THE ECONOMIC gloom that's settled over the city is concealing the opportunities right in front of our eyes.As Philadelphia's economic outlook worsens, the city has focused on cutting programs, services and personnel. Fiscal prudence and tough funding choices are required to prevent a monumental financial collapse.
But lost in the extensive coverage of the city budget crisis are two major economic development opportunities that haven't been capitalized on - our casinos. In the worsening national economy, the time is now to place our bets on two projects that will create hundreds of family-sustaining jobs and reinvigorate our local economy.
It's been more than two years since the SugarHouse and Foxwoods casinos were picked by the Gaming Control Board, yet neither has begun construction.
Are you kidding me? You really think casinos are going to solve our budget gap?
I am flummoxed by people who continue to insist that a quick fix like a casino will be our savior. The price of these places will far outweigh any benefits we'll see. From increased crime when our city has discussed cutting BACK on police, to exploitation of the working class, to hurting local businesses....I could go on.
You should really check out Casino-Free Philadelphia's factbook here:
http://www.casinofreephila.org/files/factbook.pdf
I tend to agree and oppose gambling, but John Dougherty clearly thinks differently. Also, that "fact"book is as slanted as Dougherty's piece!
Are there any unbiased facts about casinos? All I ever see is propaganda from one side or the other.
First of all, nice work on the new site, Greg! The layout is fantastic. I hope everything is running smoothly for you so far.
On the issue of gambling, I wholeheartedly agree with you and cederbee. Dougherty's op-ed on the Philly casinos is both self-serving and painfully cynical. His "family-sustaining jobs" line almost made me laugh out loud until I fully appreciated what a twisted take on things that truly is.
The sad truth is that, as our state continues to lose both it's population and economic competitiveness, our pols are resorting to destructive gimmicks such as gambling/casinos in an effort to compensate for our crumbling tax base. Instead of addressing the issues that cause young people to leave Pennsylvania for "greener" pastures in the first place (business climate, quality of life, etc.), our leaders once again are deciding to take the easy way out and go the "quick fix" casino route.
Their reasoning is twofold: promoting tourism within the state (while keeping casino-goers at home instead of Atlantic City or Las Vegas) and keeping the tax coffers full via levying a hefty tariff on these establishments. The main, direct benefit to the public? A couple hundred dollars (on average) in property-tax relief for homeowners statewide, while Philly residents will see a small percentage decline in their wage tax.
The worst aspect of this whole issue is that, for most "regular" gamblers, a few hundred dollars doesn't come close to the amounts they lose annually "trying their luck". In my opinion, the state is counting on these folks to show up once or twice a month and risk half (or all) of their paycheck in what is essentially a rigged game, all so our leaders in Harrisburg aren't forced to make tough or "politically uncomfortable" budgetary choices. How terribly weak...and absolutely pathetic...
Pennsylvania taxpayers are actually being charged twice for the "privilege" of these casinos - providing state aid to some of these establishments (in the case of the Barden fiasco in Pittsburgh, for example)and the hard-earned cash that is lost to the casinos in the games themselves.
I won't even begin to delve into the socio-cultural issues involved here (crime, addiction, etc.). Just from a purely economic/fiscal perspective, these casinos serve one thing and one thing only: the government that let them in the door in the first place. Sure, we hear quite a bit about how well these parlors are doing, particularly in the face of the current national economic climate. Does anyone stop for a second and consider the fact that many of the patrons at these casinos may be risking their last dollar in an effort to reverse their fortunes?
Yes, I believe in personal responsibility, and everyone should have the right to enter a casino and toss their money down a rat hole. I only question why our state government had to make it so easy for them to do so.
Casinos are a good thing you can get adicted to any business casinos are no differnt
I am not opposed to the state making people's access to gaming opportunities as trouble free as possible. Fools possess an inalienable right to throw away their money...whether the particular rat hole of choice is a casino, the state lottery, or Bernie Madoff.
Intrepid
I don't think it's all the same. Investing is far different from gambling; both involve risk, but that's as far as the comparison goes. (Excluding fraud, of course).