Hard Six

In many ways, Thailand and Ohio are worlds apart, geographically, politically, and culturally. One thing they share is that they are both debating whether to allow casinos in their border. PM Samak is a proponent of legalized gambling, and has vowed that it will come to pass if he serves his full four year term.

Interestingly the arguments for casinos are much the same. Supporters in both Thailand and Ohio point to increased revenues which could be used for education and other social welfare benefits. They also point out that many of their neighbors have already legalized casino gambling and that this is resulting in local money going to those countries. Legalize casino gambling, they argue, and not only will our money stop flowing out, there will be an influx of cash from foreign (or out of state) gamblers.

Opponents in both places argue that legalized gambling acts as a magnet for other crimes. In the U.S., prostitution is one of the crimes associated with gambling, although here I can't imagine that it would noticeably increase a profession already widely and openly practiced. Those against legalized gambling in both places also fear for the impact on families. Many who gamble bet much more than they can afford to lose. That argument is probably even stronger here than in the U.S. There are a lot of uneducated people here, and the get rich quick instinct is very strong among Thais.

In Ohio, much of the opposition is based in religion. Even those who argue against in on social grounds are often motivated more by religion than the arguments they publicly expound. I'm not sure that religion plays as much a part of the opposition in Thailand, although it certainly might. Gambling is against Buddhist teachings, but so are a lot of common practices in Thai society.