Casino will bring problems
AnonymousCumberland Times-News
— Casino gambling: It’s sad to see it is coming to Western Maryland.
Some powerful people and organizations know of its danger and what it brings. Just like Maryland’s last Attorney General J. Joseph Curran. Curran was a strong opponent of gambling during his 10-year career as Attorney General.
Curran headed a comprehensive study called “The House Never Loses and Maryland Cannot Win.” He concluded in the study that the cost of slot machines to Maryland would far outweigh the benefits.
He stated the following about gambling: “Casinos would bring a substantial increase in crime, and crime would rise because of crime related problems of compulsive gamblers, the constant exposure of casino workers to substance abuse and other social ills, the pervasive availability of alcohol to casino patrons, and the growing problem of teenage gambling addiction.”
Curran knew the same problems that Gamblers Anonymous clearly knows. Their estimates show that there are more than 12 million current compulsive gamblers in the United States and the average compulsive gambler is more than $80,000 in debt. And according to the National Council on Problem Gaming, 18- to 24-year-olds show the highest rate of gambling addiction among adults.
Some powerful people and organizations know of its danger and what it brings. Just like Maryland’s last Attorney General J. Joseph Curran. Curran was a strong opponent of gambling during his 10-year career as Attorney General.
Curran headed a comprehensive study called “The House Never Loses and Maryland Cannot Win.” He concluded in the study that the cost of slot machines to Maryland would far outweigh the benefits.
He stated the following about gambling: “Casinos would bring a substantial increase in crime, and crime would rise because of crime related problems of compulsive gamblers, the constant exposure of casino workers to substance abuse and other social ills, the pervasive availability of alcohol to casino patrons, and the growing problem of teenage gambling addiction.”
Curran knew the same problems that Gamblers Anonymous clearly knows. Their estimates show that there are more than 12 million current compulsive gamblers in the United States and the average compulsive gambler is more than $80,000 in debt. And according to the National Council on Problem Gaming, 18- to 24-year-olds show the highest rate of gambling addiction among adults.
In regards to casinos affecting the crime rate, a report with Focus on the Family’s Citizen Link reported that crime within a 30-mile radius of Atlantic City rose 107 percent in the first nine years following the introduction of casinos.
And getting back to the powerful people who disagree with gambling, how about the most powerful; God, and what He says in scripture.
Many people will say “The Bible doesn’t say anything about gambling,” but it really does. Many Christians are confused with this issue.
But God’s word is clear about gambling. Gambling is built on irresponsible stewardship by tempting people to throw away their money, and Scripture talks extensively about being a good steward with your possessions.
Gambling is contrary to everything Scripture teaches about wise stewardship. Gambling is driven by the sin of covetousness, by tempting people to give in to their greed.
Some say “gambling is just entertainment.” Well then, why not play games without betting? The “fun” is not the game itself; it is the “fun” that comes from the possibility of winning something that belongs to someone else that fuels greed.
In other words, what makes gambling “fun” is covetousness and Scripture is clear on coveting. Gambling denies the reality of God’s sovereignty by affirming the existence of luck or chance.
There are many Scripture verses declaring God’s absolute sovereignty over everything at every second, even a sparrow falling from the sky, Matthew 10:29.
Gambling is built on the exploitation of others, often taking advantage of poor people who think they can gain instant wealth; Proverbs 22 verse 16.
Numerous studies show that poor people tend to spend a much larger proportion of their income on gambling than people in middle or upper-income brackets because they are looking so hard to get rich quick.
Gambling also violates a biblical work ethic, attempting to “get rich” without doing actual work. Finally, gambling does not glorify God. Scripture is clear for Christians: We are commanded to Glorify God in all we do, 1st Corinthians 10:31.
One would have a tough time glorifying the Almighty Holy Sovereign God Jesus Christ while throwing money to chance in a casino and its environment.
Many only choose to see what they want to see with casinos and gambling, but look a little deeper and do some research and you will see that the problems and danger far outweigh the extra funds that are hoped for.
Mark Pfaff
Grantsville
The Cumberland Times-News
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