Would you favor a casino ?

[simeon]

I am hoping this would be a bipartisan subject, and just something to talk about. Here in Maine for what seems to be the 100th time they are trying to let voters decide if Maine should have a casino. Now normally I jump on the no wagon, but due to the state of economy can it create jobs and bring in out of state revenue? I think about guys like Mainedolfan and myself if we wanted to go to a Casino it would be more beneficially to go to CT, instead of driving a longer distance in Maine. My question is would you favor a casino in your state(if you state has one, tell us how you feel) in hopes of creating jobs and revenue instead of the state raising your tax's? I admit I'm on the fence this time around.

[fyo]

I believe in Freedom. Why should someone be prohibited from placing a wager?

The payout percentages are better than taking a "payday loan", but that's perfectly legal. Might as well let the paycheck ride if you want to throw your money away. (Sorry, that was off-topic).

Seriously, I like gambling every now and then. I'm not into casinos, though. Sportsbooks and maybe some poker... something where I can at least pretend that skill counts. (I know skill counts, what I mean is I can at least pretend MY skill counts).

[Sunstroke]

I would give my patronage to whichever casino provided me with the most enjoyable gaming experience, regardless of which state it was in. What I'm looking for in a casino...

* More visible skin on the hostesses
* More oxygen in the AC
* More free food
* Better musical acts
* Any promotions that I feel I can exploit for a profit

[StL FinFan]

We have "Riverboat Casinos" here and they have brought in a lot of money for the local area.  A portion of it is earmarked for schools.  There are loss limits in place also.  I don't care to gamble myself, but for most it seems to be a form of entertainment.  I think the posititves outweigh the negatives.

[simeon]

We have "Riverboat Casinos" here and they have brought in a lot of money for the local area.  A portion of it is earmarked for schools.  There are loss limits in place also.  I don't care to gamble myself, but for most it seems to be a form of entertainment.  I think the positives outweigh the negatives.

Thanks StL Finfan this is very beneficial information. A couple years ago they approved what is called a racecino in Bangor Maine. It's a race horse track that has slot machines, I am not sure but the slots may actually be at a different location in Bangor then the race track. I haven't really heard or seen any negative impact on Bangor but it's almost a 3 hour drive for people like Mainedolphin and I, where two full Casino's with big act's are three hours away in CT. I am on the fence but I feel I'm leaning toward voting for it.

[Dave Gray]

I favor casino gambling, especially if it's kept in specific pockets, like casinos.

I think it's a good revenue stream and attracts tourism, plus I am not big on government making vices illegal for moral reasons.

[Buddhagirl]

I myself do not gamble, but do understand that they bring in a huge amount of revenue for the area. This can't be a bad thing. I see no problem with it. 

[MaineDolFan]

I am so on the fence about this issue it's not even funny.  I just don't know if I want this type of element in my state.

My guy says to let people go to Mohegan Sun or Foxwoods.

My head says that my state might need this thing.

[simeon]

I am so on the fence about this issue it's not even funny.  I just don't know if I want this type of element in my state.

My guy says to let people go to Mohegan Sun or Foxwoods.

My head says that my state might need this thing.

This how I feel too, usually I jump on the no wagon real fast, but you know Maine they like raising tax's and spending money. Can this help off set it and can it help build jobs?

[MaineDolFan]

^^Depends on who you believe.

People on the pro side would have you believe that the casino will cure all the state's woes.

People on the con side say that the world will crack open, locusts will come and your dog will die if it passes.

[Phishfan]

Since we already have casinos in this state I can tell you they are no big deal. Maine will not turn into the next Vegas or Atlantic City because one casino is built. The Hard Rocks in Florida look like any other hotel from the outside and they are far enough apart they don't overrun the state. I say go for it because it is going to do nothing but bring a new form of entertainment as well as a revenue stream to the state.

[Sunstroke]

I think it's a good revenue stream and attracts tourism, plus I am not big on government making vices illegal for moral reasons.

In my long-stagnant hometown of Prescott, AZ, the addition of a big casino right at the edge of town did wonders for development and the overall economy of the area.  I am also right with you on government's role in legislating my vices.

^^Depends on who you believe.

People on the pro side would have you believe that the casino will cure all the state's woes.

People on the con side say that the world will crack open, locusts will come and your dog will die if it passes.

And both sides are pro's at the con.

[bsmooth]

Maine let me tell a little about California. We have a shit ton of casinos here, to the point we are scaring Nevada so bad they are pumping millions of dollars into campaigns to prevent anymore being built.
That being said we have had no major problems with them and the people who frequent them. On the flip side, we have not seen a lot of improvments by having them. It seems to be a wash. Yet the keep being built, even in bad economic times because people still want them and the chance to win enough money to solve their problems. I know it is not logical, but that is the nature of the beast.

[Defense54]

Its a known fact that the surrounding area around any Casino turns to serious shit after gambling is introduced. The Life style around these places is rough.  But like someone else said........its a free Country. However it needs to be seriously regulated. Keep it in areas far away from communities.  Corruption is also wide spread because of all the Cash , there needs to be a tight reign on it. Keep the Prostitution, Drug usage and other fun activities down and it could be a great thing.

[StL FinFan]

Its a known fact that the surrounding area around any Casino turns to serious shit after gambling is introduced. The Life style around these places is rough.  But like someone else said........its a free Country. However it needs to be seriously regulated. Keep it in areas far away from communities.  Corruption is also wide spread because of all the Cash , there needs to be a tight reign on it. Keep the Prostitution, Drug usage and other fun activities down and it could be a great thing.

I'm sure you see that in your line of work, but the casinos that are out here in the 'burbs do not have that problem.  I go to them occasionally with others (gambling isn't really my thing) and I feel perfectly safe going by myself and meeting my friends there.  The casinos that were built near areas already in decline = whole 'nuther story.