Top 10 Reasons to Oppose More Gambling

Details

Created on Tuesday, 21 February 2012 17:58

Top 10 Reasons to Oppose More State-Authorized Gambling

10. It is probably unconstitutional. The voters in November 1988 never imagined that the lottery amendment to our state’s constitution would open the door to video slots in a Vegas-style casino, or a wireless tablet circulating at your local Applebees.

9. If sited in a downtown, a couple years after the glitzy ribbon-cutting, any host city will have a whole new set of problems to contend with, setting back economic development efforts.

8. It is a capitulation to the erosion of public stewardship and our sinking commitment to the common good.

7. It will spawn a new lobbying force to protect the industry and eventually expand it into new areas.

6. It exacts a high toll from people who can least afford losses.

5. 48% of casino revenues come from problem gamblers. The business model is pernicious.

4. Gambling may very well result in loss in general tax revenues due to gambling’s drag on the economy. See Arizona.

3. The escalation of gambling advertising sends a terrible message to the public about prosperity and how to obtain it.

2. Electronic gambling machines are the most addictive form of gambling. Casino slots and electronic pull-tabs both allow rapid play.

1. Social costs outweigh social benefits by about 3:1. The problem with gambling is no one does the math!!

Brian Rusche
Executive Director

(Photo Source)