I have read many studies and analyzed data from government-run reports and
additional, unbiased entities such as state universities. The following
conclusions seem irrefutable;
Data prove that slot machine adoption does NOT lead to increased crime. There
are simply too many examples of cities and towns where crime has
DECREASED--many times significantly--after the expansion of gambling to
conclude anything else. Opponents state crime will rise even when several
communities saw their crime rates cut in half, including cities in states as
diverse as Florida, West Virginia, and Delaware. Crime increases are mainly
caused by large urban populations, joblessness, and poor police presence. The
proximity of a casino has no bearing on levels of crime.
The fears and claims of "cannibalizing our local businesses" is the biggest lie
put forth by the opposition, as slot machine gambling has increased tourism and
enhanced the local communities wherever they have been adopted. Towns that
were poised on bankruptcy in states such as West Virginia, Delaware and
Pennsylvania have become booming economies and tourist attractions, drawing
national events & millions of tourists. Bangor, Maine has also seen a boom in
their local community, with restaurants, hotels and shopping centers getting a
lift (proven by a recent study). In these trying economic times, it makes all
the sense in the world.
The creation of a racino or casino creates thousands of well-paying JOBS! New
hampshire is sitting at an unemployment rate of 7% and climbing, even as the
national average drops slightly. Pennsylvania created 8,000 jobs due to the
adoption of slot machines, with a potential 4,500 more on the way for legalized
table games. To ignore this fact when the state is desperate for employment is
criminal! Another important factor to consider is that within a 50-mile radius
of a casino unemployment benefits and welfare benefits are decreased, as the
casinos employ so many workers. Some members on this forum have tried
suggesting that casinos cause MORE welfare, which is completely false!
Some folks have suggested that estimated revenues from slot machines in New
Hampshire are grossly inflated, or that it is not a sustainable from of
revenue. Just open your eyes and look at the proof all across the country!
Delaware has had slot machine wagering since 1995 and they continue to produce
an average of $250 million annually to state coffers. Pennsylvania expanded a
few years ago and revenues continue to climb. In January, 2010 ALONE the state
received $101 million from gambling dollars (up 9% from the same month last
year). Pennsylvania enjoyed $1.22 billion from gambling in the last fiscal
year. For many of the 39 states with slot machine wagering, the revenues are
the third-highest chunk of their budget behind only income and sales taxes.
Staes such as Maine and South Dakota have been able to cut property taxes by
20% due to gambling revenue. Anybody who continues to suggest NH can continue
balancing a budget without either expanded gambling or a sales or income tax is
delusional. And the people have spoken clearly that they prefer gambling!
The social problems that are continuously cited are also overstated.
Everything from bankruptcy to rape have been blamed directly on slot machines,
with very little reliable data to sustain any of these misconceptions. Sure,
there are people who live high-risk lifestyles, and they are more prone to
gambling addictions. But gambling, alone, is not the root of the problem for
most pathological gamblers...they have many co-existing mental conditions from
anxiety to drug addiction. They are more prone to child and spousal abuse,
suicide, and a multitude of psychotic disorders. Blaming the problems on slot
machines is a complete lie...it is simply an incidental effect of their
existing conditions. Only through treatment can these folks have any hint of a
normal life...and the expansion of gambling in NH offers 1% of the revenue
towards such programs (that are currently unavailable). The anecdotal stories
of the town employee that embezzled $100K to gamble at Foxwoods is very
touching, indeed...but what about the millions of people who gamble responsibly
or the tens of thousands of New Hampshire citizens out of work? Do the same
people give a damn about these groups of individuals?
In summary, there are 39 states with slot machine wagering, and the number
seems to grow every year. None have repealed their existence because the
revenues generated are staggering and the social issues are minimal or
nonexistent. Tourism has also boomed in every location that has adopted slot
machine wagering. In addition, New Hampshire already has gambling in many
guises, from horse racing to table games and the lottery. To suggest adding
slot machines will create major issues is absurd. Do these folks not
understand that any NH citizen can easily jump on a bus or train and take the
(nearly) free trek to Foxwoods or Mohegan Sun Casinos? We are stopping NOBODY
from gambling or slot machines...we are merely impeding jobs, tourism and
staggering revenue to the state. End the absurdity and pass this bill already!
We property owners have spoken!
