During difficult times, scams will be everywhere also gambling dens. They proliferate with the backing of politicians wielded through the police force or other law enforcers. Of course, the payolas to the politicos are never small. In fact, they are always the biggest winners in such operations. They assume no risk. It is the capitalist operators who do that by putting out the seed capital which, supposedly, they might end up losing. But that never really happens as things are tilted in their favor.
As to the political backers who only make sure of the continuity of the operation, the payola or the grease money they receive are just delivered to their door step periodically. They would come in sacks or in “maletas” or big suitcases to borrow from flood control project speak.
As to the betting public, fortunes are made, rather, futures are broken for the whole thing, to repeat, is always tilted in favor of the gambling lords. Would they venture into such operations if that is not the case? Where will the big protection money, in the millions, come from?
Why don’t the public see that? Gullible that people are, they are easily blindsided by the jackpot returns promised. In a short while they would be addicted and would keep coming back. They would sell everything they could to get even or to get back their losses. Which never happens in a meaningful way. The operators are smart enough though to make them taste some winnings but these are only meant to keep their appetites whetted for them to keep the dice rolling.
With technology now being used in a widespread manner by all sorts of people, the gambling epidemic has become grand in scale, reaching all corners. In seconds, big money are lost and won. Appetites of patrons remain whetted, before they know it, they would have already lost millions. For the vast majority, too late the hero. The bet money are already gone forever, along with their bettors’ future.
Such is the reality of difficult times. There would be scammers every minute. In every street corner. Offers will be spread out before your eyes. Either you take it or you don’t. The choice is yours. There is one rule of thumb to remember. If there is big easy money to be made, don’t bite. Walk away no matter how sweet the offer is. Offerors are always glib tongued, their tongues are coated with honey. Victims are often defenseless or practically helpless.**