Good point

[jon-nyc]

Most represented sample value. Here are some images that show mode vs median vs average.

[jon-nyc]

So in this context they’re saying for the typical user these vices are no big deal, but companies make their real money off the addicts.

[taiwan_girl]

I dont understand why cities, towns, sports teams, etc. are so in love with gambling.

Lets say one town allows gambling, and a guy spends $100 to gamble.

Another town does not allow gambling. It is not like a person will put $100 in the bank. Most likely, they will spend it at a store, restaurants, etc.

So, I dont get the reason for the desire to increase the gambling. It does not seem to an economic benefit. Seems it is kind of a "zero sum"

[George K]

@taiwan_girl said in Good point:

I dont understand why cities, towns, sports teams, etc. are so in love with gambling.

Tax revenue can be lucrative.

[jon-nyc]

I agree the politicians involved always seem a bit too animated about it so I assume they’re on the take.

[Horace]

Gambling ads are everywhere on sports podcasts I listen to and it's gross. About as gross as the gold ads in the politics/culture podcasts. Predatory products in general, but they are clearly where the money is.

[Jolly]

The problem is that the promises made by the politicians in order to sell legal gambling to the public, never quite come true.

And don't get me started on Indian casinos, which should never have been allowed.

[taiwan_girl]

@George-K said in Good point:

@taiwan_girl said in Good point:

I dont understand why cities, towns, sports teams, etc. are so in love with gambling.

Tax revenue can be lucrative.

Are they more then regular taxes?

[Mik]

The money was being made anyway by organized and not-so-organized crime. Now it's made by the government. First it was the lottery taking out the numbers racket. Then casinos, then drugs. Legalized prostitution will be next. Then government will run ALL the rackets. They already had extortion through 'revenue sharing'.

[Jolly]

They're always sold as an addition to regular taxes. Gambling is voluntary.

[Mik]

My suspicion, though, is that illegal gambling still continues. They probably give better odds and are never taxed.