I recently learned of the proposal to build a slots casino in Leominster. At first, I thought this might be a good idea based on what I'd read about new jobs and some cash for the town.  After a bit of research, however, I've completely changed my mind and now believe that this is an extraordinarily bad idea. I used to think slots were pretty innocent compared to other types of gambling, but I've learned otherwise.  Some of those who study gambling consider slots to be the "crack cocaine" of the gambling industry.  Slots are now very sophisticated, high-tech machines designed to encourage you to "play to extinction," which means to play until all your cash is gone. Some researchers consider slots to be the "most addictive form of legalized gambling." They say that slots not only attract gambling addicts, but possibly even create them.  Economically, slots are the most profitable element of the gambling industry. Slots make up 70 to 80 percent of all casino revenue, most of which leaves the region. Instead of bringing more customers to local restaurants and bars, the restaurants and bars inside the casino tend to attract customers away from local establishments. According to some research, slots casinos generally have negative effects on local economies and send most of their profits out of town to the casino company.  To be honest, my wife and I have been surprised at what we've learned about the real effects of slots.  To learn more, a good place to start with is the website of a Massachusetts group called United to Stop Slots in Massachusetts (http://uss-mass.org/the_truth_about_slot_machines.html).  When you consider all the facts, you will see that a slots casino is simply not a good idea for our wonderful Leominster!   TIM AND CINDY GABRIEL Leominster