General What impact do you feel offshore or riverboat gambling....

[June]

What impact do you feel that offshore or riverboat gambling has had on the gambling issue in general? Economically? How will it affect the decision on whether to allow gambling across America or not?

I feel that offshore gambling on has an effect to the extent that it takes revenue that could be ours. The IRS could really bank if we were to tax that issue.

Economically, same thing. We could really boost our economy by allowing gambling across America and allow grownups to do with their money what they wish.

 

[zephyr 12]

I'm with you June, it could help economically. I don't want that to happen right now though, and here's why: The money would go to people who don't know how to handle money and distribute it where it needs to go. Keep Washington out of it and we'll be fine.

Legalize gambling on a state by state basis and let the states distribute the monies as they see fit. Much like how it is with Cannabis at the moment.

 

[June]

I tend to agree with you there. If we keep Washington out of it, our states stand a much better chance of getting it to the right people. Legalizing marijuana is just about the same. I don't think Washington should interfere with the states' decisions to make our world better.

 

[lordcole]

Legalize gambling on a state by state basis and let the states distribute the monies as they see fit. Much like how it is with Cannabis at the moment.

Very true and I agree that Washington should stay out of it. I feel that the legalization is going to take a shorter time than anticipated. Still @zephyr 12, wouldn't now be a good time if the right mechanisms are put in place to ensure that the money (revenue) is utilized well?

 

[zephyr 12]

Yes, it would. Any time is the right time for that. But let me give you a real world example of why I don't trust even state governments sometimes.

A few years back, in Arizona, voters passed a measure allowing certain tax monies (I believe it was from the casino's we have down here) to be diverted to the public school system. Arizona ranks dead last in education in America. Dead......Last. Well, the tax monies went to the state legislature to be distributed, but the money didn't go to the schools as the tax payers wanted. Instead, the legislature diverted the monies to other projects they deemed more worthy than educating our youth. "But isn't that illegal?" you may ask. Typically, yes. But the wording of the bill was such that left the ultimate decision of distribution up to the legislature.

If you want tax money to go somewhere, make sure the bill you are voting on is specific, to the point and leaves no question as to where the money should go. Close the knot tight. Leave no loopholes. Otherwise, your government will bend you over.