It's All The Same

The arguments for predatory gambling are the same regardless of the state:

The state is busted, and politicians were loath to raise taxes or cut spending, lest they anger voters and find themselves out of work in a recession. So the legislators and governor dragged the budget battle out for months - more days, more per diems - then claimed that the crisis had forced their hand on gaming.

Really, what are politicians to do? Might as well snuggle up to the one sugar daddy promising fast, free cash with few strings attached.

They've done it before. Sure, it felt dirty. But you get used to that.

(Eventually, other research showed that the typical slots player had to lose $750 a year to provide $330 in tax relief.)

Don't be surprised when politicians insist that the only way they could help the old folks and kids and provide tax relief was to expand gambling. Listen closely. Those are your chosen leaders claiming they simply had no other choice.