Smucker A Sure "NO" Vote On Gambling Expansion

The sudden move toward adding table games such as blackjack, poker, and roulette at Pennsylvania's slots casinos will be strongly opposed by state Senator Lloyd Smucker.

"In these tough times, raising taxes would be a terrible mistake economically, and expanding gambling would be a terrible mistake socially. The record budget deficit is bringing out bad ideas that are detrimental to families and communities in our area," Smucker said.

Several legislators are putting together table games plans aimed at generating $200 million to help deal with a budget deficit expected to top $3.2 billion.

"The revenue needs of state government do not justify turning Pennsylvania into a full-fledged casino state. Until a few weeks ago, another expansion of gambling seemed a far-off threat. Now there seems to be a serious push to do this soon. Wide open gambling is such a dramatic departure from our culture and traditions that Pennsylvanians should have time to consider the consequences and make a deliberate choice," he added.

"Expanded gambling is not good under any circumstances, but the situation becomes worse when gambling money is tied to spending expectations. We have seen troubling problems with slots, where the desperation for dollars led to a series of poor decisions that overrode common sense and ethical concerns," Smucker pointed out.

"Anyone who believes legalized gambling is a solution of any sort needs to look next door at New Jersey, where casinos have not prevented that state from having a much worse fiscal situation than we do," he concluded.

Contact:

David Atkinson
(717) 787-6535