The task was to discuss the reasons for or against gambling. (Essay Sample)

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Gambling
Gambling is among the most controversial issues globally. Opportunities for gambling are provided by lotteries, casinos, sports betting, card games and internet gambling. Its practice and popularity have grown widely, and it is currently a multi-million dollar industry. Although it is illegal in most Islam-governed countries, it is legal in a majority of other countries in the world. People hold different opinions regarding it. While it has a few arguable advantages, it has several negative impacts on the individual, the family as well as the society. It is detrimental to the gambler’s health and has the risk of severe financial loss. Besides, it is addictive and thus has addiction-related problems, just like drugs (Williams). This essay outlines why gambling is not a good idea.
Gambling leads to financial problems. People who engage in a gambling place their hard-earned income at stake. In fact, a majority of gamblers usually lose their stake in each particular bet or game. According to statistics, the probability of winning in gambling is very small. In some forms of gambling such as the lottery jackpot, the possibility of winning is one in several million. Mathematically, the likelihood of winning any jackpot in gambling is close to zero (Tessényi). Thus, it is almost certain that the money spent on gambling will never be recovered. Consequently, many participants suffer the pressure of debts and loans, difficulty in settling utility bills and ultimately bankruptcy. Moreover, problem gambling is associated with critical financial risks such as pawning of valuables.