No doubt about it. Anyone sitting in front of a mic or camera is given some powers of persuasion. As they speak, it is often difficult to determine what they believe and what they are simply advertising. Indeed, I suspect that most of the time it is both.

So, they use their powers of persuasion to encourage people to gamble. They endeavor to persuade one and all how wonderful it will be when you “invest” a few dollars, you will win so much money. They say, not only can you win, but you will have fun at it.

I am a Christian. However, even if I weren’t, my conscience would never permit me do such a thing. I suppose I am a leftover from the old days, when we were taught that gambling was a bad thing. In my day, I was taught that only bad people risked hard earned money. Not only that, other people’s experience taught me that winning is rare, especially lotteries.

It’s suddenly different these days it seems. This even though it can lead to divorce and even criminal results. Odd as you might think, some people do write the check without the money in the bank, in hopes that the money won will cover it. And though they might not mean to, those who use their power of persuasion to talk the weak into gambling away the house note, or even the entire paycheck encourage this behavior. Then, the gambler can’t figure out why they are being pulled over by that nice policeman, even though he didn’t speed. Then the next thing he knows, he is cuffed and on the way to jail for writing hot checks.

It does happen. I have seen it. My ethics keep me from being specific, but I assure you, it happens. It is a shame that when they make the ads, they aren’t required to also report those who have gotten in trouble, listening and following the advice in the ads.

Unfortunately, even that still will not stop the compulsive gamblers, but at least they will be forewarned. It is not only common, but more common than most realize. I can remind one and all of a case in the news. They guy gambled away his whole paycheck at the casino. Then he wrote a hot check to Kroger for groceries so he could put off explaining what he did to his wife. A short time later, he was chased by police and climbed the Hernando Desoto Bridge to avoid the police. Yep, that tied up traffic an hour or two.

And yet, Tennessee advertises how much fun it is to buy lotto tickets. The Memphis city radio and TV stations advertise the casinos in Tunica. They do this with completely clear consciences.