The vigorous assertion that a casino will become a financial windfall for the people of Adams County is rotten baloney. Gambling is one of the worst foundations than can be laid for economic vitality.
Did anyone notice that the Sands Casino Resort in Bethlehem is now laying off people in every department, a loss of about 20 percent of the jobs assured just a year when it opened? Did anyone note that Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh, opened to much fanfare in August, has been in a “downward spiral” according to one news report, drawing less than half the revenue predicted? Does anyone here appreciate that in the gambling mecca of Las Vegas, according to “The Economist” magazine, “the downturn has been savage”?
America is becoming saturated with gambling venues, all of which have been touted as promising good jobs. Well, there is no doubt that a select few investors and operators can get fabulously wealthy, but at the expense of the small businesses that generate most jobs around here. If you are pro-jobs and smart, you will oppose a casino for Adams County.
The sad reality is that once we let the slots in, we will likely never be able to get them out. And when the disappointment comes, watch the same promoters then argue that table gaming will be the panacea for our ever-increasing troubles. (sigh)
Charles Teague
Gettysburg
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