While some states are considering ways to implement regulated online gambling, other states firmly oppose the addition regardless of its potential tax revenues. In a recent article on PokerUpdate, survey results were shared for “likely voters” in South Carolina.
South Carolina is a conservative state, so the comparably conservative findings were not a surprise. Nonetheless, of the 1,000 “likely voters” surveyed, online gambling was opposed by 68%. A similar survey by Palmetto Politics found that 15% surveyed were still undecided, while only 17% supported the idea of legal, regulated online gambling within the state.
The primary opposition is due to moral and religious reasons. Many fear that online gambling will bring with it a multitude of other unhealthy lifestyle choices. There is also a concern that online gambling will prove to be more addictive than live gambling.
That being said, with new avenues of iGaming growing in popularity by the minute, the lines between what is considered “gambling” can get blurred. Some even wonder if how the tax dollar for gambling revenue is allocated would sway voter’s decisions—for example, would one opposed to online gambling have a change of heart if related tax revenues were exclusively invested in something positive such as education?
There is no way to tell how a true vote will go until it is time to vote. And voters may soon have their say.
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