Goose or Wolf?

Casinos are not Iowa's golden goose, but more akin to the wolf in sheep's clothing.

As a growing number of Iowa counties line up, through referendums, to get their share of this easy money, evidence grows that suggest casinos in your backyard may not be quite so benevolent.

First, if Iowa leaders remain intent on following Nevada's plan for economic prosperity then please consider Nevada's $700 million budget deficit.  Even governor Guinn, who serves at the pleasure of Nevada casinos, said recently that their source of revenue from gambling taxes was unstable and regressive. 

Secondly, the Des Moines Register on 7-4-03 published a story on the inconsistency of Iowa's unemployment picture.  A closer examination shows the counties with casinos to be some of the worst for employment.  Despite the casino promises to the contrary, Clarke County with Lakeside Casino is the absolute worst in Iowa.  It is well documented that counties with a casino have a much higher rate of per capita bankruptcy. Now add in unemployment. 

Professor John Kindt from the University of Illinois has long shown studies show the full economic impact of a casino measured within it's 40 mile radius is devastating.  "For every one dollar generated from casinos, we cost ourselves three dollars in direct and indirect costs."

The ABC's of gambling are addictions, bankruptcies, crime and corruption.

My company, Consumer Credit of Des Moines, administered Iowa's 1-800- BETS OFF  hotline from 1994 till mid-2001.  During this time span I witnessed a ten fold increase in personal carnage due to gambling.  The areas the casinos call “underserved”, were areas left virtually untouched in divorce, embezzlement, bankruptcy, and suicides due to problem gambling.  The citizens of these counties would be well served to follow Dickinson County's lead and say "no thanks!"  These people should pray they continue to be "underserved" by the fastest growing destroyer of families in America today. 

-Tom Coates

Director- Consumer Credit of Des Moines