Government is schizoid. On one hand it is intrusive into people's lives. On the other hand it promotes a gambling industry. Bankruptcy, prostitution and other unpleasant consequences come from the gambling (they even try to promote the euphemism 'gaming') industry. A minor change such as setting limits on money poured into the pokies has caused an outcry from the industry. It is an industry that produces nothing, worsens our social conditions and removes money from the pockets of people without providing anything in return except for momentary excitement. If people wish to gamble with friends or take an occasional fling at the races that should be ok. However, allowing and promoting casinos only makes things worse. IMHO there should be no casinos.

Careful of the unintended consequences there David.

I have never been able to see the attraction of gambling, lucky me, but it is a mostly harmless activity for so many people, who would be otherwise getting annoyed watching our dreadful TV.

It could be even worse, they might start thinking of how bad Gillard & our government really are. If you add a bit of grog to such thinking I reckon the little Oz day ruckus would be a "you ain't seen nothing yet" side show to the riots that would ensue.

Best not interfere with the anaesthetic of the more active masses mate. You might find a hornets nest.

Dear Hasbeen,

I just proposed getting rid of the casinos - not gambling. Keep TAB, race track betting and gambling with friends. We already know of the increase in bankruptcy, crime and prostitution associated with the casinos. We lived without casinos before. We can live without casinos again. I do not gamble either.

Dear David F.,

You've listed everything that's negative about
casinos in your opening post but nothing that's
positive and there are a few positive things
that should be mentioned. Casinos today are more
than just places where people go to gamble.
They are usually entertainment venues - providing
shows, food, accomodation, and much more. They
funnel millions of dollars into the local economy.
They provide
hundreds of new jobs. They attract tourists from all
over the world to the area.

The
Crown Casino in Melbourne for example is very
popular. It's a glamourous night out.
People go there not only for organised
gambling - many don't gamble at all but will go to
see a top show or have a delicious meal at the wide
choice of restaurants available - with prices to
suit all pockets. For many - it's an evening out.

I suspect that there would be a huge outcry - if anyone
would suggest that the Crown Casino in Melbourne should
close. Banning casinos? I think it's a bit late to do
that and not economically viable. Melbourne for one would
never agree and I suspect neither would Jupiters on the
Gold Coast not Star City in Sydney to name just three.

Dear Lexi,

Of course casinos would not agree to being banned. Neither would other entities such as dope peddlers which live on people's weaknesses agree to stop.

Sure casinos provide entertainment and food to get people in their clutches. The Brisbane casino used to provide great meals if you gave them $10. They would give you the meal and five dollar coins. My wife and I ate there several times and then walked out with the coins. The casino stopped that since too many other people were doing the same thing.

I have no illusions that they will be banned. I don't think it's likely that they will be. I am just giving my opinion that it would do more good than harm if they were banned.

Dear David F.,

I think it's a bit more than just the fact that
the casinos will not agree to being banned.
In Australia, gambling has always been somewhat a
tradition, (particularly on horse races.) Although
some people will take a punt on just about
anything.

I remember finding it extremely novel -
when as a young girl I learned that
a girlfriend's father was a "bookie" and he used to
take bets and listen to the races on a Saturday
afternoon.

What I'm trying to say, I guess is that some things
are entrenched in the culture.

Of course there are powerful economic interests that
benefit from the continued support of gambling.
I don't think its going to disappear any time soon.