Video Poker in PA
On February 3, 2009, Ed Rendell, governor of Pennsylvania, announced a tuition relief plan to help make college affordable for PA families beset by tough economic times. Although the goal may be commendable, the means proposed to attain it is deplorable – legalizing and taxing video poker gambling machines at alcohol-licensed facilities in PA.
“Bars, taverns, restaurants and private clubs – establishments that have liquor licenses – would be eligible to have up to five video poker machines” the press release stated. Acting Revenue Secretary Stephen H. Stetler stated, “This is not an expansion of gaming – it is recognition that video poker is already a thriving industry in Pennsylvania. Legalizing this form of entertainment will generate more than half a billion dollars annually to support the tuition relief plan.” Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Frank Pawlowski joins the discussion by stating, “We estimate that there are at least 17,000 video poker machines in operation – all illegally – right now across the state. Legalization of this existing business would free up law enforcement resources better dedicated to the prevention and investigation of serious crimes including murder, sexual assault and drug sales.”
It would seem the Governor, Revenue Secretary and even the State Police Commissioner have adopted the philosophy, “if you can’t beat them, join them.” This is certainly not leadership according to truth and right - leadership that is in the best interest of our Commonwealth. The end, alleged increase of revenue, does not justify the means, legalizing illegal and harmful gambling. This is the age-old argument behind the legalization of marijuana and other illegal drugs as well as prostitution. It sends the wrong message to the people that wrong and detrimental activity is a good idea. These immoral practices, including gambling, are illegal for a reason – they are destructive to society. The legalization of such activities will only expedite the already rapid decline of morality in our culture and lead to more debauchery and corruption. Many studies have shown that gambling not only increases crime on every level but also produces criminals on every level.
Let’s speak to the issue of increased revenue. Academic studies have shown that for every dollar of revenue raised from gambling it costs the taxpayer and society upwards of two dollars and sometimes as much as three dollars to deal with the social problems, addiction, bankruptcy and damage to other businesses. The fact is, gambling has often been referred to as a cannibalistic enterprise that has a negative economic effect on surrounding businesses as well as the economic health of the entire community. Money once spent at local businesses is now gambled away. In reality, gambling brings in no new money at all.
Then there is the matter of addiction. The majority of the money raised comes from those who become addicted and ensnared by gambling. Across the country in the states where gambling has been legalized, the addiction rates have skyrocketed leaving families bankrupt and broken. If Governor Rendell’s proposal passes we will see many more Pennsylvanians become addicted and compulsive gamblers who hurt their families, businesses and communities. How damaging is gambling addiction? Studies show that one in five addicted and compulsive gamblers will become so despondent over their plight that they will attempt to take their own life.
Most tragic is gambling’s effect upon the home. By far, the greatest cost of gambling is the destruction it brings to the family. The gambler often withdraws and becomes disengaged from his family as gambling becomes his priority and encompasses his life. Often there is a very real neglect of both spouse and child(ren) in many different ways. Gambling often leads to divorce as the family is subjected to neglect and financial instability as money for rent and food is gambled away. In fact, one national study recently showed that gambling is one the fastest drivers of bankruptcy in this Nation. As the State supposedly would gain from gambling, the families of PA surely will loose.
Standpoint urges every PA citizen to get involved in stopping this destructive proposal. Contact your State lawmakers immediately and express your opposition to this dangerous and unhealthy legislation.
1Timothy 6:9-10 “But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”
“Bars, taverns, restaurants and private clubs – establishments that have liquor licenses – would be eligible to have up to five video poker machines” the press release stated. Acting Revenue Secretary Stephen H. Stetler stated, “This is not an expansion of gaming – it is recognition that video poker is already a thriving industry in Pennsylvania. Legalizing this form of entertainment will generate more than half a billion dollars annually to support the tuition relief plan.” Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Frank Pawlowski joins the discussion by stating, “We estimate that there are at least 17,000 video poker machines in operation – all illegally – right now across the state. Legalization of this existing business would free up law enforcement resources better dedicated to the prevention and investigation of serious crimes including murder, sexual assault and drug sales.”
It would seem the Governor, Revenue Secretary and even the State Police Commissioner have adopted the philosophy, “if you can’t beat them, join them.” This is certainly not leadership according to truth and right -
Let’s speak to the issue of increased revenue. Academic studies have shown that for every dollar of revenue raised from gambling it costs the taxpayer and society upwards of two dollars and sometimes as much as three dollars to deal with the social problems, addiction, bankruptcy and damage to other businesses. The fact is, gambling has often been referred to as a cannibalistic enterprise that has a negative economic effect on surrounding businesses as well as the economic health of the entire community. Money once spent at local businesses is now gambled away. In reality, gambling brings in no new money at all.
Then there is the matter of addiction. The majority of the money raised comes from those who become addicted and ensnared by gambling. Across the country in the states where gambling has been legalized, the addiction rates have skyrocketed leaving families bankrupt and broken. If Governor Rendell’s proposal passes we will see many more Pennsylvanians become addicted and compulsive gamblers who hurt their families, businesses and communities. How damaging is gambling addiction? Studies show that one in five addicted and compulsive gamblers will become so despondent over their plight that they will attempt to take their own life.
Most tragic is gambling’s effect upon the home. By far, the greatest cost of gambling is the destruction it brings to the family. The gambler often withdraws and becomes disengaged from his family as gambling becomes his priority and encompasses his life. Often there is a very real neglect of both spouse and child(ren) in many different ways. Gambling often leads to divorce as the family is subjected to neglect and financial instability as money for rent and food is gambled away. In fact, one national study recently showed that gambling is one the fastest drivers of bankruptcy in this Nation. As the State supposedly would gain from gambling, the families of PA surely will loose.
Standpoint urges every PA citizen to get involved in stopping this destructive proposal. Contact your State lawmakers immediately and express your opposition to this dangerous and unhealthy legislation.
1Timothy 6:9-