Gambling was largely illegal in the United States in the early 1900s but now teenagers can place a bet on just about anything by simply picking up their phone and downloading an app.
The gambling industry has somehow made it seem glamorous to bet on everything from sports to elections. Previously, gambling was associated with the seedier side of town, with bets taken by organized crime associates or independent bookies who gladly accepted new customers because the vast majority of gamblers will lose consistently. But they’ll bet more to get even and dig an even deeper financial hole. That part of the game hasn’t changed.
What’s scary is the gambling industry is largely targeting our young adult children, mostly our sons, who find it exciting to drop a hundred bucks on their college team. Lots of folks figure gambling is a victimless crime. After all, why should my neighbor care if I bet $2 on a horse to win the Kentucky Derby or $20 on Sunday because I think my Bears will beat the Packers?
Emily Washburn, an issues analyst for Focus on the Family, joins Melissa Montana on Conversations to share the pitfalls that entrap our kids into a mostly hopeless situation that often leads to gambling addiction.
For more information on Emily Washburn and Focus on the Family, visit: Emily Washburn – Focus on the Family
For other interviews covering several different topics heard on Conversations with Melissa Montana, please click here.
