You’ve probably heard by now that a gambling bill has been introduced in our state legislature yet again.
There is a slightly different approach to this one as it’s what I call a “bait and switch” bill. Those, in
themselves, are not uncommon. In fact, the current bill in the U.S. Congress to address the border crisis
is a good example. While billed as a “border bill” (which is what the overwhelming majority of our
citizens want), it has provisions attached to it that are very unpopular and gives even more money to
causes that have nothing to do with the border. But if a congressperson votes against the unwanted
parts, he or she is publicly denounced as not wanting the border more secure. I despise politics.
But, back to gambling in Alabama. I understand there are 18 constitutional amendments to the state
constitution that allows some forms of gambling where most proceeds go to a charity. The dollar
amount of payouts is limited as is the number of days they are allowed to operate. Over the years,
these forms of gambling have been misused and abused quite a bit. So, this current bill is touted as a
way to abolish the legal “charity” gambling that is allowed in order to curb the unlawful activity that can
happen. Oh, and by the way, it would legalize casino gambling, sports betting, and a state lottery. In
fact, there would be 10 casinos in areas already selected in our state.
I hope you understand that gambling in our state is not being pushed so that our citizens can have a
little gambling fun and recreation as we help fund our schools. This is about money. Lots of money.
Hundreds of millions of dollars. With that kind of money at stake, some unsavory forces quickly become
involved. Get off the main streets and take a walk in the cities where casinos are active, and you will
find misery, poverty, and homelessness. Gambling is not the wonderful cure-all for government needs
and richer communities as is promised.
In fact, I believe it to be a sad day when the state government becomes dependent on its citizens losing
their money.
Say good things about your Savior and His church.
There is a slightly different approach to this one as it’s what I call a “bait and switch” bill. Those, in
themselves, are not uncommon. In fact, the current bill in the U.S. Congress to address the border crisis
is a good example. While billed as a “border bill” (which is what the overwhelming majority of our
citizens want), it has provisions attached to it that are very unpopular and gives even more money to
causes that have nothing to do with the border. But if a congressperson votes against the unwanted
parts, he or she is publicly denounced as not wanting the border more secure. I despise politics.
But, back to gambling in Alabama. I understand there are 18 constitutional amendments to the state
constitution that allows some forms of gambling where most proceeds go to a charity. The dollar
amount of payouts is limited as is the number of days they are allowed to operate. Over the years,
these forms of gambling have been misused and abused quite a bit. So, this current bill is touted as a
way to abolish the legal “charity” gambling that is allowed in order to curb the unlawful activity that can
happen. Oh, and by the way, it would legalize casino gambling, sports betting, and a state lottery. In
fact, there would be 10 casinos in areas already selected in our state.
I hope you understand that gambling in our state is not being pushed so that our citizens can have a
little gambling fun and recreation as we help fund our schools. This is about money. Lots of money.
Hundreds of millions of dollars. With that kind of money at stake, some unsavory forces quickly become
involved. Get off the main streets and take a walk in the cities where casinos are active, and you will
find misery, poverty, and homelessness. Gambling is not the wonderful cure-all for government needs
and richer communities as is promised.
In fact, I believe it to be a sad day when the state government becomes dependent on its citizens losing
their money.
Say good things about your Savior and His church.