The psychology of prohibition: online gambling
March 11th, 2010
Here is something we normally don’t do. We want to analyze the current zeitgeist revolving around online gambling in the United States of America. This may seem to be an insurmountable task and we don’t pretend to give a very profound analysis of the current situation with online betting and gambling in the USA. However, we want to point out some patterns that have been repeated in history and perhaps will be helpful when viewing the current situation.
Prohibition has always been a controversial theme. Most people are aware that the prohibition of alcohol in the USA was a complete debacle. When the alcohol became illegal in the US, cities like New York were overflowing with underground taverns where people would anxiously visit to be part of the “happening” crowd, the adventurous people that will flirt with danger and possible punishment. Not only in the United States but in other parts of the world, prohibition has proven to be futile. The very act of prohibiting something makes the illegal thing more attractive to the general public. In Amsterdam where the selling, consumption and possession of Marihuana is legal, studies have shown that among the residing population there the consumption levels is less than in many other cities in Europe. The only people that go out of control and suffer accidents are the tourists that flood the city to overindulge in drugs that are illegal in their home countries.
With these reflections in view, it will seem logical that prohibiting gambling online in the US will not solve the problem at all. People will continue to find ways to play online and participate in that renegade instinct that seems to govern most people. We trust that the US government will soon realize this and start opening a dialogue with those that support online gambling in a responsible, regulated fashion. Some politicians are already moving towards this direction and there is hope for US online casino players, that one day they may play responsibly and without difficulty at online betting sites.
