2 years they are still enticing because of the extra thrill you may get out of watching a sports game with money on the line.
Sources:
bet365. (n.d.). Home. bet365.
Encyclopaedia Britannica. (n.d.). Gambling. Encyclopaedia Britannica.
https://www.britannica.com/topic/gambling/History
Michigan Medicine. (2021, August 25). Experts say increased access to online gambling may put teens at risk. Michigan Medicine.
Pause Before You Play. (2022, January). A brief history of gambling. Pause Before You Play.
https://pausebeforeyouplay.org/2022/01/a-brief-history-of-gambling/
BLOG 1
Casinos Drawing Tourists and Boosting Economy
Alexander Cronquist Oct 11, 2024
Do the tourism and economic impacts of casinos provide a substantial net benefit for the tourism industry? I set out to discover the effects felt on tourism across Canada, and more locally in Kamloops.
Casinos on a countrywide scale and locally contribute to the economy through taxation, employment and through tourism spending (Tisigaris, 2021). According to the Economic and social impact of bc lottery corporation for the city of Kamloops, over the past 35 years from 1985 to 2020 BCLC have contributed 2.2 billion to the community of Kamloops (Tisigaris, 2021). From investments in the local community to the employment of local people and taxes paid for social programs, the casino industry has proven to be positive for communities (Tisigaris, 2021). Funds generated have been beneficial for the city by giving tourists something to do indoors on rainy, snowy, or smoky days (Hur, 2022). Casinos draw tourists in through bringing local bus tours in turn this helps out other businesses such as hotels, stores and restaurants (Hur, 2022).
When I go to the casino in Kamloops, the parking lot is full with license plates from out of province and it is always busy no matter the day of the week. This shows first hand the draw that chances casino has for out of town guests who are staying in Kamloops. In tourism Kamloops reports they speak heavily of the draw the casino brings to the city (bclc, n.d.).
Bibliography:
British Columbia Lottery Corporation. (2021). Economic and social impact: 35 years.
British Columbia Lottery Corporation. (n.d.). BCLC corporate website.
CFJC Today Kamloops. (2018, October 31). Kamloops Chamber of Commerce clarifies Cascades Casino’s award. CFJC Today Kamloops.
Gateway Casinos. (2022). Cascades Casino Kamloops welcomed Adaptive Sports from Sun Peaks. Gateway Casinos & Entertainment Limited.