Says Negative Societal Costs Far Out-weigh Supposed Revenue Windfall
For Immediate Release
March 4, 2010
Contact: Kevin Smith
Phone: (603) 571-4710
Email: director@nhcornerstone.org
CONCORD, NH – Today, the New Hampshire Senate Committee on Finance heard SB489 which proposes installing video and casino style gambling throughout the state. Cornerstone has long-opposed any attempt by the legislature to expand gambling in New Hampshire.
Commenting on this proposed casino bill was Cornerstone-Action’s Executive Director, Kevin Smith:
“The facts are clear: the negative societal costs of casino gambling far outweigh any amount of supposed revenue that expanded gambling will bring in to the state. If casino gambling is so great, it ought to stand on its own merit and not be used as a false opium because we are in the midst of a budget crisis. In states where casino gambling currently exists, such as Nevada, Delaware, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, revenue from gambling is down and each of those states face their own budget deficit.”
Smith added, “The only jobs this casino bill is going to create are more social workers at HHS who’ll have increased caseloads because of negative social consequences. The best way to solve our budget crisis is to reduce spending and cut taxes on existing and prospective businesses so they can create jobs and in turn yield more revenue for the State.”
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Cornerstone-Action is the legislative advocacy arm of Cornerstone Policy Research.
Cornerstone Policy Research is a non-partisan, non-profit research and education organization dedicated to the preservation of strong families, limited government and free markets.
