This week, the US-based National Council on Problem Gambling launches its Annual Problem Gambling Awareness Week campaign and WhichSlotMachine is proud to endorse the event.

It's no secret that we love slots: big ones, little ones, three reel, five reel, video-based, movie-themed, Marvel-themed, progressive, if it's a slot – we're hot! (Perhaps, that should be our new slogan).

Let them play!

However, we acknowledge that – for some people – gambling in its many guides can be a real problem and any campaign to focus the general public on the potential pitfalls and dangers of problems gambling should be applauded.

Although the NCPG campaign is focussed primarily on sports gambling, the organisation estimates that 2% – 3% of the US population will get into gambling difficulty this year. So… Folks… You must be careful, play to your limits, and be sensible.

Many of the fantastic online slots we promote here on WhichSlotMachine also have free play options. If you are desperate to see what the bonus round looks like – play the game for free. Most serious online casinos are happy to let you try before you buy.

America – ironically – is a country that has proven that prohibition never works. When gambling was forced underground, the gangsters moved in and used their muscle to influence the outcome of sports events.

The 1919 World Series was thrown by players in the Chicago White Sox. It was a shocking scandal that earned sports betting in the US a lethal reputation. In the UK, the Royal family like to have a flutter and we have bookies on every corner.

Of course, corruption exists but the fear of gaming does not result in prohibition. American gamblers are some of the hungriest. They have Las Vegas and Atlantic City to visit when they need a fix and the kudos associated with the forbidden fruit of gambling only lends the activity more credence.

The NCPG is correct to make people aware of the dangers of problem gambling. However, the government needs to realise that prohibition is little more than the icing on a cake stuffed with forbidden fruit. Remove the legislation, educate, and tax.

This entry was posted by admin on Wednesday, March 9th, 2025 at 3:09 pm and is filed under The Shout.