Gambling, including sports betting, is addicting. Desperate financial losses can easily escalate to more serious crimes. It has destroyed individuals, marriages, families and communities. Rehabilitation is costly and can take years, and addicts may never recover.
People do it anyway, so why not legalize it? Given that reasoning, should other crimes like taking or selling illegal drugs and stealing also be legalized?
We think we can control it and make money. But what is the price of a life, marriage or family ruined, heartbroken and suffering?
Gambling laws are a deterrent for many law-abiding citizens who would never commit a crime. Legal gambling puts many more at risk. Some think of it as a fun, recreational activity, not realizing it could ruin their lives, families and others.
Please think about the people of Hawaii, not money. Please, no sports betting/gambling in Hawaii.
Gary and Amy Sugawa
Makiki
EXPRESS YOURSELF
The Honolulu Star-Advertiser welcomes all opinions. Want your voice to be heard? Submit a letter to the editor.
>> Write us: We welcome letters up to 150 words, and guest columns of 500-600 words. We reserve the right to edit for clarity and length. Include your name, address and daytime phone number.
>> Mail: Letters to the Editor, Honolulu Star-Advertiser 7 Waterfront Plaza, 500 Ala Moana, Suite 210 Honolulu, HI 96813
>> Contact: 529-4831 (phone), 529-4750 (fax), letters@staradvertiser.com, staradvertiser.com/editorial/submit-letter
