Enact a truthful gambling advertisement rule

The suggestion

We live in a state where gambling is illegal by statute. Exceptions are made to allow Native American tribes and the state government (California Lottery) to raise money. As they are exceptions to the rules, they should have to grant concessions to operate their enormously profitable operations. If casinos are allowed to advertise their business and the supposed amount of money you can win, then I would like to implement a rule/law that enforces the projected profits from the promotion to be displayed equally prominently. Too many people, struggling with gambling addictions or lacking a sophisticated understanding of money and probabilities, gamble without an understanding of the risk. Granting them more information seems like a fair compromise.

A comparison

We currently allow people to sell and purchase cigarettes knowing all of the ramifications of the product's use. The product still is profitable, even with most of the facts about the risks of use being public knowledge. Casinos are a similar situation. People will still gamble, but they will have the same information that the house is working with.

In conclusion

It's simple - we hold the casino accountable, and let them operate if they give all the facts and let the consumer decide if the gamble is worth the risk.