Gambling…still on legislative agenda

From Fall 2009 "Intersect"

Gambling proponents continue to propose the expansion of gambling here in Massachusetts as a means to raise revenue for the Commonwealth.  Proponents, including the speaker of the House, Representative Robert DeLeo, believes slot machines are the future of gambling expansion and promises to bring such proposals before the legislature this fall.

In national news: Slots were voted down in the Senate in Kentucky, despite a desperate plea that slots were essential to saving horse racing, which is a high industry there.

Slots and casinos were voted down in New Hampshire.

Twin Rivers Casino slot parlors in Rhode Island have filed for bankruptcy and called for a massive government bailout (again).

Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun in Connecticut continue to face a decline in their revenue, seeking new ways to be competitive in the gambling market in the northeast.

All these factors continue to portray an understanding that gambling revenue is neither dependable or a prudent means to raise revenue for the common good.  We, too, know that slot technology gets people to play longer, faster, and more intensively.  Known as “the crack cocaine of gambling”, slot machines and other electronic devices are explicitly designed to be addictive.  Eighty percent of all gambling profits are generated by these machines and 90% of casino profits come from 10% of the gamblers.

The Rev. Bob Massie, an Episcopal priest, former candidate for Lieutenant Governor, and a leading opponent of gambling expansion writes “No state has ever introduced slot machines and then been able to get rid of them.  It is not only the people who get addicted to them – the state does too.  The short term gain (licensing fees, construction jobs) fades away and the state is left holding a heavy bag of long term pain – broken promises and broken people.”

Once again, we note that the logic of raising revenue for the common good that has a social cost, a cost that hurts, and in some cases destroys human life, is morally reprehensible.  We invite you to join with other Christians in making a difference in stopping predatory gambling.

Join us today by:

• Contacting your state legislators. To find your State Senator and State Representative in General Court, visit www.wheredoivotema.com and then call the House switchboard at 617-722-2000 and Senate at 617-722-1276.   You can call the Governor at 617-725-4000.
• Offer to host a community meeting at your church.  MCC and Casino Free Mass staff are able to come lead a discussion on predatory gambling.  To set up a meeting, please email louise@masscouncilofchurches.org.
• Join our petition campaign.  A copy of the petition may be found at www.masscouncilofchurches.org/Casinos.htm.  Print out the petition and invite member of your congregation to sign the petition.  Forward signed petitions to the Council at 14 Beacon St., Ste. 416, Boston, MA 02108