The article alerts to the social degradation caused by the proliferation of gambling in Portugal, designating it as "the poor man's tax." The text identifies scratch cards as one of the greatest scourges affecting the most sensitive and fragile fringe of Portuguese society, namely the poor who dream of no longer being poor.
According to the article, Portugal leads per capita spending in Europe on this form of gambling, transforming what should be entertainment into a serious public health challenge. The country allows gambling in virtually all commercial establishments, and although the sale to minors under 18 is theoretically prohibited, the author considers this prohibition is not effectively enforced.
The author also criticizes the Portuguese justice system, arguing that it is swift to pursue those who work legally, but turns a blind eye to those who enrich themselves at the expense of others' addiction and desperation. He argues that if games are to exist, they must operate under strict rules, in specialized, monitored, and controlled venues.
The article concludes that the unbridled promotion of gambling removes the incentive for serious, honest, and fairly rewarded work, considering that without valuing this legitimate path to prosperity, the country will not be able to overcome the effects of misery.
