Casino gambling a bad bet for Georgia
Three casinos, including one in metro Atlanta, could produce a billion dollars a year for state government, predicts a study commissioned by the Georgia Lottery Corporation.
Now, a billion dollars is a lot of money these days. It could pay a lot of teachers and build a lot of schools, although Georgia legislators would no doubt prefer to use the money to reduce or eliminate state taxes on business.
But is legalized gambling likely to happen? The early line from oddsmakers says no, given the power of religious conservatives in the state. And while I tend to agree with that, money in amounts beginning in “B” has a way of changing minds. For example, while those same religious conservatives have a lot of sway in neighboring Alabama, the casino industry has made serious inroads there in recent years. How? Well, a federal corruption prosecution is now underway in our neighboring state, focusing on charges that legislators were bribed to cast pro-gambling votes.
In the study commissioned by the lottery corporation, the danger of corruption is addressed with admirable frankness. It recognizes that when billions of dollars of private profit depend on decisions made by government officials, money has a way of moving from pocket to pocket. The best guarantee against that danger, it says, is to instill a mindset that “the goal of (gaming) regulators is not to maximize revenue, but to enforce the rules.”
That’s a problem. On a variety of fronts, from environmental protection to consumer affairs, Georgia elected officials tend to take the opposite view, choosing to prioritize revenue over rules. That doesn’t exactly instill a lot of confidence in how well they’d handle gambling.
In addition, while the lottery study looks only at three casinos operating slot machines and video gambling, it’s foolish to think it would end there.
“Slippery-slope” arguments are overused, but in this case that slope is as well-worn and obvious as a ski-run. In state after state, video gambling clears the path to table-gambling; one casino eases the way to three casinos to 10 casinos. The promise of easy money, for governments and private investors alike, becomes too hard to resist.
The lobbying underway to legalize horseracing in Georgia is driven by that same dynamic. I’m a big fan of horseracing; there’s nothing like standing at the rail watching those beautiful animals pound their way to the finish line. But horse tracks have been closing all over the country. Even in states such as Kentucky, where the roots of the industry are deep, the tracks that survive — so-called “racinos” — do so not on horse-racing revenue but because they install thousands of slot machines.
It’s also important to think carefully about the economic and cultural impact of casinos, because the gaming industry casts a large shadow where other things have trouble growing. Go to gambling towns such as Reno or Atlantic City, and you’ll notice that outside the casinos there is almost no commercial activity. Casinos do everything in their power to keep visitors and their dollars contained on-site. As a result, you see few independent restaurants, hotels, bars and entertainment facilities.
The same is true of a major city such as Las Vegas. Even with a low tax structure made possible by gaming revenue, traditional industries have been reluctant to locate there because the casino culture is so dominant.
In fact, as someone who lived and worked in Las Vegas for several years, I’d align myself with religious conservatives on this one. It’s hard to quantify, but beyond the surface din of excitement, there’s an underlying sadness to casino towns that money just doesn’t alleviate. There are some things more important than money.
– Jay Bookman
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295 comments Add your comment
Guy Incognito
October 28th, 2011
9:29 am
Paul
“one isn’t Budweiser”
Especially now that Inbev owns them
carlosgvv
October 28th, 2011
9:31 am
USinUK
So how is gambling in the UK? Is there a nationwide policy or, does it vary from section to section?
Talking Head
October 28th, 2011
9:33 am
So casinos are a bad idea because it:
1.) Could bring up to $1 billion a year in tax revenue
2.) Provide thousands of jobs in a state with over 10% unemployement
3.) Produce additional downstream revenue for other businesses in proximity to the casinos
Yeah, that sounds awful
ByteMe
October 28th, 2011
9:36 am
We can resolve this pretty quickly. All we need are a wayward band of American Indians willing to trade a little land (possibly in the middle of nowhere) for a chunk of the Buckhead construction zone. Oh, and a Buckhead developer willing to accept that trade. Instant casino!
AmVet
October 28th, 2011
9:37 am
Paul, even though you are clearly an evil man, LOL!
I’m pretty neutral about the Rangers. There is a lot to like about some of their players and the days of GWB being involved are so long gone, at least that stench has dissipated!
As for that “beverage” that you mentioned…
http://i1.cpcache.com/product/181113775/life_is_too_short_beer_tshirt.jpg?color=Cardinal
Good little liberal
October 28th, 2011
9:37 am
Wow Jay. You sure left out a lot of facts.
The casinos would be regulated by the georgia lottery commission. The “slot machines” are simply scratch off cards, distributed by machine instead of the sleazy guy at the 7-11.
Georgia already has legalized gambling. This just puts it in a nice, family friendly environment.
Here is a link to a system that is the model for the promoters:
http://www.doverdowns.com/hotel/?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=dover%20downs&utm_content=Dover+Downs&utm_campaign=Dover+Downs+Targets
There are several entities pushing the “casinos”, at least one of them local. The outsiders like Harrah’s will try to push expanding into card gaming. You just need to get the local guys to do it and have them regulated
You are either purposefully distorting the issue or you just don’t know what you are talking about.
Generation$crewed
October 28th, 2011
9:37 am
Jm
October 28th, 2011
9:21 am
Are You near the Hard Rock Casino near Miramar, or up near the Seminole Casino in Palm Beach?
Anytime I am down near Miramar for work i make sure to make a stop by the Hard Rock casino, hotel and the shops that surround it.
ByteMe
October 28th, 2011
9:38 am
BTW, for those who think that casinos are great for jobs, think about the type of jobs that’s being created. Low-end seasonal hospitality jobs, which are the worst-paying jobs out there. They pay even less than being a UPS driver, that low. Those kind of jobs in mass quantity do not help out an area’s employment situation and don’t attract high-end businesses looking for quality employees.
godless heathen
October 28th, 2011
9:39 am
Wow, an issue that the thumpers and the neo-libs agree on.
Both anti-freedom.
Jm
October 28th, 2011
9:40 am
Mick 9:22
I’d say kudos to republicans offering $600 billion in new revenue. I think that disproved jay’s point last night.
And while I think it’s nice that the total Dem deficit reduction is larger than the Republican one, I think the Republican savings are more real. Somehow Dems saved $2T without hardly touching Medicare. That stinks of “bogus”.
Paul
October 28th, 2011
9:40 am
AmVet
I’m rooting before them because you gotta go for the home team. Plus I like the idea of a first national title.
Lived for a very short while outside Cedar City, UT. Gateway to Bryce and Zion (did you know the little college there is home to one of the few Shakespearian festivals in the US – with a replica of the Bard’s theatre at Stratford? People come from all over the world for the plays). Anyhow, waaay back then you could park your car just about anywhere and walk around. When I was a kid we used to camp at national parks – pull the trailer onto a field and spend a few days. It was great.
Matti Against the Machine
October 28th, 2011
9:40 am
I’m agin’ it! The the lying b–tard proponents will CLAIM the money will be used for schools, roads, firemen, reservoirs, etc., but we know better. The lying b–tard opponents will CLAIM they oppose it on faith-based, moralistic grounds, but we know better.
The people who really want this in Georgia: The privatized PRISON industry, and the state officials to whom they kick back.
Let’s tell the lying b–tards we want to produce things in Georgia instead!
2Many
October 28th, 2011
9:42 am
What the state needs is far, far fewer employees. Check out the so-called Sloppy Floyd Towers, the DOT, the DOE, etc. They’re walking all over each other. Nothing but pure waste. Let state government purge itself of unnecessary workers, and then we’ll talk taxes.
Good little liberal
October 28th, 2011
9:43 am
ByteMe
If you can come up with a way to put people to work at 50 grand a year, lets hear it. Any job is a good job in this Obama economy
Mick
October 28th, 2011
9:44 am
paul
Something about zion that is really mystical, one of the coolest parks that I have ever travelled thru. Thanks for the info about that college, I’ll make sure to put that on the to do list if I’m out there and the timing works…
ByteMe
October 28th, 2011
9:45 am
GLL: you mean the economy that Bush left us with as he slunk out of town, right? No, of course not.
And, no, not every job is equal. Those that keep a person employed 40-hours a week 250 days a year — which is what seasonal hospitality jobs can’t do — are needed. You’re the genius rock-thrower, you come up with a smart way to put more people to work.
Jm
October 28th, 2011
9:46 am
G$ I’m not really a gambler….. All I know is they’re supposedly about to build a new one in Miami. Equally controversial.
Paul
October 28th, 2011
9:47 am
In related news, Republican Candidate Joe Barton, he of the “we’re soooo sorry how we’re treating you, BP” and “so what’s a bit of pollution? We don’t need no stinkin’ EPA” is now pushing legalized Internet gambling. Poker.
http://www.star-telegram.com/2011/10/25/3473329/barton-pushes-bill-to-legalize.html
I suppose the family that gambles together, stays together?
Mick
October 28th, 2011
9:47 am
generation
I was an unpaid extra on a tom cruise film this past summer at the hard rock. I’ll be curious to see if I can grab at least 1/100 of a second of celluloid immortality…
amvet
todd rungren, john fogarty in november and alice cooper in december…
Jm
October 28th, 2011
9:48 am
Roll call says republicans offered $800B in tax revenue
Why are dems the party of no?
Good little liberal
October 28th, 2011
9:49 am
ByteMe
Bla, bla, bla. Lets see how that holds up next year, FOUR years after Bush left office and SIX years after Pelosi and Reid took over.
Not every job is equal, but having no job and having a job is also not equal. Casinos hire people at every level. Health Insurance for families, retirement. Sure tell the people that have no jobs that this just isn’t what they want.
ByteMe
October 28th, 2011
9:49 am
Jm, they’ve been trashing the place since the early ’80’s. I have no doubt they want to do it with a casino or 3 next. I grew up there… can’t stomach going back much since they started killing the place.
Adam
October 28th, 2011
9:50 am
Jm: The fact that you are attempting to turn around the “party of no” phrase onto the Democrats lets me know two things:
1) You know the Republicans have blocked everything they could, and
2) You know damn well that it’s wrong.
TaxPayer
October 28th, 2011
9:51 am
Sounds like GLL needs to visit some of Georgia’s farms. I hear they still have good jobs that need to be filled.
md
October 28th, 2011
9:52 am
Sounds like all the same arguments used before the Lottery……..yet most folks now love the Hope.
Seeing as how folks that want to gamble are free to do so in the State of their choice, to me it makes no sense to let the money leave.
Good little liberal
October 28th, 2011
9:52 am
Adam
If blocking Obamas programs have been so wrong, why haven’t any that he got through worked?
Good little liberal
October 28th, 2011
9:53 am
TaxPayer
Working in a casino and working on farms is a bit different. You should get out more.
Mick
October 28th, 2011
9:54 am
jm
The location they are going to be using for these casino’s is perfect. The genting group (asian conglomerate) bought the miami herald building on biscayne bay, and the omni complex which has been an empty flop for the past decade. Their architechture is very futuristic, I say go for it, miami is an international city, might as well complete the circle…
Jm
October 28th, 2011
9:54 am
Oh this is funny. There’s absolutely nothing behind the $1T in dem tax revenues other than another new commission to “find tax revenues”
Roll call
ByteMe
October 28th, 2011
9:54 am
Yes, GLL, let’s talk about that after, say, 8-10 years, which is the normal time it takes for a credit crisis to resolve itself. Oh, that’s right, you’d rather do historical revisionism and act like nothing was bad on January 20, 2009.
As for the jobs, you really think that a single casino that might employ 2000 people will do ANYTHING to dent an unemployment rate above 10%? As Jay pointed out: casinos aren’t into being good friends with the businesses around them, so very little additional throw-off… except some tax revenue for the state that they’ll spend on boat ramps in the middle of nowhere or a golf course in the governor’s back yard or some such boondoggle.
ragnar danneskjold
October 28th, 2011
9:54 am
No strong feeling on this one. I visited a casino in 1972 for a couple of hours. Didn’t do anything for me. The libertarian in me says this is an area where I would not wish to see tax dollars spent, either way.
Paul
October 28th, 2011
9:54 am
Sorry, Republican CONGRESSMAN Joe Barton
bob from account temps
October 28th, 2011
9:55 am
will the lottery commission oversee the operations? will the profits still go to the things the law currently allows? why do we need more schoo;ls and teachers?
Tancred
October 28th, 2011
9:56 am
It’s not a secret that the bulk of spending on lottery tickets in The ATL is made by black folk. All those folks already ARE addicted, which is good for all the HOPE “scholars” in the State, but the ticket buyers spend way more than they win; hence the built-in bad odds. It’s not just preachers that are agin it, but those who believe in social justice too. Ever see those little magic booklets they sell for a dollar or two that purport to have “winning” numbers based on some supernatural code? Just the fact that those exist and are actually purchased proves the ignorance of many of the lottery players. It’s sad, really.
Jm
October 28th, 2011
9:57 am
Mick 9:54
agreed. Lots of new jobs too. Miami does need non tourism jobs (higher end ones). But not every job can be lab scientist quality. I’m glad FL is working on and will continue building those high tech jobs too…..
People need jobs. Build it. Construction jobs, service jobs. Jobs jobs jobs
Paul
October 28th, 2011
9:57 am
Mick
You’re welcome.
http://www.bard.org/
Plays I saw, nearly all the actors came from NYC and such locales. University theatre majors.
md
October 28th, 2011
9:57 am
“Low-end seasonal hospitality jobs, which are the worst-paying jobs out there.”
I’m guessing that is a matter of perspective…….I’d guess that of the 20+ million unemployed out there, some would jump at the opportunity to have one of those crappy jobs……..
Tommy Maddox
October 28th, 2011
9:58 am
I agree with you Jay. While a few casinos might make the State some money, there’s always a seedy “something or another” that tags along with them.
Good little liberal
October 28th, 2011
9:59 am
ByteMe
January 2009 was a year after the Democrats passed the largest minimum wage increase in history. And even then unemployment was at 5%. It was a full year later that it reached critical.
And yes, it takes sometimes 8 years to completely recover after 8 years of slow improvement. So when do the business hating policies of Obama start improving anything except the size of our welfare system?
A Casino will give 2000 people jobs, incentive, hope. So by all means, lets block it. If there’s one thing we don’t need is improving the lives of Georgia’s citizens. And of course, theres the growth around the casino. Hotels, restaurants. Sure lets get rid of this idea. Let’s let the government take care of Georgia’s citizens.
TaxPayer
October 28th, 2011
10:01 am
GLL,
You’re the one proclaiming any job is a good job so what does it matter if it is a job in the fields or in a casino. The jobs in the fields are there right now waiting to be filled.
Jm
October 28th, 2011
10:02 am
Jay 9:25
I read that in it’s entirety earlier
Yes, Ryan isn’t swimming in private sector experience
But that column is long on hyperbole and short on facts
ByteMe
October 28th, 2011
10:03 am
Awww, GLL, what lovely revisionist nonsense. It’s almost like the Bush years of turning a regulatory blind eye to the financial industry while they gambled with taxpayer-backed money didn’t even happen.
Ok, we’re done. Reality isn’t your strong suit. Rock-throwing you’re good at, especially when it’s at “the other team” instead of your own team. But reality? Nah.
Darwin
October 28th, 2011
10:03 am
Could we enlist the help of Ralph Reed and the Christian Coaltion? Whose side they would be on is anyone’s guess.
TaxPayer
October 28th, 2011
10:04 am
The Republicans have offered nothing in the way of increased tax revenues.
md
October 28th, 2011
10:04 am
“While a few casinos might make the State some money, there’s always a seedy “something or another” that tags along with them.”
Been awhile since I ventured down Cheshire Bridge rd, but what is the difference?
Good little liberal
October 28th, 2011
10:04 am
TaxPayer
I’m the one that is saying that it is not my business to decide whether or not others want specific jobs. Its a shame that you feel that you should decide what others should or shouldn’t want.
I say open the casinos and if people don’t want the jobs, let them set on their butts, but I would bet that there will be many more apply for the jobs than the casino can provide.
AmVet
October 28th, 2011
10:05 am
Kneel Boar-tz has said so many stupid things in his days as a radio free-loader, it is amazing that I have ever agreed with him about anything.
But years ago, when it made it’s way here, he made this observation, “The lottery is a tax on stupid people.”
So are casinos.
But to the extent that another hovel like Atlantic City doesn’t pop up, what do I care?
Mick, rock on!
Are you seeing one of the four Utopia shows in the Sunshine State?
They come here on the 9th, and it will be completely insane.
The very first song on the very first Utopia LP was recorded live at the Fox Theater in late 1973. That venue is about 8 blocks from the venue for this year’s show.
The crowd is gonna go crazy…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndr14oaQVGI
Good little liberal
October 28th, 2011
10:05 am
ByteMe
Nice little adolescent digs. I’ll bet you are the king of the middle school playground. See you next year and then we can talk.
Talking Head
October 28th, 2011
10:07 am
GLL,
I’m with you, let’s scratch the whole free enterprize idea and just let the government control, excuse me, take care of us in the form of jobs, housing, food…it’s much much better this way.
getalife
October 28th, 2011
10:07 am
What a great game last night.
Oh. the drama.
Heading to the Voodoo fest and do some gambling at the Harrah’s.
Paulo977
October 28th, 2011
10:12 am
Matti Against
the Machine:Let’s tell the lying b–tards we want to produce things in Georgia instead
It ought to come down to what is in the well being of the state, oughtn’t it?
Good little liberal
October 28th, 2011
10:13 am
A couple of more points before I get back to work:
I see the debating level here has not improved. Byteme proved that.
The Casino proposal is about one complex, probably using the old AT&T complex which has stood empty for years. The Jimmy Carter area could use a shot in the arm. Why would anyone be against that?
Billions for the Hope and without it the program is doomed. It is already a partial scholarship so it is failing to help the poorest in georgia.
This is not about legalizing gambling. It is simply having a great environment to play the GEORGIA LOTTERY. It will be a great venue for entertainment and will draw people from all over the South to Atlanta, giving the Atlanta area a great shot in the arm.
Again, it is not legalizing gambling like the bible thumpers and apparently Jay wants you to believe.
Tommy Maddox
October 28th, 2011
10:13 am
Ooops – forgot that one; once the Varsity Jr. closed, I had dismissed the existence of Cheshire Bridge Road.
TaxPayer
October 28th, 2011
10:13 am
Its a shame that you feel that you should decide what others should or shouldn’t want.
It’s a shame that truth eludes you, GLL. Of course if you can point out where I made such a claim, I’ll be glad to take a look. By the way, how do you feel about abortions and gay marriage.
Mick
October 28th, 2011
10:15 am
amvet
Last saw todd with ringo and the all stars, missed him when he did sg peppers album, gonna try to catch him this time around. The bad thing is that it is on a weds. night, that always makes it more difficult…
TaxPayer
October 28th, 2011
10:15 am
I’m sure GLL just can’t wait to take his fambly on a night out to the casino. Loads of fun for boys and girls of all ages.
Good little liberal
October 28th, 2011
10:16 am
TaxPayer
How do you feel about our supporting the elements of radical Islam that now have control of the richest oil fields in the world? Is that the Hope or the Change?
You certainly haven’t changed. Still hysterical. Still very, very angry. Lighten up girl. We are about to get a new president!!!!
pat
October 28th, 2011
10:16 am
I just think gambling should be legal because it just should be. At some point there is a dimishing return though. There are only so many gamblers, you over build and you may not make the revenue up eventually.
bhorsoft
October 28th, 2011
10:16 am
I keep thinking of “Pottertown” in It’s a Wonderful Life. In visiting cities where gambling has been introduced I notice the overall quality of life seems to be lowered. On a visit to Atlantic City just after the casinos had been built, I noticed the board walk was glittery and nice, but 2 blocks away were abandoned and boarded up buildings and just a crushing poverty. This is one time I want to be a NIMBY.
md
October 28th, 2011
10:17 am
Thanks for that link Am……….brought back some memories……..I attended the ‘77 concert at the Fox…….
Good little liberal
October 28th, 2011
10:17 am
TaxPayer
its none of your business what I do with my family. Calm down. Take a deep breath and try to hide that hate and anger that frames you.
Mick
October 28th, 2011
10:19 am
Everybody uses atlantic city as a comparison but what would it be like if there were NO casino’s? Personally, I prefer point pleasant, seaside heights or cape may…
TaxPayer
October 28th, 2011
10:22 am
I see GLL has his panties knotted up quite well this morning.
Feel free to point out where I said what you claim I said any time, GLL. Come on now. You can do it. I rather expect you will choose to make another of your patented, trademarked GLL remarks instead.
Gale
October 28th, 2011
10:24 am
Very small gambling would give conventioneers something to do. But I agree it is not a path to lots of jobs. We need to build stuff in GA for jobs to come here and restart the economy. And I don’t mean the housing industry. We have a glut of houses now, and lots of green space gone forever. I don’t agree with the religious right on anything. Gambling is a vice I don’t care to regulate.
md
October 28th, 2011
10:25 am
Been on a few cruises……….the casino is no different than any other form of entertainment on the ship……..some go in, so sit by the pool, some play, some go to the other clubs…….
Just entertainment…….to each his own………but I do find it a bit interesting that it appears to be the left here that is arguing against……….isn’t that the party of “live and let live”?
Jim Turner I I I
October 28th, 2011
10:29 am
Jay, I don’t agree with you often but I certainly agree with you on this issue. Your last comment about the underlying sadness is “spot on”. I’ve seen enough misery in Georgia with the video machines.
TaxPayer
October 28th, 2011
10:30 am
I think we need to combine the gambling casinos with abortion clinics. Maybe even throw in gay marriages on Sunday afternoons. I mean, live and let live is my motto.
Mick
October 28th, 2011
10:32 am
md
Casino’s are all about choices, just because there is one near to me doesn’t mean I’m going to turn into a degenerate gambler. As I said earlier, I’m too cheap to be handing over my hard earned money…
Matti Against the Machine
October 28th, 2011
10:32 am
Paulo977: “It ought to come down to what is in the well being of the state, oughtn’t it?”
Exactly. For people who want cheap, trashy entertainment, they can get plenty of that in our neighboring states, especially Florida. (After you fill up with gas, waffles, & hash browns, just keep heading South. Can’t miss it!) I would much rather build our economy on strengths worth nurturing, like science, technology, and education. Encourage SMART people to stay and move here and start businesses producing things we can sell to the rest of the world. Invest in having the best schools instead of being happy with the worst!
If we’re going to legalize a vice, let’s start allowing our farmers to grow hemp for industrial use, and the more potent variety for medical use, tax revenue (duh!) and because it’s a waste of money to prosecute weed. We already have one of the highest per capita incarceration rates in the nation. What good is it doing us? We need some common sense around here for a change.
Gale
October 28th, 2011
10:33 am
Thanks TaxPayer. My company just decided they would not allow domestic partner health coverage next year and I would love it if my GA neighbors would decide to let me marry my partner of 20 years.
deegee
October 28th, 2011
10:34 am
I have had two casino outings in my life. In both cases I blew my roll of quarters in the first 30 minutes and spent the rest of my time people watching while my friends blew their money.
I can’t imagine why Nathan Deal would be so quick to make this decision except that the casino lobby have not yet lined Deal’s pockets sufficiently.
Jm
October 28th, 2011
10:34 am
Jay. Maybe they should have a $50 cover charge. Then only relatively wealthy people will go.
But then it might be too much like the HOT lanes….
Armed Liberal
October 28th, 2011
10:34 am
Preach it Matti!
Mick
October 28th, 2011
10:36 am
Just when I think I can get out west, they pull me back in-
http://www.commondreams.org/further/2011/10/27-3
Gale
October 28th, 2011
10:36 am
I’m too cheap for casinos too. I stopped half way through my roll of quarters.
Jm
October 28th, 2011
10:36 am
Taxpayer. You’re wrong.
Republicans offered $800B, BILLION, in tax and revenue increases. Democrats are saying no. Fact.
HAVE DEMOCRATS LOST THEIR MINDS?
(rhetorical question, yep)
Good little liberal
October 28th, 2011
10:38 am
One more time for the dim-witted.
THIS IS NOT LEGALIZED GAMBLING. THIS IS A CASINO WHERE PEOPLE CAN PLAY THE GEORGIA LOTTERY. IT IS NEEDED BECAUSE THE HOPE SCHOLARSHIP IS IN TROUBLE.
It is no surprise that so many liberals are against this. If there’s one thing they don’t want, it’s minority kids having the opportunity to go to college.
Mick
October 28th, 2011
10:39 am
jm
At least the dems have minds to lose, with the repubs, there’s nothing there…
Stonethrower
October 28th, 2011
10:41 am
When did Walmart start selling oranges from……………South Africa?
timthebrave
October 28th, 2011
10:41 am
Gambling is already legal in every convenient store on every corner in Georgia….Government is just trying to figure a way so that they can get all of the gambling money….for schools and education of course
Jm
October 28th, 2011
10:41 am
Gale 10:33
Civil union……….
larry
October 28th, 2011
10:43 am
Im actually a lib that is for casino gambling. I mean, what is the difference between casino gambling and playing the lottery. Gambling is gambling. If it means restoring the hope scholarship to where it was and bringing pre-k back up to a 180-day school year, i’m for it.
Gale
October 28th, 2011
10:45 am
Jm – Civil unions are not marriage and are also not legal in GA.
Jm
October 28th, 2011
10:45 am
Mick 10:39
. I bet there’s some hops and barley up there
Gale. I read through the mess of this stuff at our Co the other day. You can’t just start offering partner benefits to anyone or there’s huge “free rider” risk. To offer it, they have to get all in your biz. You have to sign a variet of legal documents about prior and future activities. It’s an unholy mess.
Get a civil union, and if you don’t like that, keep lobbying for gay marriage rights.
John
October 28th, 2011
10:46 am
Does anyone believe Deal wasn’t advised the GA Lottery was going to order a study on the development of casinos in Georgia? Nearly every study commissioned in this state is intended to support a position already taken by the governing authority.
I happen to think gambling would draw more conventions to Atlanta. What I fear is Georgia’s lack of taste. It does nearly everything on “the tacky”, with grossly exaggerated financial estimates. Remember Billy Payne’s and Bill Campbell’s Olympic disgrace? And, how they taught Utah how to give “gifts” of influence?
retired early
October 28th, 2011
10:46 am
I have a problem with the fact that the government decides whether I can gamble or not…what “type” of gambling to allow…who gets to spend the profits and on and on.
If it’s ok to gamble, is it only morally acceptable if the state controls it and then, only if the proceeds go to fund education programs,etc.
I believe, once you allowed the lottery, it is hypocritical not to allow “all” other types of gambling.
I rarely gamble, but think it would nice to have that choice while on vacation. Now, we have the lotto only and extreme odds against winning anything.
TaxPayer
October 28th, 2011
10:47 am
Taxpayer. You’re wrong.
Republicans offered $800B, BILLION, in tax and revenue increases. Democrats are saying no. Fact.
HAVE DEMOCRATS LOST THEIR MINDS?
(rhetorical question, yep)
You gots a linkee thingie to that piece of legislation.
Thulsa Doom
October 28th, 2011
10:47 am
Libs are in a quandary. They loves that casino tax revenue but they hate it that a lot of poor dem constituents would just end up blowing their welfare checks in a casino.
Got a custr from baton rouge that was telling me around tax time is when all the poor and mostly minority people in louisiana give back their money. You can claim 3 kids max for the earnes income tax credit. In the hood they sell the social sec #s of all their other kids to friends and relatives who then claim them as dependents, cheat uncle sam, get a refund, and then blow it all at the casino every year like clockwork. The losers? Uncle sam, other taxpayers, and these poor ignorant people. The winners? Yep! The casinos
Redneck Convert (R--and proud of it)
October 28th, 2011
10:48 am
Well, if the casinos was run by the Churches we could keep the bribes out of it. No taxes, for one thing. You can’t tax a church. And we could make sure all the gamblers were Saved before being allowed in. That would get rid of all the vices that come with gambling. Church-going people don’t beleive in doing You-Know-What and stuff like that.
Anyway, seems to me the collection plate is mighty empty these days when it gets passed around. A Church-run casino would make sure there was lots of $100 chips in the plate.
I know, we’d need lots of private booths in a casino. Church-going people don’t want other people to see them gambling or drinking or anything like that. And everybody could claim they were just going in to save some souls.
Sounds like a winner to me. And with all that extra money coming in and making its way into folks pockets we could Cut Taxes some more.
Pass this thing and let’s get some action going. Souls that could be Saved are going to You-Know-Where every day.
No charge for the advise. And all of you can relax. I’m out here hauling and lugging to get you ready to swap weird music tonight. And I saved up a special treat for you. I won’t mention no names but the guy’s initials is S.W. Tune in around 4:30 or whenever Bookman decides it whistle-wetting time and you can listen in. And if you need another hint, just think of Indian Love Call.
Have a good Friday everybody.
Keep Up the Good Fight!
October 28th, 2011
10:49 am
I see the debating level here has not improved.
Bla, bla, bla. …Nice little adolescent digs. I’ll bet you are the king of the middle school playground. See you next year and then we can talk….Calm down. Take a deep breath and try to hide that hate and anger that frames you
Well I see our whiner is back with more of his “deep thoughts” and juvenile attacks when anyone dares disagree.
Jm
October 28th, 2011
10:49 am
Gale. For Company healthcare, it’s not a question of if the state recognizes the civil union, but whether the company does. Many companies recognize civil unions but not “partners”, even in the absence of state law.
Gale
October 28th, 2011
10:50 am
The Hope scholarship probably got in trouble by being too lax in the requirements. Too many people not really ready for college who could not make it past the first year.
Kamchak
October 28th, 2011
10:51 am
Melt-down in progress.
Keep Up the Good Fight!
October 28th, 2011
10:51 am
Got a custr from baton rouge that was telling me … in a Whole Foods as they were loading up the Caddy with beer and whine.
Matti Against the Machine
October 28th, 2011
10:52 am
Gale,
I’m sorry you can’t marry your partner in Georgia, and about the health coverage. The theocratic fakers who run this place totally suck!
Furthermore: I’M ALREADY A GAMBLER: I PUT MY MONEY INTO A 401K, believing the load of manure about “being responsible” for my future. (LYING B–TARDS!) “The House” has my money, and I have almost nothing to show for years of faithful contributions. Ditto the equity in the home I could totally afford and have faithfully maintained.
Jm
October 28th, 2011
10:52 am
Taxpayer
Rollcall.com
Top headline
Second paragraph
More details in the whole article
Gale
October 28th, 2011
10:52 am
JM, Yes, but if I could be married, there would be no question, and I would really rather be married.
Mick
October 28th, 2011
10:53 am
doom
You need to get out more, you only see life in shades of black and white. There are a lot more really interesting colors out there like blue, green, purple etc…. just open your eyes and see…
Slayer
October 28th, 2011
10:55 am
We need to legalize casino gaming,prostitution,and pot! There is no need for the Fascists to keep these enterprises illegal!
doh
October 28th, 2011
10:56 am
No commercial activity in A.C.? They just built a HUGE commercial shopping district between the casino area on the boardwalk and the AC Train Station. Reno, did the same thing downtown.
As far as sin goes. I am so glad as an adult who can make choices for myself YOU are there to protect me. You are there to tell ME what is sinful and YOU can tell ME what to do and what not to do.