Morality of the industry

[Voids]

Hi guys, just wondering how people react when you tell them your job?

Do you tell them?
Do they find it interesting or morally wrong?
How many people think you run your own bookmaker / online casino ?

[Nick.RevenueJet]

I do tell people what I do, as I am not ashamed of it, but I know this is not the profession that will buy me a place in heaven. Having said that, I don't think that marketing clothes to teenagers has any moral superiority over our industry.

[thebookiesoffers]

Nothing wrong with the industry and nothing morally wrong with it or working in it

[Voids]

I've come across two reactions so far, one of shock that this industry exists. Few people , although growing, appear to know about affiliate marketing.

The second, especially on the net revenue part, is usually acceptance, all though begrudgingly. They don't seem to like the fact that it's encouraging people to gamble, and we "profit" on other peoples misfortune.

Personally I run the website for fun, and if it generates income, so be it.

[edgarf76]

Do you tell them? A very few close friends
Do they find it interesting or morally wrong? no, the ones that would I avoid the topic by saying affiliate marketing
How many people think you run your own bookmaker / online casino ? None

[Maria F]

I was at the supermarket the other day and I came across an old colleague. We started talking about the family and how much we have changed since the last time we saw each other. She asked me “so what are you doing now?” and as soon as I mentioned that I work with online gaming, she rolled her eyes showing me how much she disapproved my line of work .

I have no interest in interacting with closed minded people like this woman. This just reminded me why I never cared to keep contact with her.
I am very proud of the work I do! I work hard and I provide for my family.

[DanHorvat]

Our industry is not sustainable, we're not producing anything, but are parasites on the existing wealth. When someone has extra money it ends up with us. I don't think there's anything morally wrong with it though. Other people often do.

[TheGooner]

Advertising and marketing sports events, poker events and recommending safe and secure online gambling sites.
I see "value" being produced in the information that we complie on a daily basis.

Very comfortable with the role I have in the world.

[sweetbet]

There's no difference between spending a few dollars to buy a lottery ticket in the hope of striking it rich, and spending the same amount of money on a progressive slots jackpot, also in the hope of striking it rich.

[Renee]

I think most people know the industry I work in, but when I meet new people I just tell them I work in online marketing. Most people are not savvy enough about online marketing to know to ask which industry so I don't tell them. If they ask then I tell them. I've never had someone disapprove. They think it's pretty awesome and interesting.

[Nick.RevenueJet]

The problem is not with people spending a few dollars for the off chance to become rich.
The problem lies with people spending their life savings on gambling, and this is where the morality of our industry is questioned.
There is no casino with a "money-back guaranteed" policy (not that I know of, anyhow), and at the base of it, our industry exploits people who have gambling problems.

[p.arena]

Working with a betting exchange I think it makes it easier during those moments of introspection in that the company I work for makes money when people win, rather than when they lose.

I myself like to have a bet occasionally and don't see any moral issue with marketing it like any other entertainment provider. Everyone makes their own choices in life and there is help provided to problem gamblers.

[Nick.RevenueJet]

Working with a betting exchange I think it makes it easier during those moments of introspection in that the company I work for makes money when people win, rather than when they lose.

I myself like to have a bet occasionally and don't see any moral issue with marketing it like any other entertainment provider. Everyone makes their own choices in life and there is help provided to problem gamblers.

When I was in poker I was in the exact same situation, and felt much better about what I was doing.

[Voids]

Some very interesting reading here guys. I try to target small stakes, regular bettors who bet for fun, rather than looking to it as an income stream, as far as I see , it's just like marketing any other entertainment product. Whether other people see it as that, is up to them.

[Anthony-Coral]

My mum doesn't approve but she doesn't give me a hard time about it now. The first time she asked me how I felt about encouraging gambling addiction I told her that when the upper reaches of religion decide to sell all their assets and use the money to feed people I'd go about getting another job!

[thebookiesoffers]

put it all this way

yes there are alcoholics but still billions of people enjoy alcohol responsibly, but we dont all start tutting about it when buying cheap booze from the supermarket or having a pint in the pub

exactly the same for gambling, don't hate the industry because a small minority can't handle it and have an addiction. help them but don't ruin it for everyone else

[blendtec]

Depends on how distorted their perception is - most normal people will either say nice one because they don't understand or they don't really care (usually this one)

[baldidiot]

I have absolutely no problem with the morality of our industry - and gambling in the UK isn't necessarily seen as a bad thing. In fact I'd say at least 50% of the people I know gamble in one shape or form - be it tickets for the lottery, betting on the footie or playing the fruity in the pub.

But... I don't go around shouting about what I do. Whilst I don't have a problem with it, there are plenty of nut jobs and uber conservatives who will more than gladly get on their high horses about it - so I just tend to say 'online marketing'.

Most of my close friends know what I do though, but as far as my parents (dads a vicar) and in-law's (way more outwardly religious & conservative than my dad) are concerned I only talk about the mainstream arm of my business (which does exist).

[TipsterWarehouse]

I usually find a fascination with what I do for a living, always end up with lots of questions usually along the lines of 'so you can make a living from that?' or the old 'got any tips for today'?

Love my job, I'm 29 and genuinely the best career path I've ever taken.
Certainly don't see any moral problems with it.

[AE-Stephen]

Its been touched on in here but generally gambling in the UK isn't seen as a bad thing. If someone ask's I'll tell them, most find it interesting.

I don't think gambling is morally wrong we're taking bets from adults old enough to make their own mind up on how they spend their hard earned money. Regardless, you pay for entertainment, and some people get entertainment from gambling.