Problems with Expanded Gambling
As I am sure you are aware, the Kentucky General Assembly has been called into special session by the governor this week to deal with a projected revenue shortfall for state government. The legislators will consider a number of issues but none more disturbing to me than the proposed expansion of gambling.There are many problems with expanded gambling but I would like to discuss a few and urge you to call your representatives and senators as soon as possible to make your voice heard. Time is of the essence as this special session is only scheduled for this week and next.
Gambling expansion is very dangerous because families will be targeted. Families will be hit by increased levels of bankruptcy, divorce, spousal abuse, child neglect, crime and suicide.
Everyone talks about the billions of dollars that will be raised through expanded gambling over the years, but who will provide the billions? Gambling doesn't create any new wealth; it only makes wealth change hands.
The billions of dollars that proponents say will be raised over the years is just a shift of money from families into the hands of the gambling industry. The government gets a share by taxing the exchange of money. The bottom line is that families pick up the whole tab, and tragically, government, which is charged with protecting families, maneuvers to "get in on the action."
Another major concern is that problem gambling and gambling addiction rates will increase dramatically. Most of the profit made by gambling facilities is taken from those who live within 50 miles and have become addicted or problem gamblers.
It is anticipated that about 80,000 families will be devastated due to addiction and problem gambling. The social costs will be enormous in terms of lost productivity, court costs, welfare, rehabilitation, theft, crime, etc.
Slot machines are the most addictive of all gambling devices. They are programmed to let people almost win so they keep returning to lose more. Players do win sometimes but problem and addicted gamblers usually do not walk away until they have lost more than they can afford.
Gambling interests are engaged in a highly financed media campaign to influence our state legislators to support expanded gambling. Your voice of opposition is all that we have to offer but it is the most effective means of communicating to government leaders.
I urge you to call your legislators today to let them know your opposition to expanded gambling and to encourage others to do the same. It only takes a few minutes to call the Legislative Message Line at 800-372-7181. If you don’t know the names of your legislators, the operators will assist you in reaching the correct individuals with your message.
0 Comments
posted by: Dr. Bill Mackey on June 16th, 2009