IS GAMBLING ESSENTIALLY IMMORAL?

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume VI, Issue 272, 2 November 1916, Page 6

IS GAMBLING ESSENTIALLY IMMORAL?

[to THE EDITOR.] Sir, —“While agreeing with the Mr. Rugby Pratt in his denunciation of the abuse of gambling, I fail to see that he hhs proved his point: namely, that gambling is essentially immoral. I will accept the definition of gambling that pleases him, best, viz., “ a transference of property on the principle of chance.” Now this definition covers two transactions that 1 am contemplating. First, an insurance agent met me this morning and offered to hat me £lOO to £1 that my house wouki be burnt down within twelve months. Here we have an offer to transfer property, i.e. £lOO, and on the principle of chance. The rev. gentleman calls this a legitimate transaction. It is good business. Second, I notice that a certain society is offering to dispose of a motor-car valued at £4OO by art union tickets at a shilling each. Though a poor man, I can afford a shilling now and again on pleasure. As I find a little pleasure in the hope of one day being the owner of a motorcar, I would willingly pay this amount for a ticket. May I do so? And if not, why not? Is the evil in my giving the shilling or in hoping for the car? — Yours, etc., PATRIOTIC.