Student gets prison time for bank robbery.

[JK.]

Just read this article above,about the Lehigh student,Gregory Hogan Jr.,who robbed a bank after losing all his money playing poker on the Internet.Whilst I think that we are responsible for our actions because of our character and personality,does excessive gambling and losing drive us to desperate actions?Would Gregory have robbed the bank if he did not play poker?Are we all capable of these actions if we have continuous loses whilst gambling?I wonder.About 15 years ago a grandmother in Adelaide,robbed 16 banks (armed holdup,yes armed holdup)because she was desperate to feed her slots habit.She went for 45 years raising children and being a good member of the society,until she started gambling.Was this criminal streak in her all the time,just waiting to come out?Can we blame desperate decissions and anty social behaviour on gambling and playing poker,or is it something we are born with?What do you think?

[mfrumar]

storyDoes anybody else find it a little ironic that after the report on this story on PNEWS it says:Ed note: Party Poker have multiple tables available at every limit, 24 hours a day.?

[Arlene1995]

Would it be different if he was a herion or crack addict that robbed the bank and blamed his drug habit for “making” him steal.We are all responsible for our actions and ultimately have to wear whatever ramifications result from our actions.There are many options and choices we take and make in our lives – yes, there are some things that happen to us are beyond our control and some are born with addictive personalites – but ultimately we choose what path we take.T

[TommyL]

its a sad story whenever somebody who has any sort of addiction feels that they have to resort to such extremes to get by, but to blame it on gambling or drugs is a bit of a cop out in my opinion, a bit like marge simpson and GAMBLOR.The previous posterhad it right when they said we are responsible for our own actions , however clouded our judgement may be.

[Trent]

JK, studies have shown that about 1% of persons that partake in gambling activities become problem gamblers. 99% of punters can enjoy this activity without any qualms.I know a few people, that if gambling was illegal, or not as easily accessible, they may still have a house. The same probably goes with this kid and that grandma; they wouldn't be robbing banks if it wasn't for gambling.The question is do we restrict gambling because of this? I think it would be going to far, for the sake of this 1%.Trent.

[Coeus1]

Thats ridiculous to blame gambling the reason for the robbery.When are people going to take responsibility for their own actions.The only time people are pushed towards crime is because of monetary issues. Why would I rob a bakn if I have money?Why would I commit to a life of crime if I am rish?Only poor rob banks with guns. Now, the rish. Well... they do it behind closed doors. In their suits too.

[JK.]

Arlene 1995(hope this is not your year of birth),I agree with you completely.In my mind,we are all ultimately responsible for our actions.What bothers me is the fact that rich people never rob banks.Now lets say ,we smoke Marihuana.Marihuana does not give you S.Paranoia but if you have the capability for S.Paranoia and the symptoms, it enchances your chances of developing this mental disorder. Does gambling do the same?

[Coeus1]

Holy cow,Excuse the spelling

[JK.]

No broblem Coeus1,I am not much better.I have been a gambler all my life and I have never robbed a bank.Why?Is it because I am afraid of being caught or is it because in my mind,it is wrong to rob a bank?I run a poker room and have been involved with gambling a long time.In that time I have met many characters who steal,beg and "rob" other player but not banks.Are they afraid of being caught or is it easier to scam other players?

[LostRaces]

Hello JK Believe it or not I wasnt ignoring this article, this is the first I have heard of it, so thank you. Is poker to blame? Possibly.Is gambling to blame? Definitely somewhat.However I believe in the opening paragraphs of the article it mentions that the student robbed the bank 'to pay off loans' as a result of online poker, or words to that affect. I would like to know where a student was getting loans from and how/why? In my mind this plays a significant part in the whole story. I believe this information would better allow us to judge who is to blame. Cheers JK