Submitted by Tom Larkin

In 2011, Massachusetts political leaders authorized casinos. On November 4th, voters have an opportunity to repeal that law, making Massachusetts the first state to say no to the predatory casino industry.

Independent research, primarily the National Gaming Impact Study Commission Report (NGISC-1999 on line), provides the empirical support for repeal. Studies consistently show costs outweigh benefits by three to one.

Increasing the availability of gambling is economically unstable, according to Nobel Prize winning Economist Paul Samuelson. He describes gambling as a sterile transfer of money, creating no new money, absorbing time and resources and subtracting from the nation’s economy. Debt and bankruptcy increase with the increase in the availability of gambling.

There is no question that in locales where gambling is being introduced, there is an increase in crime, according to former Maryland AG Joseph Curran.  Increases in crime have specific policing, incarceration, recidivism and relapse costs.

Evidence shows the social costs of state promotion of gambling include increases in child abuse and neglect, income inequality, domestic violence, and suicides, as well as crime.

The instant gratification message of casinos will increase the prevalence of gambling addiction.  It will also increase drinking, smoking, drug use, overeating and other instant gratification attitudes, because addictions interact and reinforce each other.  The NGISC estimated a third of active gamblers have some level of mild, moderate to severe gambling problem.

For most people who gamble, it is harmless entertainment, but this group does not lose much. About 80% of money lost gambling is spent by approximately 20% of the gamblers, disproportionately represented by people with low incomes, less education, the formerly incarcerated, returning veterans and those with a wide range of emotional and behavioral problems.  It is harmful public policy for government to exploit its most vulnerable citizens.

Voters will decide the question on November 4. A “yes” vote on Question 3 is a vote for repeal of the casino gambling authorization.