The Discussion > Illinois Gaming Expansion....?
ixnay on video slot's
Jeff
Hi Matt,
As a former resident of Hammond, Indiana, (previous to the casinos moving in), I have seen the before and after of what has taken place with the revenue from these casinos. Most of it has been good for the city of Hammond, and some has been bad. In addition, I get reports about casino visitors from relatives who work in these casinos. Obviously, some of these people become more or less happy as their luck changes and the games progress, but they seem to be there for the overall experience of "going out", and they limit their cash outlay more often than not (sure, there's always going to be high rollers, or out of control gamblers). My point is that video gaming may be a much easier way to lose your money and that would be really detrimental to a lot of folks, especially if it is not an "experience" as provided by a casino atmosphere, and would be readily available in many more places. And yes, it would bring down our revenue (not to mention the potential for loss of control and regulation of these video systems to more unsavory characters, but that is a whole 'nother conversation!)...I know there is a lot more to be said about this subject, including those who still do not like the idea of the casino, but it is a reality that we will have to face soon, so we should provide as much input as we all can to try and cover all the angles we care about...
Sincerely, Elisa
P.S.
Thanks Matt for having this website!
Elisa Kutza
Matt,
Video gaming in bars and restaurants will more than likely happen because the State is broke and needs money. Personally I favor voluntary taxes which is what gambling is.
If it goes through the city should revisit the casino approval and adjust downward the projections supplied during its hearings. Video gaming will depress casino revenues and therefore our receipts.
The city might even consider bowing out of the casino business. The expenses of increased police, fire, EMT and public works associated with the casion may not be covered by the lowered revenue. If people don't go to the casino they won't be spending money at the restaurants and hotels that are there either.
Thanks for this forum
Dion
Dion F Kendrick
From my earlier post...
The previous City Council sold this new casino (our 10th license) as an opportunity to generate large amounts of revenue. Infrastructure improvements, debt relief, city sticker elimination....all were discussed as reasons for attracting this new casino. That was the deal. The residents deal with the headache and stigma and in exchange their town makes real investments. Let me be clear....any expansion in Illinois gaming -- more casinos or otherwise -- will have an negative impact on our casino's ability to generate the projected gaming revenue. It's a zero-sum game: every dollar spent on an a video slot at Arlington Park will be one (potential) dollar not spent at the Des Plaines Casino. As a community, we need to oppose any future expansion, as our sacrifice in hosting the 10th casino will only bear fruit if the commodity stay's scarce.
What do you think?