A new report from the government watchdog group Common Cause has found that gambling interests donated more than $4.3 million to candidates for public office in Pennsylvania over the last seven years.
Nearly one quarter of that money – more than $1 million — went to Gov. Ed Rendell.
That money has bought a great deal of success for casinos and other gambling operations, Common Cause said.
"It's often said about gambling that the rules favor the house and the house always wins," the group writes in the report's introduction. "In Pennsylvania, the state's failure to limit campaign contributions has contributed to a political system in which the 'winner' on any particular issue is often the group or groups who can exert the most influence over elected officials through campaign contributions and lobbying expenditures."
"This study helps explain the gaming industry's winning streak in Pennsylvania," Barry Kauffman, executive director of Common Cause of Pennsylvania, told The Philadelphia Inquirer.
CitizenLink spoke to Chad Hills, gambling analyst for Focus on the Family Action, about the report and its implications for families beyond those living in Pennsylvania.
1. What's the most shocking thing about the report?
One of the most alarming discoveries is just how much money gambling interests spent to sway voters, influence state officials and exploit vulnerable state laws for a profit. And then consider that $16.7 million spent in the gambling-funded buyout of Pennsylvania is pocket change for this $34 billion trade that has spent more than $69 million lobbying Congress during the past nine years. I hope Pennsylvania serves as a loud wake-up call for other states of what not to do.
Pennsylvania residents were stunned in 2004 when Act 71 was passed. Without so much as a public hearing, a tsunami of gambling expansion engulfed Pennsylvania -- with 14 new casinos and 61,000 new video slot machines. A feeding frenzy for corrupt interests ensued, and now public trust in the state government has sunk to an all-time low.
With one foot in the door, Pennsylvania gambling interests are now pushing for another tidal wave of gambling expansion through legalizing slots in every bar, tavern and restaurant. Gambling's appetite is never satisfied. It consumes and exploits people as mere commodities. Keep your ear to the ground; they could be coming to your state next.
2. Pennsylvania is one of the only states that doesn't have a cap on campaign contributions. Why is that a problem, particularly as it pertains to gambling-related issues?
Gambling interests have millions, if not billions, of dollars to spend on lobbying, peddling influence, making promises and creating slick advertisement campaigns to expand their market. In stark contrast, families, grassroots groups, churches and other nonprofit organizations, which oppose gambling and fight for social justice, depend largely on volunteers and donations that typically do not exceed several thousand dollars. It creates an uneven playing field where policies are volleyed. State residents and their efforts are at a severe disadvantage from the start if no laws exist to protect their well-being and limit the influence of special interests.
Without contribution limits, it was only a matter of time before Pennsylvania legislators bent and broke under the pressure, money and promises – or threats – of multibillion dollar gambling interests. Pennsylvania's lack of such laws creates fertile ground for corruption. Big Gambling did to Pennsylvania what it does to millions of people: exploited their weakness for a profit.
3. What can be done to fix the problems in Pennsylvania?
Cap campaign contributions and political donations. Improve governmental accountability, correction and increase public oversight.
Get candidates to commit – or pledge – to oppose and/or repeal gambling before you vote them into office, and then hold them publicly accountable to their commitment.
4. Let's talk about gambling in general. Some say it's a harmless vice – so, no big deal. What's your response to that?
For Christians, there are certainly moral and biblical considerations of any form of gambling which one should weigh. That requires godly wisdom and discernment. However, religious concerns aside, the social data and addiction rates alone point to the socially harmful nature of gambling.
For instance, about 80 percent of people can walk into a casino, gamble and leave with no lasting compulsion or addiction. But of the remaining 20 percent, about three-fourths will likely develop mental dysfunction due to gambling while 5 percent are vulnerable to full-blown pathological gambling addiction. There's no way really to predict who will and won't become addicted. It's safest never to set foot in a casino or experiment with any other forms of gambling, particularly the most addictive forms of video gambling. Believing that you are not vulnerable is your first mistake. Today's highly addictive forms of video gambling should never be viewed as benign or harmless forms of entertainment.
Look at it from another angle. If 20 percent (or one in every five) of a certain product caused harm to consumers, it would be pulled off the shelves immediately. The manufacturer probably would have multiple lawsuits, as well. But Big Gambling blames the "sick" or "weak" person for their gambling problems – not the manufacturers' slot machines that are programmed to intentionally create addiction. Evidently, we have a different "standard" for Big Gambling, especially when officials are promised millions in revenue. Casinos take in billions, state governments tax it by millions and citizens lose all. The costs of gambling are estimated to outweigh the benefits (revenue) by more than three to one.
The National Gambling Impact Study Commission Report estimates that at least 15 million people suffer from a problem or pathological gambling addiction (that's about 214 NFL football stadiums filled to capacity). Those who suffer this addiction are often silent, as they would likely lose their jobs and friends if it were known. And each addicted gambler negatively affects 10 to 17 other people – family, friends, government and employers. Once you look at the research, you realize that gambling – or "gaming" as they like to call it – is a very destructive trade that government should not promote.
5. Say a reader knows someone who is a problem gambler or is, maybe, a problem gambler himself or herself. Where can they go to find hope and help?
First, realize that you have a problem and admit this to yourself, trusted family and close friends. Your local church family may also be able to provide some comfort and help. These trusted people can help keep you accountable and question strange behaviors. This is hard and humiliating, but necessary. Take ownership of the problem and then take action – don't let it linger. You can overcome this, but start now.
Change your playground and change your playmates. This simple but wise advice comes from trusted counselor. Make no mistake, this takes courage, willpower and a firm decision to quit. Just as an alcoholic cannot keep going into bars, neither can a gambling addict keep going into casinos (or other venues where they are tempted to gamble). Addicted gamblers are often lonely people, because gambling has become their sole "companion." New relationships will have to be forged with time, patience and perseverance.
A local Gamblers Anonymous group (Gam-Anon for family members) may be able to provide names of nearby addiction counselors, and offer some support in your effort to quit. Also, if you are at the end of your rope and seeking help, Focus on the Family's Counseling Department may be able to find a counselor near your area. Call 1-800-A-FAMILY (1-800-232-6459) during business hours, and ask to speak with a counselor.
Gambling addiction is very serious. One in every five pathological gamblers attempts suicide and many more consider it. This addiction robs you of your identity, confidence, financial independence, your family, your job, your marriage and it destroys your life in general. It's all-consuming. If you – or someone you know – is contemplating suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 immediately. Help is on the way.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Read Focus on the Family's position statement on gambling
View more resources at "Gambling: A Biblical Perspective."
