Ethics are defined as the standards of right and wrong that encourage what humans should do. This can be determined in terms of rights, obligations, benefits to society, fairness, or virtues. Ethics are derived from learning experiences and others in society (Cameron, 2018). Such ethical standards are defined by groups and cultures and are meant to act as a “guide” for society (Cameron, 2018). These ethical standards include standards relating to rights, as in the right to life, freedom of injury and privacy. Ethical standards also relate to standards that impose reasonable obligation to refrain from acts such as murder, assault, stealing, slander, fraud and rape. With regards to ethics, the law does not govern what is right or wrong (Cameron, 2018). Instead, laws should integrate ethical standards. By doing so, however, law can be corrupt and deviate from what is actually ethical. In addition to laws not governing what is right or wrong, ethics do not follow culturally accepted norms. Ethics are not considered religion, science, or the same as feelings. In Hawaii, any form of gambling is considered illegal. Many states in the US Mainland have already legalized gambling. These states have experienced the advantages and disadvantages that gambling brings to them. Advantages come in the form of economic revenue, however, most of the disadvantages are sparked through an ongoing debate of whether or not gambling should even be legal in the first place. Here, we will look into the four sources of ethical standards: the utilitarian approach, fairness or justice approach, common good approach, and the virtue approach. By looking into each approach, we can determine what standards of behavior can be ethical when it comes to the topic of gambling.
The Utilitarian Approach
The utilitarian approach is defined as the ethical doctrine that virtue is based on utility, where any actions taken must promote the greatest happiness of the greatest number of persons. To make things simpler, the utilitarian approach provides the most good, provides the least harm, and creates a balance of more good than harm. Here, we will look into gambling in Canada. Gambling is legal in Canada, but regulated in each province and territory (Mclean, 2018). There are different types of gambling across the country such as commercial casino operations, racetracks, video lottery terminals, slot machines, and ticket lotteries (McLean, 2018). Canada deals with gambling with a more “passive” approach (Basham, 2002). As a way to keep the public controlled when it comes to gambling, the Canadian government acts as a “regulator and beneficiary of gambling activities” (Basham, 2002). Critics are concerned that the government is overlooking the negative effects of gambling, however under the Canadian constitution, the “federal parliament has jurisdiction over the criminal law and imposes restrictions on gaming activities” (Basham, 2002). Provinces regulating gambling must act within their limits. In an effort to control the negative effects on gambling, the government looks to be involved. Government control is enforced by strategies such as the licensing of gaming venues, taxation on gamblers, and a restriction on the amount of gaming venues and gaming opportunities for the public (Basham, 2002). This will allow casinos across Canada to estimate their profits and losses. Gambling is not legal in Hawaii, however if it were to become legal one day, the government must be able to determine the potential benefits and issues that gambling may bring. Things to consider when legalizing gambling in Hawaii would be potential environmental impacts, the degree to which the government will be involved, economic benefits, resident opinions, and infrastructure. The government should be able to weigh both pros and cons and see if one outweighs the other.
The Fairness and Justice Approach
The fairness and justice approach holds that ethical actions should treat everyone fairly. Whether the equals are treated equally, or the unequal are treated unequally, the basic moral in this approach asks how fair the intended action will be and if everyone will be treated the same way. Gambling is a fairly sensitive issue that garners the attention of many including the government.First, we must understand why people enjoy gambling. One reason why people like to gamble involves risk taking. When gambling, gamblers tend to feel an adrenaline rush that leads to excitement when taking risks. Gamblers look to make as much money as possible while seeking fun and entertainment (Gluck, 2016). Gambling may also offer an escape from everyday life. Overall, gambling is a “high risk, low yield” activity that will lure many. Many Hawaii residents flock to Las Vegas to be able to experience the ambiance of a casino hotel and other surroundings. If gambling were to be legalized in Hawaii, locals who seek to gamble will no longer have to travel to be able to do so. This makes things much more convenient for some locals as they will be able to get the full experience of gambling here at home. However, there will obviously be those who oppose of such a move. Small businesses around proposed gambling sites may not appreciate it as gambling may potentially draw attention away from their business. Local residents who live around these sites may not like the increase in foot traffic, noise, and potential violence that may occur. Altogether, there are many things the government should consider when deciding whether to legalize gambling or not. The government should focus on how fairly or unfairly legalizing gambling would affect everyone. Everyone should be able to voice their opinion when it comes to gambling.
The Common Good Approach
The common good approach holds that our actions should contribute to the good of society. When it comes to gambling, the government should determine whether the benefits of gambling would benefit a community as a whole or only a certain demographic. What is ethical will advance the common good. A vision of a society where the community is one that shares similar values and goals is something that should be looked into. Legalizing gambling in Hawaii would bring added economic revenue and job opportunities, however there will be those who object against gambling. In hopes of turning towards the common good, gambling “feeds off of resources, energy, and hope” (Polter, 1996). The meaning of words that are associated with gambling such as excitement, courage, play, winning, security, and risk are “empty” (Polter, 1996). When someone begins gambling, they seem to think as if gambling brings benefits to them and the community, when in actuality an “exorbitant price in soul and culture is paid” (Polter, 1996). Despite the claims that gambling will allow one to gain easy money and acquire good wealth, the monetary cost is also exorbitant. Here, the government should emphasize getting input from the local community. If gambling were to be legalized, the government should also consider short and long term effects on society.
The Virtue Approach
Lastly, the virtue approach holds that actions should consistent with certain ideal virtues that provide for humanity. One question government officials should ask themselves is how legalizing gambling would affect local residents and tourists. Would the lifestyles of residents change? In a way, gambling impairs the character of someone significantly. Self-control, when it comes to greed for money could be a problem. Some may become fairly careless with their money. If one were to win a jackpot, they may feel destined to win again and will continue to place money on their bets in hopes of hitting another jackpot. This leads to another problem that involves a disregard for money. Gambling could be fun that is obtained through the expense of others. The money used on gambling could be used for more essential needs like food, medicine, or family activities. Gamblers see this as an opportunity to gain financial awards without working. When someone is heavily invested in gambling, they may make irrational decisions and impair their their judgement on certain things. Every issue mentioned relate to each other and gives a strong case for why gambling in Hawaii shouldn’t be legalized.