Conventional gambling, online gambling.. Some of you may say whats the difference since they're still gambling? Well, to non-gamblers, the only difference is that online gambling is over the internet. To them gamblers, one very significant difference is that they are unable to observe the opponents reactions and body language, which is crucial factor in the game.
Online gambling offers similar games as conventional gambling. One of the most popular game played is Texas Hold'em, which is currently the most popular form of poker. The invention of online gambling helped Texas Hold'em to gain great popularity in the recent years. Click And now that the world cup fever is on, many people are betting on their favourite teams to win. Betting online has become very common over the years and getting very popular as well. Even though it is illegal in Singapore, many people still do it because it is easy to use and they can do it right at home.
If gambling is so bad, why do social networking websites such as Facebook encourage users to play poker (take earning profits aside)? Technically, gambling, as defined on Wikipedia, is is the wagering of money or something of material value (referred to as "the stakes") on an event with an uncertain outcome with the primary intent of winning additional money and/or material goods. So you aren't actually gambling without items of value. But it's up to you to decide.
Like the real world, online gambling requires real money to play. Conventional gambling has an age requirement of 18 or 21 depending on the country and in some countries like Singapore, there is a ban for compulsive gamblers. However, online gambling has no age restrictions, bans, or whatsoever. Anyone can play as long as they have money and the ability to credit it. Players are also able to convert the virtual money back into real cash.
The video shows a professional poker player who earn a living by playing poker from home. He rarely leaves his house and even has a special lamp to simulate sunlight. How can that not be an addiction? How can anyone spend about 6-10 hours a day playing online poker with no interaction with anyone at all. I personally would probably be dead by the end of the first day.
Even though the guy may be earning tonnes of money (as much as $30,000/ month)at the comfort of his own home, there should be a fine line between work and gambling. As said in the video, signs of addiction include being preoccupied with gambling, gambling to escape problems, and returning to break even after losing. I find the last sign very common in all gamblers, which is the easiest method of getting hooked on to gambling. The video below shows how gambling, online or conventional, affects our lives and those around us.
(Apologies to my non-mandarin speaking friends. The mandarin version just sounds so much better than the English one, but I'm sure you get the message.)
I have friends who gamble practically every other day be it conventional or online. Friends I used to be very close to and because of gambling, we drifted far apart and I rarely see them nowadays. The only people they mix with nowadays are their gambling buddies who win money from them. This is like being friends with someone who just robbed you. Well, it's just my opinion and it's their life and they are entitled to do what they choose.
I do believe that online gambling has positive effects as well, such as passing time if your're bored and alone at home. However, this should be done in moderation, if not it will lead to addiction (and possibly not leaving the house ever again). Let a loss be a loss as trying to win it back may result in a greater loss. You may be lucky once but not forever.
I think online gambling is dangerous if you use real money, because you do not know if the site is bogus or not. However, I find "gambling" with points that you cannot convert for anything materialistic acceptable (eg. Viwawa).
ReplyDeleteI actually like the idea of online gambling. You get the thrills of gambling with your points but you don't actually lose money. Although you don't feel as much of the thrill as you do if you use actual money, but the point system works as well. After all, gambling is like playing games, just that there is money involved. Although, there is still the psychological aspect of online gambling. It can still affect in a negative way
ReplyDeleteI agree with your point “Let a loss be a loss as trying to win it back may result in a greater loss.” I think gamblers just don’t get the idea why must they let a loss be a loss. I admit that everyone hates losing, but for the case of gambling, it is the other way round and it is all about self control.
ReplyDeleteI have never liked online gambling, even if it means not using actual cash when playing these games.
ReplyDeleteIt controls your mind and body! Giving an example, I've got friends who get so addicted to it till they would play during meals. And it gets very distracting and rude when you're having meals with them! Moreover, with the advancement in technology, online gambling can take place in mobile devices such as itouch, or phones!
It's been said that online gambling is one of the biggest online industries - so many people are hooked on it and of course losing money as well, and that makes the online gambling business so lucrative. You have shared some useful observations as well as insights into the topic. What are some ways to overcome the problem? Unlike the physical casino/IR where you can prevent a gambling addict from entering, how do ban someone from an online casino?
ReplyDeleteWhat other sources did you look at? Do share your references.
Everyone should just stick to Zynga Texas Poker in Facebook. No real money is involved! IMO, at least Facebook addiction is not as bad as gambling addiction:D
ReplyDeleteAll gambles involves risks, and all gamblers should be fully aware of this and be able to carry the possible consequences of their possible lost before placing down that bet.
ReplyDeletePersonally i would categorize a gambler into two categories, a smart and a lousy gambler. A smart gambler takes calculated risks, on the other hand a lousy gambler does not.
i think that gambling is really a serious matter that should not be taken lightly. not only online, but gambling can occur anywhere. people are no turning to online gambling as it is more convenient and easily accessible.but one should not get himself or herself involved in any of these activities as it is dangerous and addictive. say no to gambling. once you start, there is no quitting.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I have never liked gambling. People just loves the excitement when they win, and when they lose, they couldn't accept the fact and would continue to try their luck.
ReplyDeleteAs said, "If gambling is so bad, why do social networking websites such as Facebook encourage users to play poker (take earning profits aside)?", also, in real life, Singapore is even building casino. I remember there was much arguments when it was mentioned last last year?
So from start, they shouldn't even touch gambling if they know is bad.
Gambling is just something that will spoil the whole family. I personally have experience a kin of mine whom lost his money due to gambling. Especially online gambling whereby you can just go to the website and create an account to gamble. Online gambling is a big money industries but there must be regulations to regulate such activities.
ReplyDeleteFamily members must also play apart, if possible check their bank accounts always!
wow...30 000 dollars a month? the addiction and obviously unhealthy lifestyle aside, if that guy can consistently produce that kind of result, he can probably retire by 30.
ReplyDeletenot to say that i support gambling of course, but it's not that i'm totally against it either - i think a little thrill now and then is fine, as long as you can control yourself.
there was this saying i heard from somewhere, "never take a bet you're not prepared to lose", and it always sticks in my head whenever i play with money
I have never gambled online before. I don't think it is a good thing to do. It is as if making gambling convenient. Younger generation would be able to contact with such undesirable activity and it is not a good sign. I think that these websites should be banned, or at least, establish age limit control.
ReplyDeletePeople who gamble online might get a kick out of it at first. But sooner or later, all these accumulating of points thing would not be enough to satisfy their gambling desire. And they might turn to the real casinos because they do not realize the severity of gambling.
ReplyDeleteOnline gambling has no boundaries and it gets really addictive for the youngsters and sometimes gets dangerous
ReplyDelete-Elisabeth
online gambling is fine as long as it's not gambling with real money . because gambling the real money in singapore online is illegal .
ReplyDeleteThank you all for sharing your views on this topic.
ReplyDeleteAs for newmediascapes questions, gamblers can get rid of their addiction by going for counseling. However, the gambler must be a willing party. If the unwilling gamber goes through with the counseling, chances are that he/ she will go back to gambling. For online gamblng sites, it is virtually impossible to ban gamblers from playing. The government has no say on whether to ban a person or not. Even if the user does get banned, he/ she can always set up another account. Even for physical gambling sites, it is impossible to ban addicted gamblers from entering. Illegal gambling dens and Singapore Pools would welcome them with open arms. As for the IRs, the government may be able set a ban on them, however gamblers can always find a way to get in (I don't know how but I'm sure they will try anything). Hence, the only effective way is having self control and to be responsible for yourself and your family.
Personally i hate gambliing.
ReplyDeleteAnd i've seen a friend losing his meals and sleep time just to gamble online.
Gambling just spoil everything. - Sheeny
Damien is mistaken if he thinks that no real money is lost in online gambling.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I would like to point out that while online gambling may not seem real, and could be seen as more of a game, there are people who cross over easily from online to offline gambling.