Korean Job Discussion Forums

JongnoGuru · Joined: 25 May 2004 Location: peeing on your doorstep

"Gambling-for-kids tour" -- why "tour"? What exactly are the kids "touring"? And where is it? Vancouver?

At first glance, I had some vague, preposterous image of little Canuckleheads being flown to Vegas for a "tour" of the Strip. Yeah, the hotel casinos would comp 'em $2K each in gambling funds, set up kiddie-blackjack & junior-craps tables, get 'em sorted out with hookers, spot 'em a few packs of smokes. One hell of a learning experience! Very Happy

("Hello, Mom? Yeah, it's me again. Look, stop crying and listen to me. Big Louie says either you wire more cash now or I won't graduate. Surprised

")

desultude · Posted: Sun May 14, 2006 3:28 pm Post subject: Re: Gambling for kids

Gopher · Joined: 04 Jun 2005

Desultude is right: it's a dangerous and addictive vice, even for adults. Bad idea deliberately bringing it to children.

JongnoGuru · Joined: 25 May 2004 Location: peeing on your doorstep

Ditto the above two posters.

And you've got to love that line -- "math and communication skills are beneficial byproducts"... of hands-on gambling tours for kids!!!?? Good Lord, who could say that with a straight face?? Not me, and Korea's sharpened my acting skills to an Oscar-winning calibre. Why not take them on a tour of whorehouses, where "understanding of human anatomy, negotiation skills, and personal financial management" are sure to be among the many beneficial byproducts?

On the other hand · Joined: 19 Apr 2003 Location: I walk along the avenue

On the other hand · Joined: 19 Apr 2003 Location: I walk along the avenue

http://tinyurl.com/zlfoc

ddeubel · Joined: 20 Jul 2005

I can only speak from experience. I've lost thousands (millions in Korea) and also made thousands (millions in Korea). Not bragging, just that I have and continue to have some perspective / bird's eye view, on this issue.

I see many who can handle it, sooooo many who can't and that it becomes destructive. I look across the table at the same faces , night after night and can see those who have the eager eye and those who are there to have fun and play within their own limits.

What I mean is that much like the issue of violence on TV, there is no direct link, no direct path and association. It is not at all sure that one leads to adult violence/sociopathy. What we can be sure of, is that our guts tell us that it just isn't that good. Forget the money, the health issues, the violence that happens -- it is just a terrible waste of time!!!!!! No life in it, it is limp, flaccid, lifeless....both watching TV violence and gaming.

So should it be banned? No! But I do think it should be curbed, pruned and contained by society. Like cigarette smoking. don't fight it with a moralistic ban but by the offering of healthy alternatives and containing its ability to "grab" the young.

Sorry if my words are incoherent. I do like playing and gambling. I do it regularly. I can handle it. But I do know of so many others who can't. Selling it to the young is just wrong, even if they never grow up to be addicted gamblers. This is one issue, I think the politicians should be taking out their pens and signing off against, through laws.......

DD

igotthisguitar · Posted: Tue May 16, 2006 3:35 am Post subject:

Woland · Joined: 10 May 2006 Location: Seoul

What's scary is that possibly someday we'll be reading about the 'Tiger Woods' of the professional poker tour, whose parents got him/her started early on this great career opportunity via the kids' gambling tour. Of course, they won't have done it for the potential moneary gain, but to build up junior's math and communication skills.l

On the other hand · Joined: 19 Apr 2003 Location: I walk along the avenue

Ddeubel wrote:

jinglejangle · Joined: 19 Feb 2005 Location: Far far far away.

I think this is bad, but not real bad. Improve math skills? Maybe not, but it could certainly be used to show them an interesting practical application of math and give them practice running numbers in their little noggins. That is, IF someone taught them how to apply it.

Overall though I think it's a bad idea. We played poker when I was young, but it came with some stern lectures about the dangers of gambling more than you care to lose.

I seriously doubt that that will be the major message these kids will be recieving at a casino sponsered event. No. Don't point some article to the contrary please. I've read a bit of poker lit, and spent a bit of time in casinos. I know that they make their token statements about problem gambling and the dangers of addiction; but that's a small drop in a large bucket compared to all the glitz, and all the articles about making money off poker.

Sincerely, a now contentedly sporadic poker player.

On the other hand · Joined: 19 Apr 2003 Location: I walk along the avenue

Thanks for the reply, JJ.

JongnoGuru · Joined: 25 May 2004 Location: peeing on your doorstep

TheUrbanMyth · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Location: Retired

Far as I can see it's a one time thing. I don't see where people are coming off claiming that it's going to destroy young lives. Unless it was being held regularly (which doesn't appear to be the case) ONCE is not going to foster a life-long addiction. It takes a lot longer and a lot more exposure.

That said I disagree with gambling and don't think it's a good idea for anyone, least of all children.