A Slot Machine on Every Corner!

Do you want a slots parlor close by?

Our View 5:45 p.m. EST November 27, 2014

 

 

Slot machine(Photo: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

 

 

 

Welcome to Delaware, where there is a slot machine on every corner. Or so the state government hoped for a while.

 

 

Welcome to Delaware, where there is a slot machine on every corner. Or so the state government hoped for a while.
 

The news is that the Markell administration approached the state's three casinos with the idea of creating satellite slots parlors spread around the state. The idea was, we suppose, that with more slots out in the open, the casinos could draw the cash of Delawareans too lazy to drive 10 or 15 minutes to a casino. Or perhaps, they had the idea of putting in an ocean-side slots parlor to give parents something to do while the kids play away at Funland in Rehoboth Beach. Even the casinos thought it was a dumb idea.
 

 

But if we are trying to be creative and cook up ideas as the administration suggests, why doesn't Delaware roll all the legalized sin industries in a single package and place them on the borders with neighboring states? We could promote little islands of slots/sports bets/cheap cigarettes/cheap liquor parlors and let them dot the entrances to the state. If we really wanted to rev up the state's take, Delaware should drop the cigarette and liquor taxes so our neighbors would really be enticed to visit the First State. (Don't worry about the lower taxes on smokes and booze. We will make it up in volume.)

Of course, we could always follow the lead of Washington, Colorado and Alaska and legalize recreational marijuana. That would pull in customers until the neighboring states catch up.
But that would be immoral, you say. Of course, it would be. Yet except for a matter of degree, what is the difference between a fantasy cynical ploy like that and a genuine suggestion to spread slots parlors? The goal is more revenue. The harm to the social structure is collateral damage.
These activities were once considered sinful, or at least inappropriate for a state government to push on its citizens. The attitude follows the philosophy of Napoleon III of France, who allegedly said about his country's tax on tobacco: "This vice brings in one hundred million francs in taxes every year. I will certainly forbid it at once – as soon as you can name a virtue that brings in as much revenue."
These are signs of the state's addiction to gambling revenues. The administration and the General Assembly must face the facts. The regional monopoly for casino revenues is gone. Competition from Pennsylvania and Maryland, much larger states, is killing Delaware's gaming business. With that goes the easy revenues of star-crossed gamblers pumping money into slot machines.

It has been a good ride. It enabled the state government to spend a lot of money without controlling costs and raising taxes. A shakeout is enveloping the regional gaming industry. Casinos are closing in Atlantic City. The shakeout will hit Pennsylvania and Maryland. And it will hit Delaware.

Desperate measures like neighborhood slot parlors show how much magical thinking is going on in the capitol complex. It is time to face the facts.

DELAWAREONLINE

Delaware is trapped in casino business

 

 

http://www.delawareonline.com/story/opinion/editorials/2014/11/27/want-slots-parlor-close/19592189/