Election results

The bad economy has seemed to make voters even more willing to approve gambling as a means of raising state revenue.  Sadly, the choice is framed repeatedly as raising taxes, cutting services, or legalizing gambling, and voters are persuaded to accept the harm unleashed on those for whom the availability of gambling represents an unending nightmare.

Maryland approved the installation of up to 15,000 slot machines at five sites around the state; Colorado approved a loosening of gambling restrictions (casinos can add more games, stay open 24 hours, and take bets of up to $100 rather than a maximum of $5).  Missouri, which has set a positive example for the nation by requiring player ID for entry in order to enforce loss limits of $500 every two hours, repealed the loss limits.  I believe this change will also end the ID requirement, potentially making Missouri’s self-exclusion program as toothless as everyone else’s.  Happily, Ohio and Maine defeated casino initiatives.  Arkansas became the 43rd state to approve a lottery.

I have drafted an essay summarizing the national gambling scene post-election and calling for us to recognize how gambling contributes to our economic problems and move our policies in a different direction.  It’s under consideration for publication, and available to you on request in the meantime.

Allegheny County legislators want even more gambling

A bunch of Allegheny County House Democrats, led by Frank Dermody (D-Oakmont), think we don’t have enough gambling yet.  Just before Election Day they introduced a bill to permit every Allegheny County establishment with a liquor license to have up to three gambling machines.

The legislation won’t move this month because the State Senate has resolved not to come back into session, but you can expect to see it again in 2009.  Call your legislators to oppose this bill and tell them that, in view of the fiasco-filled history of Pennsylvania’s slots law, they should be rolling back gambling, not expanding it.

Chinatown fights back

The proposal to move one of Philadelphia’s casinos-to-be from the waterfront to the edge of Philly’s Chinatown neighborhood has sparked well-earned ire.  Asian-Americans are disproportionately prone to gambling addiction, and some Chinatown leaders are decrying this serious threat to their community.  Today’s Post-Gazette had an article on the situation.  For an excellent commentary by a well-informed Asian American from Boston:

Ideas for Web site update?

The No Dice Web site needs an update.  I hope to get my daughter to install recent newsletters after her calculus test tomorrow, but we’d love your ideas for a more substantial overhaul before the end of the year.

Public event?

One of our most faithful supporters recently wrote to suggest holding a large public event to educate local leaders about the impact of gambling on families and communities and how they can take a stand against it.  I’d be interested in your ideas.  Is it worth doing?  Would you attend?  Do you think you could get pastors, counselors, or other community leaders to come?  If we held such an event, what should we cover?  Your input would be greatly appreciated.

News articles

Oklahoma, which has more than 60 Indian casinos, is experiencing an epidemic of embezzlements.  A U.S. attorney says gambling is the reason:

http://www.muskogeephoenix.com/local/local_story_315002013.html

A Baltimore blogger disappointed about the Maryland election result describes with thorough documentation who is hurt by gambling:

http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/news/local/rodricks/blog/2008/11/dixons_and_omalleys_shame.html