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ACTION
ALERT
Casino Gambling
Contact
Louise Haldeman, Casino Gambling
Specialist
URGENT: It's with a strong
sense of urgency that I write this action alert. Few votes in the Legislature
will have such lasting effects on the state's economic, cultural and social
fabric as will the Governor's proposal to bring three mega casinos to Massachusetts.
Since you play an influential role in
shaping public opinion in your communities, this issue needs your serious
attention and energy.
Background: With budget
deficits looming in Massachusetts, exploring alternative revenue sources is
understandable. However, legislators should not be solving budget gaps with
voluntary losses of money by their most gullible constituents.
Talking Points:
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Gambling is no substitute for an equitable tax system or
a reasonable tax policy.
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Gambling revenues are an inequitable and regressive kind
of tax as well as a poor, unreliable and unpredictable source of revenue.
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The estimated $400 million to be raised in “new
revenues” by legalizing slot machines in Massachusetts will mostly come from
working families and senior citizens.
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Gamblers will have to lose over $2 billion for the state
to reap $400 million in revenue.
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Out-of-state residents will contribute a small
percentage of the slot revenue but the major portion of the money will come
from Bay State residents; research indicates that 85% of the gambling patrons
in states with slot machines live locally within 45 minutes.
Won’t casinos provide ancillary
economic benefits to Massachusetts?
It has been argued that casinos provide ancillary economic benefits,
particularly jobs, for the communities in which they are set. Although a new
facility will bring jobs initially, particularly in the construction phase,
experience suggests an ultimate net loss in jobs. Expanded gambling did not
bring the promised economic development to Mississippi, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota
or Wisconsin. Why would Massachusetts be any different?
In Connecticut, with the world's two
largest casinos, the state Legislature, with the Governor's support, voted a few
months back to repeal its Las Vegas Night Law in an attempt to keep more casinos
from being built within its borders. The business community also opposed
additional casinos because legalized slot machines and casinos had hurt small
businesses. A hundred dollars spent in a slot machine is a hundred dollars that
is not spent in a local restaurant, theater or retail store.
Can casino gambling be contained in
the state once it is legalized?
The problem of containing, moderating, and fixing the limits of gambling gets
worse once Class III gambling (slot machines) is legalized. Under the federal
Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, if Class III gambling is legalized in
Massachusetts, any recognized Native American Tribe can also engage in the same
level of gambling. Although currently Massachusetts has only one recognized
Native American tribe, six more await federal recognition.
What are the social problems associated with casino gambling?
Last but not least, the social problems
associated with casinos should not be overlooked. While most people who frequent
casinos do so responsibly, a significant number become compulsive gamblers.
Gambling triggers addiction and this addiction has become an epidemic,
especially among younger people. Gambling also attracts crime, victimizes the
poor and presents a poor example to our children. Legalizing slots and casinos
will also amplify family instability, including violence in the home and
bankruptcy. Additionally, casinos will attract drugs and prostitution.
Addressing theses problems will cost the state money.
What about
the Massachusetts Lottery?
While the League has never supported the concept of a lottery as a revenue
source, it cannot be denied that the Massachusetts lottery has been successful
and is the main source of local aid ($899 million last year). Slot machines and
casinos will threaten the lottery, and there is no guarantee that equal revenues
would be generated.
What you should do now?
The issue of casino gambling through the governor's proposal will be considered
by the legislature in the coming months.
I urge you to let your legislators know that you oppose legalizing casino and
slot machine gambling and ask them to oppose it as well. Elected officials can
represent their constituents best only if they know where their constituents
stand on the issues. Voice your opinion. Make your voice count!
Use our sample letter for your Senator
click here and Representative
click here
To find contact
information for your legislators
click here
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