Judy in Calgary

I don't like the idea of gambling, but I held my nose and volunteered for organizations that badly needed the money. My more recent stints were for the Weaselhead, a natural environment park in the southwest quadrant of Calgary.

But I thought the Catholic school system in Calgary demonstrated character by declining the opportunity to volunteer at casinos. Standing by their principles has cost them a lot of money.

I don't know which of the two stances is right, the hold-your-nose one or the refuse-to-get-involved one. I tend to agree that it's hypocritical to refuse to volunteer but to participte in the benefits that your organization derives from gambling.
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Steve_P

To a large degree the Catholic school system in Calgary did not make the decision to decline casinos and such.

The decision was thrust upon them by Bishop Fred Henry, they virtually had no choice.

Calgary Catholic schools quit using casinos as fundraisers

joelsa

It's a stipulation of membership at my daughters club that when the Casino comes around, one adult from our family HAS to do a shift.

Judy in Calgary

Oh yes, that's right. Well then it was Bishop Henry who had the balls. I have disagreed with him on various issues, but agreed with him on that point.
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gryphea

Its a difficult issue, I do understand that. I don't think I have any fundamental opposition to gambling as such, indeed I used to partake a bit on the horses! This was really my first casino experience as an adult, beyond my year off in Australia when I went to watch two-up and have some free drinks. I partly think its about the children and the benefits that will come from the programmes the casino money supports, eg. self esteem, sporting highs etc.

But I think that being perfectly happy to partake of the proceeds and benefits of a casino whilst refusing to take part because it is against your morals is a bit like saying killing animals is wrong whilst remaining a meat eater. Both mean other people have to do your dirty work. I accept in life you end up doing people's dirty work , but I think I side with this casino's organisers that people were hiding behind the moral argument in order to avoid having to give up their time.

Gryphea

Alberta_Rose

I know that some associations require that members pay large sums of money if they cannot or will not serve as volunteers on these gambling gigs.

I do accept that it is hypocritical to say gambling is "wrong" and then happily profit from it.

I expect that most people, even though it might make them feel uncomfortable, will grit their teeth and volunteer as it is the accepted thing to do here ......

Really, if I were to stand by my "principles" I should have to leave my singing group, as the casino money plays a large part in the day-to-day running, music, education etc etc etc expenses of the group. I have to say, I do not feel THAT strongly that I am prepared to do that, (even though I feel a little uncomfortable), so "hold the nose" it is .....

Souvenir

I spent a few days in Vegas recently, staying in Caesar's Palace. I took a stroll around the casino one night. There were lots of people. None of them appeared to be having much fun. "Zombie" is a word that springs to mind.

gryphea

Much of the clientale looked like that - very few were smiling.

BUT the 4pm - 6pm crowd when I left did look more upbeat and did come in in twos or groups.

walkerv05

we went to the casino in Rama, we went through a load of cash before they told us we were playing about 9 lines at once!, but we did end up down to our last $15 and went into the high roller suite and on one roll of the slot machine we wone over $1400! we skipped to to the cashiers box hahah, great night!