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Lincoln Daily News
601 Keokuk St.
Lincoln, IL 62656
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To the editor: I attended the Oct. 12 city council workshop
meeting and wish to convey my appreciation to Anita Bedell of
ILCAAAP for coming and
alerting us to a very grave danger that absolutely will come to our
community unless we take action to prevent it -- video gambling.
I was impressed with the vast amount of evidence that shows how
unbelievably addictive these machines are -- the "crack cocaine" of
gambling.
I find it disturbing that one could use a Link card at an ATM to
withdraw money for such gambling, while casino ATMs do not accept
these cards.
Typically, those who are most susceptible to a get-rich-quick
mentality are those who are least able to afford it.
We have limited resources at this point to address the needs of
low-income citizens. I can only see a resulting increase in poverty
and pain in our city.
One of our citizens would need to lose $100 in order for a
benefit of $5 of revenue. And the impending social cost would be
three to seven times the revenue (from $15 to $35).
[to top of second column in this letter] |
In other words, we cannot afford video gambling even if we feel
it would somehow enhance life in Lincoln.
The State Journal-Register, in its Aug. 11, 2010,
editorial, makes additional points as to why this is a "sleazy
and unreliable way for the state to finance a capital works
program."
This is an issue that is being considered right now in 20
communities and several counties across the state. I trust the city
of Lincoln will see the wisdom in exercising the option to ban video
gambling and join the other 72 municipalities and four counties in
Illinois that have already done so.
Sincerely,
Ronald K. Denlinger
Pastor, Lincoln Bible Church
[Posted
October 16, 2010]
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See article:
City hears warning: Video gambling is addictive |
