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I really liked that article, however I'm kind of biased as I'm in the data science world. As for Draft Kings and the like, whether it's skill based or not they

I really liked that article, however I'm kind of biased as I'm in the data science world. As for Draft Kings and the like, whether it's skill based or not they are just another engine that keeps those who struggle with impulse control from truly finding financial independence. I don't believe in divine government to save the people from these sites, but at the same time I am saddened as the volunteer work I do to help people with their finances is filled with these kind of fantasy bills.

zzalpha 10y ago
Well, ignoring the concerns about government intervention vs individual responsibility, the reality is daily fantasy companies advertise in such a way that it makes it appear anyone can be a winner, when in fact the vast majority of winnings go to the same set of elite players. That's just flat out false advertising. At least Vegas is up-front about the fact that the odds are in their favour. And I think it's perfectly reasonable to have the government enforce basic standards about advertising and communication by companies to the public.
- harryh 10y ago
  There are also ads that make it appear that if I drink a certain brand of beer then hot women will instantly flock to me. Should that be illegal too?
  - openasocket 10y ago
    Beer ads generally don't come with testimonials of people saying they were mobbed by hot women after drinking that brand of beer.
  - landhar 10y ago
    I think such an argument is reasonable. It does seem that putting restrictions on advertising cigarettes has contributed greatly to reduce the perception that smoking is badass.
    - harryh 10y ago
      There are also ads that make it appear that if I use a certain brand of deodorant then hot women will instantly flock to me. Should that be illegal too?
      - zzalpha 10y ago
        So, just to understand your position, is your claim that the government should play no role in regulating the messages corporations deliver to the public?
        oldmanjay 10y ago
        Do you feel it strengthens your argument to pivot to attacking a position you put in your opponent's mouth?
      - landhar 10y ago
        Well, I think I understand the point you're trying to make. And I agree that drawing a line on what is and what is not acceptable embellishment to promote a product is probably impossible to do in a way that is absolute. But I believe that it should be possible to come up with a set of mandatory guidelines that would ultimately help consumers make more informed decisions when selecting a product. And I think this is a pretty reasonable thing to say, since so many governments enforce already some form of legislation to fight against deceptive advertising [0]. Actually, advertising of the very industry being discussed in this thread (gambling) is already being regulated by many countries [1], so I would be interested in hearing more about why you think this shouldn't be the case. [0] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/False_advertising https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/False_advertising [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gambling_advertising https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gambling_advertising
dkrich 10y ago
In order to play daily fantasy sports you need a credit card, computer, and internet connection, which are pretty high barriers to entry for people without means. I feel a lot worse about the ads for the lottery our "divine government" pays to plaster all over the subway stations, convenient stores, and other places where the poorest people in my city congregate. One is a direct attempt to take advantage of the poor, the other is actually targeted at people with money.
- carlmcqueen 10y ago
  I understand what you're saying but you can use these sites from smartphones, smartphones are given away for free through government programs and the internet is greatly reduced in price on these phones as mandated by the government. [1] Sadly, credit cards are also extremely predatory and loose and also provide no barriers. I worry at times that the idea that these fantasy sport games give in terms of skill and being 'better at it' is what keeps these people playing despite ample evidence they lose a lot. [1] http://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states http://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
choward 10y ago
> I don't believe in divine government to save the people from these sites Me neither, which is why I think gambling, drugs, and many other things we have nanny laws for should be legal.

zzalpha 10y ago

Well, ignoring the concerns about government intervention vs individual responsibility, the reality is daily fantasy companies advertise in such a way that it makes it appear anyone can be a winner, when in fact the vast majority of winnings go to the same set of elite players. That's just flat out false advertising. At least Vegas is up-front about the fact that the odds are in their favour. And I think it's perfectly reasonable to have the government enforce basic standards about advertising and communication by companies to the public.

harryh 10y ago
There are also ads that make it appear that if I drink a certain brand of beer then hot women will instantly flock to me. Should that be illegal too?
- openasocket 10y ago
  Beer ads generally don't come with testimonials of people saying they were mobbed by hot women after drinking that brand of beer.
- landhar 10y ago
  I think such an argument is reasonable. It does seem that putting restrictions on advertising cigarettes has contributed greatly to reduce the perception that smoking is badass.
  - harryh 10y ago
    There are also ads that make it appear that if I use a certain brand of deodorant then hot women will instantly flock to me. Should that be illegal too?
    - zzalpha 10y ago
      So, just to understand your position, is your claim that the government should play no role in regulating the messages corporations deliver to the public?
      - oldmanjay 10y ago
        Do you feel it strengthens your argument to pivot to attacking a position you put in your opponent's mouth?
    - landhar 10y ago
      Well, I think I understand the point you're trying to make. And I agree that drawing a line on what is and what is not acceptable embellishment to promote a product is probably impossible to do in a way that is absolute. But I believe that it should be possible to come up with a set of mandatory guidelines that would ultimately help consumers make more informed decisions when selecting a product. And I think this is a pretty reasonable thing to say, since so many governments enforce already some form of legislation to fight against deceptive advertising [0]. Actually, advertising of the very industry being discussed in this thread (gambling) is already being regulated by many countries [1], so I would be interested in hearing more about why you think this shouldn't be the case. [0] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/False_advertising https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/False_advertising [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gambling_advertising https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gambling_advertising

dkrich 10y ago

In order to play daily fantasy sports you need a credit card, computer, and internet connection, which are pretty high barriers to entry for people without means. I feel a lot worse about the ads for the lottery our "divine government" pays to plaster all over the subway stations, convenient stores, and other places where the poorest people in my city congregate. One is a direct attempt to take advantage of the poor, the other is actually targeted at people with money.

carlmcqueen 10y ago
I understand what you're saying but you can use these sites from smartphones, smartphones are given away for free through government programs and the internet is greatly reduced in price on these phones as mandated by the government. [1] Sadly, credit cards are also extremely predatory and loose and also provide no barriers. I worry at times that the idea that these fantasy sport games give in terms of skill and being 'better at it' is what keeps these people playing despite ample evidence they lose a lot. [1] http://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states http://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

choward 10y ago

> I don't believe in divine government to save the people from these sites Me neither, which is why I think gambling, drugs, and many other things we have nanny laws for should be legal.