I could be the maverick in this debate
Why shouldn't shopping centres have the added attraction of this adult entertainment? Why should Shopping Malls lose potential money spenders to a few licensed casinos in each province?
The most vocal argument is from civil society organizations who argue that gambling is addictive and that the presence of the EBT's will lower the 'moral tone' of the suburbs where these specific shopping centres and malls are?
These are the same malls that sell alcohol and cigarettes which are also highly addictive but are allowed to do so under strict legislation. If the same strict governance is applied to the micro-casino's, then why shouldn't the malls be allowed to offer their patrons access to this value-added shopping experience?
It is a dangerously slippery slope indeed when civil groups can dictate that which discerning adults should and shouldn't have, or experience, in their neighbourhoods.
In a country with the most free and most fair constitution in the world, there have to be allowances made for certain indulgences which some may find disagreeable or even immoral. If we were to disallow all things potentially addictive from our shared spaces /shopping centres, then cigarettes and alcohol would long ago have been banished to the wilderness.
But our constitution protects us and allows us, as adults, to choose for ourselves and not be dictated to by government, civil organizations or the fuddy duddy next door. Lest we forget that sex and exercise have also been proved to have addictive qualities. Granted, we don't do much of the former in public but the latter has entire floors, and buildings, dedicated to it.
I will agree that the debate should be had on the pros and cons of micro-casinos in our shopping centres. However, I do take offense when I am told I cannot have something because YOU think it will be bad for me.
That is my decision for me to make. I'm a big boy now and I can think for myself thank you very much. And besides - think of all the job opportunities this initiative will create!
Why shouldn't shopping centres have the added attraction of this adult entertainment?
Do you think it is a good or bad idea?
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