An online article posted on the Heartland.org website discusses the political realities behind some politicians desires to expand legalized gambling in Minnesota. I have commented in the past on this proposal as the suggestion is that the state do more than merely "tax" a privately owned Indian casino, rather the governor is proposing a FULL PARTNERSHIP in all aspects of the proposed twin-cities casino. He says the initial 200 million dollar "licensing fee" will help plug a huge state budget deficit.
Opponents from all sides are voicing concerns with the reasons for opening the casino at all, citing among other things, the social costs of problem gamblers. One opponent quoted in the article cites a statistic that more than 12% of criminal activity in counties with casinos would not occur if the casino was not present. Interesting.
Lots of other facts and figures to peruse in this one also. As before, my biggest problems with this state's proposals are NO mention of how much of the revenue will go towards treating compulsive gambling, and even more importantly I absolutely do not think any state should be DIRECTLY involved in casino gambling. There are enough problems with the so called "compacts" signed with other states.
John
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