Gambling: Casinos

According to the Gross Annual Wager of the United States — all forms of gambling combined — over $68.7 billion in revenue was generated in 2002. Commercial casinos account for approximately 41 percent of all revenues, while state lotteries account for 27 percent and Indian casinos contribute another 21 percent of the total annual gambling revenue. Together, commercial and Indian casinos account for nearly 62 percent of all gambling revenues ($42.3 billion). Internet gambling, card rooms, sports betting, pari-mutuel wagering charitable games and bingo make up the remainder.

Americans are addicted to gambling and so are many of the states. According to the National Gambling Impact Study Commission report, citizens of the United states spend more money gambling than they spend on recorded music, theme parks video game, spectator sports and movie tickets combined! Every state, with the exception of Utah and Hawaii, offer some form of gambling. It's quite accurate to describe gambling growth in our nation as explosive.

But has the growth of casinos had a positive impact on our nation, economy, businesses, families, marriages, children and individuals?

This site explores various aspects and consequences of commercial casinos, Indian casinos, riverboat casinos and the latest state addiction, racinos (slots or video gambling machines at racetracks).

Features

Why worry about CO Amendment 50?

Colorado Amendment 50 was pushed by Colorado casinos in 2008 for the purpose of gambling expansion. Amendment 50 advertisements, however, cloaked or sugar-coated gambling expansion by promising money for community colleges. Colorado voters bought the sales pitch and approved Amendment 50 with a 58-percent vote. But with the negative social impacts of 24-hour gambling and a 20-fold increase in bet limits, Aendment 50 promises to be a bad bet for Colorado, not to mention the declining market for gambling nationwide mixed with a volatile economy.

Internet Gambling Is Irresponsible Policy

Chairman of the House Financial Services, Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA), introduced two bills on May 6, 2009 that would legalized online or internet gambling in the U.S. (HR 2267) and also delay the date which banks and financial institutions much comply with federal regulations prohibiting online gambling with illegal, unlicensed Internet casinos (HR 226). Rep. McDermott (D-WA) also introduced a bill that would legalize online gambling (HR 2268). Focus on the Family opposes all forms of gambling, but we are especially concerned about the invasive and addictive nature of Internet gambling and its potential to destroy countless families.

Illinois: Two Gambling-Expansion Bills

The General Assembly has been called into a special session to discuss two gambling-expansion bills. One bill will lease the lottery 50-65 years (HB 1496), while the second bill while the other bill (HB 2651) is a massive expansion of gambling that includes more casinos, racinos, Internet gambling and expansion of existing casinos.

Kansas Gambling: A Shameful Legacy

For several years, Kansas' Gov. Sebelius has aggressively pushed for state-owned and -operated gambling. With two years remaining in her term as Governor, Kathleen Sebelius saddled Kansas families with state-owned casinos and a host of gambling-related ills Kansans will bear for years to come.

Tribal Off-Reservation Gambling

Off-reservation gambling and land-into-trust continue to be issues exploited by many tribes through the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA). Tribal gambling issues are frequently being heard in Congress, so check this site often to find about recent events.

Miami-Dade Voters Wooed by Slots

Florida is saturated with gambling. Now the predatory gambling industry is pushing for more. The vastly rich Seminole Tribe is pressing Gov. Crist for expanded gambling, while Miami-Dade County just approved 6,000 slot machines at three race tracks and jai alai frontons.