The Sinister Side of Politics: Scandals Involving Gambling

The junction of politics and gambling has sometimes resulted in well-publicized scandals damaging leaders’ reputation and erasing public confidence. These scandals can span moral lapses to complete corruption.

The Consequences of Gaming Scandals

Notable Gamble Scandals

• Played in high stakes, this poker tournament features well-known politicians and lobbyists including former U.S. Senator Ted Stevens.
• Politicians have been linked in several nations rigging lottery games either for personal benefit or to help particular groups or individuals.
• Politicians have been charged with participation in sports betting scandals including match-fixing or insider trading.

The Effects of Gaming Scandals

Gamblers’ scandals can sour public confidence in institutions and political leaders.

Legal and ethical consequences could follow from politicians engaged in gambling scandals: fines, jail, or office disqualification.

Damage to reputation of politicians which they could suffer by association even if they are not personally involved in illicit activity.

Skills to Acquired

In order to stop next gambling crises, one must:

• Strict ethical rules should be followed for public servants and politicians.
• Encourage openness in public and governmental funds.
• Enact and implement stricter rules on gaming operations, including political money and lobbying.
• Encourage politicians to give public interest top priority above their own.

Last Insights

Dealing with these problems will help us to create a political scene with more ethical transparency.