Reason 2: Social acceptability
Certain entertainment carries a greater degree of social acceptance compared to others. For instance, bingo is commonly regarded as harmless, while roulettes, sports betting, poker, or blackjack often carry negative associations, including addiction and irresponsible behavior.
Many people have a negative attitude to gambling, not even realizing that their passion for bingo is also gambling addiction. This case is interesting because people generally don't classify bingo or lotteries as forms of gambling.
In the country where I reside, the perception towards gambling has always been from the negative side. Gambling is influenced by the social perception. Parents caution their kids against gambling because for them no responsible person who has goals gamble and the religion is not in support of gambling. However, as modernity and technology are creeping in, kids are listening more to social media influencers and not their parents with regards to gambling particularly sports betting. It is slowly becoming acceptable as there are conversations around sports betting. Unfortunately, the society is unable to control underage gambling and its addiction. There are no mechanism to checkmate these...this leads us back to why there is a negative perception about gambling in my society.
The moral and societal dilemma surrounding gambling in your country is quite complex and multilayered. From an analytical perspective, the issue stems from a socio-cultural dynamic where traditional norms clash with the onslaught of modern influences. The early-life admonition against gambling from parents and religious institutions is essentially aimed at mitigating its potential dangers, such as addiction, financial strain, and its potential to erode social and familial relationships. Yet, the advent of technology and the pervasive influence of social media are gradually shifting this perspective, particularly amongst the younger population.
One aspect you highlighted is underage gambling and the lack of mechanisms to regulate it. This indeed is an alarming issue. When exposed prematurely to gambling, youngsters may not possess the emotional maturity or financial management skills to gamble responsibly, thereby increasing the risk of addiction. What's needed is a comprehensive approach that combines traditional values with new age awareness, including an open dialogue about the potential risks and consequences of gambling, particularly with younger people.