There are a number of things that cycle because the solution ends up being successful enough that the next generation doesn't realize there is a problem being solved. Chesterton's Fence, except on a generational timescale it's Chesterton's Oscillating Fence.

100% squashing gambling has generally not been successful, but the strategy of fencing it away from most of society and keeping it in a set of defined places that require people to actively seek it out has been successful enough that people forget why we don't allow gambling in every convenience store in the country. I'd say the additional "convenience" of having it in your pocket all the time is a new nuance, but doesn't necessarily change the fundamental equations.

We will relearn. Our grandchildren will forget again. (Unless things have really changed.)

> we don't allow gambling in every convenience store in the country

In Ontario we do allow gambling in every convenience store in the province.

There are scratch tickets right there on the counter. There's the OLG machine for printing and checking lottery tickets and sports betting.

It has been this way for as long as I can remember, but it's never been in your face like the last few years.

Maybe we'll start repurposing the washrooms and stock rooms for poker tournaments soon.