Casino in New Hampshire?
Should New Hampshire have casinos?
I've been to Foxwoods all of one time, and Mohegan Sun once as well. I'm far from a gambler. I realize people are concerned about crime, and giving an outlet to gamblers. But do they realize you can gamble just as much in New Hampshire as it is?
Think about it:
- Bingo Halls - these places are everywhere. A portion of the proceeds go to some charity or whatnot, so it's legal.
- Poker Tournaments - just like Bingo halls, they are everywhere already.
- Scratch tickets - this is what really gets me going. Walk into any grocery store and look at the tickets. I was astounded to see not only a $20 ticket but a $30 ticket. That's right. Someone could walk up and buy ten of those and be out $300.
The irony is thick when it comes to people that say there shouldn't be gambling or casinos in New Hampshire. Gambling is already here whether people realize it or not. When I used to work at a gas station in my teens the same couple would come in every week: she would spend her ENTIRE paycheck on lottery tickets and scratch tickets. It's pretty crazy when you think about it.
If there were state run casinos put up in let's say Rockingham Park, not only would we keep some of this revenue in state, but it would boost the economy here in other ways. People from Mass. would jump over the border to us rather than going down to Connecticut. New jobs would sprout up. People would gas up here in New Hampshire, hit the local gas stations, eateries, hotels, the Rockingham Mall.
With anything though, there is the other side of it. Increased social issues as well. Entire studies are dedicated to proving that crime is invited when you bring casinos into the picture:
I know a lot of people feel very strongly either way about this, many are opposed, but I think it's something we should think about. Obviously I don't want to bring crime into New Hampshire, but if we already have a race track in Salem that already has various forms of gambling, I think we should take a look at the impact of replacing that with another form of it.
What does everyone else think?
Casino in NH
A few things come to mind.
1. Should you jump off a bridge just because you can?
2. The revenues are far outstripped by crime which you noted.
3. There's another blog here about how people shouldn't spend past their means. How people should SAVE money.
4. Our economy is in the dumper for a number of reasons. People don't have money to burn to begin with and yet.... the states answer is to help people loose even MORE of the money they don't have.
5. NH and ALL states have more than enough money to run govt.
6. Govt. just shouldn't be involved in all sorts of things that they are to begin with, thereby sucking money that they don't need to take to begin with.
The bottom line is that casino's are a bad idea just like jumping off a building is a bad idea. Just like giving more money to government is a bad idea. All can and will kill you in one way or another. Sure... you don't fall down and go splat with gambling, but not sure I can really say I know too many people that gamble that have great lives.
My dad being one of them, and myself at one time as well.
Gamble for Free, or Die!
"State run casinos"? More likely, state stuck with casinos. What next, state run brothels? Then on down to heroine dens? It seems you're proposing to make The State the Mr. Monopoly of "legal" vices - that's some strange socialism you're peddlin', son.
Rather than expand the state's scope and dominance of venal sin operations, why not let Native Americans set up shop to run casinos in New Hampshire as a woefully belated and inadequate gesture to make amends for past transgressions against the Abenaki? While we're at it, let's transfer liquor and other recreational drug retailing to them as well. Talk about thick with irony ... with a dollop of creme-de-justice on top.
And where, oh where, could the Abenaki establish such an operation, you ask. I here some wonks are considering the sale of Cannon to private interests. Justice would be much better served if they transferred ownership back to the Abenaki. Think of what a great gambling resort that would make: cliff strewn mountains, lakes, skiing, and gamblin'!
And non-in'jun folk would still benefit from the spillover-effect which you noted: owners and employees of various retail establishments serving those going to and fro the casino.
Regarding crimes committed by gamblers to fund their idiocy, why not introduce such novel concepts as restitution? I'm sure The State is already quite capable of docking pay checks and seizing assets - they're quite good at this when it comes to those who refuse The State's shakedown overtures, just go ask the Browns - except in this case it would be used for good instead of evil (just like nuclear electric power). But if you're old school and bent on punishment, perhaps we could reach a compromise: once the offender pays the victims, deport him/her to Assachusetts where he/she will receive the understanding and help they need. They have lots of tax dollars down there for such things.
But most of all, let's not let The State spread it's craven claws on casino revenue. As Lewr pointed out, they already have more than enough to fund their spending addiction!
- Dodgin' the Revenuers bent on destroying my still while placing bets on the Patriots with my bookie,
C. dog e. doG
Make them laugh
I bow to the mastery of making excellent points whilst getting a chuckle or two...nicely done!
Scott
Casinos in Salem, on Lake Winnipesaukee, and in the North Country would bring dollars as well as keep dollars in the state. I am not a gambler either, but I know casinos can generate a lot of revenue which the state could use.