Exploring US Gambling Prohibition and Donut-Linked Betting: Is It Effective?
Posting on His Telegram Channel
Petrenko expressed his concern about his petition being unmoderated for 10 days, prompting him to reach out to Vladimir Zelensky on social media.
The soldier, in his assertion, brought attention to the prevalent issue of gambling addiction among soldiers as a means to cope with stress. This addiction can lead to severe consequences, such as financial instability and a vicious cycle of debt.
Potential Solutions: A Closer Look
The proposed steps to limit gambling access for soldiers seem questionable due to several reasons.
Firstly, prohibiting gambling and access to online casinos for soldiers is problematic. While focusing on military personnel in the most active areas might seem like an option, it's important to consider that the illegal gambling market is vast and unregulated, making it impossible to completely eradicate the issue. The legal market, consisting of 13 on-ground entities and 17 online, pales in comparison to the estimated 600 illegal gambling sites[1]. Furthermore, the idea of commanders checking soldiers' smartphones for gambling links appears undemocratic and demotivating.
Secondly, the block on charitable foundations and private military companies accepting aid from the gambling industry is questionable. Aid from gambling often holds significant value for the front, supporting military operations and acquiring essential equipment[2]. For instance, Cosmolot, an online casino, funded the acquisition of 50 strike drones, Punishers, which destroyed Russia's electronic warfare complex "Borisoglebsk-2" worth approximately $200 million[2].
Balance: The Key Factor
While addressing the issue of gambling addiction among soldiers is crucial, simple solutions like the proposed measures are likely to create complications rather than solve existing ones. Proposed solutions face several obstacles, such as the verification infrastructure's inefficiency, operational challenges presented by the military's shifting nature, and the industry's strategic importance in terms of financial and material contributions to the military[3].
Any measures taken must strike a balance between risk mitigation and maintaining the vital support provided by the gambling sector.
The Bigger Picture
The gambling industry's role extends beyond financial contributions, encompassing political and social significance. In a war context, the gambling sector is seen as a reliable partner, directly supporting the army and broader humanitarian efforts[1]. Restrictions, if perceived as unduly punitive or logistically impractical, could risk alienating this crucial source of support.
[1] https://igd.org.ua/content/ukraine/36110[2] https://ukrinform.ua/rubric-economy/3565680-online-kiazino-cosmolot-spomosilo-armiiyi-zabobit-roskishesnu-sistemu-verijevidnosti-zo-200-mdn[3] https://en.yna.ua/node/3824459[4] https://guru.ua/officials/five-military-challenges-that-the-ukrainian-government-faces[5] https://thehill.com/analysis/international/3792072-ukraines-gambling-problem-a-perilous-juggle-as-war-rages
- Petrenko suggested a balanced approach to limiting gambling access for soldiers, recognizing the potential complications in completely eradicating the issue.
- Despite the concerns about gambling addiction among soldiers, the proposed measures of prohibiting access to online casinos and checking soldiers' smartphones for gambling links seem problematic.
- The idea of blocking charitable foundations and private military companies from accepting aid from the gambling industry could risk alienating a crucial source of support, considering the industry's financial and material contributions to the military.
- The soldier proposed addressing the issue of gambling addiction among soldiers by exploring alternatives and providing support, rather than solely relying on prohibitive measures.
- The gambling sector, beyond its financial contributions, holds political and social significance, particularly in a war context where it supports the army and broader humanitarian efforts, making any restrictions a delicate matter.
