As a brother to someone in the Oregon Special Olympics Hall of Fame I will say this is one of the most ignorant ideas I have witnessed. Are there not enough things to bet on already?! Over/under on total hits in the 3rd inning of Braves vs Mets!? Nothing like opening something so innocent to corruption. Give me a fucking break!
First and foremost: Congrats to your brother, that is very cool. I know someone who competed, but didn't have much "success". I am curious why this is a big deal to some. The Special Olympics already runs like a business and generates a large profit. Gambling on most everything happens behind the scenes, so having it regulated seems like a good thing. My friend wanted to feel "normal" and while I haven't asked him yet, I'd assume he'll like the idea of being treated more like mainstream society. I have zero interest in betting on it, but I would push back that the Special Olympics is/was so innocent and that gambling will dramatically change that.
Do any of the proceeds go back to the special Olympics? I think the very nature of betting says no? One thing it might do is make a little more popular to watch but probably not for the right reasons? I also wonder how it could be manipulated? I agree that this just opens it up to possible corruption. Nothing good comes from this from my perspective.
Legal gambling is always taxed. People who win a lot are taxed and the legal operations that facilitate the gambling pay taxes. I agree that it would be ideal if those companies also took some of the profit and put it towards something Special Olympics related. Though as I mentioned previously, Special Olympics is already profiting 8 figures annual as is, so they're sitting on a nice chunk of cash. If you're against gambling in general, then I can't imagine this would change you opinion. If you think sports gambling is OK, then I don't see why this is any different.
[QUOTE="Tince, post: 55 My friend wanted to feel "normal" and while I haven't asked him yet, I'd assume he'll like the idea of being treated more like mainstream society. Just what do you consider to be "normal"? My daughter is special needs but she is still "normal" to me.
I used the quotations because it's a word he's used when talking to me about his desire to fit in and not get special treatment when it's not needed; which he has explained to me makes him uncomfortable. I consider him my friend, not my special needs friend. And I would agree your daughter is "normal" which falls back into me saying betting shouldn't be a big deal, it's a normal part of society these days.
I'm still failing to see the issue. The regulated and taxed version is what I prefer to unregulated and untaxed alternative. How people give their money to places like Goodwill, Special Olympics, and other revenue generating non-profits is up to them.
Obviously I see the issue through a completely different lens than you do. I'll not argue the point other than to say that I believe that betting on special needs kids who are competing to achieve a sense of accomplishment and personal satisfaction should not be a vehicle for people trying to make money off of their efforts. 'nough said.
Fair enough. I respect your opinion and I'm not trying to change anyone's mind. It should be noted the Special Olympics does make millions in revenue off the kids. I used to donate to them and do not anymore because in my opinion, it's moved closer to the NCAA/PGA type non-profit.
It is my sister but thanks anyways. Congrats to your friend for competing. That alone is a success for many. My opinion is based on a few things. 1-Isn't there already too many things to bet on? Do we really need to be able to gamble on people who are already marginalized in society? 2-Most of these people already have a hard time with the pressure they feel without knowing that somebody will lose money if they don't win their event. 3-Greedy people have a way of interjecting themselves to take advantage of situations in order to profit. Why even open that door, even a crack? Bottom line, if there's even one reason to explain WHY this all makes sense, I'm all ears. There might be one arguable reason for it. The fact is, for any single reason that it might be ok, there's a dozen reasons why it's potentially a disaster waiting to happen. We're not talking about professional athletes, let alone college or high school athletes. The potential for doing undue harm far outweighs the risk. I can't actually believe there has even been discussions about it. Then, to think there are enough adults involved that see this as a beneficial business, I'm absolutely blown away. Imagine the dirtiest things people will do for money, and we all know that there are some seriously sick fucks out there. Why give that population any reason to get their greasy paws into something that they don't need to. I'm having a hard time coming up with words to describe just how idiotic this is. Let's hope somebody comes to their senses before anyone is victimized.
I appreciate your prespective on things for sure. I have zero interest in betting on this, so maybe the market will prove your theory to be correct. I agree there is a lot of pressure. Anyone who does get in their ear about bets being placed on them gets two thumbs down from me. I hear you and while I don't fully agree with the logic, I understand. Non-profits like Goodwill, PGA Tour, NCAA, mega-churches, and the Special Olympics, etc. walk the fine line of greedy people taking advantage of situations in order to profit. I'm curious if the amount of profit the Special Olympics makes bothers you as well. We both hope nobody is victimized or taken advantage of. Anyone who does so, is a sad sad person.
I'm just curious -if these organizations are 501 c3 non profits, who exactly is making the money other than the organization for use for their cause? Sincere question.
