On Gambling

I have heard stories about people and even friends, who are addicted to gambling and who lost their fortunes, families and lives because of it.

Gambling in government-ran gaming institutions is legal in the Philippines. Somehow, it is a state mechanism for preventing the accumulation of resources in the hands of the few and redistribution of these resources via social projects.    

Have you ever wonder why Balibago in Angeles City is lined with financing companies who are even open even during wee hours in the morning? Gambling fanatics from all over the Philippines converge in Angeles City and Clark Field to gamble legally in casinos that swarmed the area. When they lost, addicted as they are, they wanted play more to hopefully win their money back. They mortgage their cars, land titles, gadgets and jewelries at loan sharks just waiting around the corners. Oftentimes, they go home, broke.    

Emerson, a friend, lives a lowly life with a small salary as staff of a small College. He got addicted to bingo games. Right after payday, he goes to bingo house to play, literally throwing away his salary. He never won. The lure of gambling almost made him act like a zombie. He borrowed money from friends just to gamble. He even mortgaged his family home and gambled off the proceeds, literally his family to the streets. Now, he cannot go home, or his father-in-law will hack him to death. He lost his job and shied away from his family. Family and friends, tired of helping him, shut their doors off him. He is now walking around town, homeless.

Maristela, a good friend, who's business is lending money to these perennial gamblers, told me not to pity on them for they gambled off their money almost recklessly.

Well, its about time for the government to really get serious about fighting off these illegal gambling in the Philippines.