Concerned Families of Maryland views gambling as a regressive form of taxation aimed at people who can least afford it.   Those who addictively play, often pay the most dearly -- through lost employment, higher crime rates, drug abuse, divorce, destroyed families and financial ruin.  The only way to win at gambling is not to play.

At a recent NCAL/NCAGE conference on gambling, Congressman Frank Wolf of Virginia, Senator Jon Kyl of Arizona, Attorney General Scott Harshbarger of Massachusetts, Ralph Nader, Tom Grey, Dr. Valerie Lorenz and a host of others detailed many disturbing facts about the gambling industry and our youths addiction to gambling. Iowa's state-sponsored gambling hotline has seen a drastic increase in the number of calls from teenagers. Because Native American casinos are on reservations, and are given sovereign nation status by the US government, they do not have to follow age restriction laws. A 19-year-old killed himself after losing money at an Indian casino. Here are some highlights from the many speakers in attendance: Addiction, bankruptcies, business closings, crime and corruption are all fruits of the gambling industry. Currently the gambling industry is spending a tremendous amount of money to counteract smaller less funded groups who oppose gambling. The Baltimore Sun reported that the "gambling industry spent nearly $1 million dollars to lobby our legislature" while opponents spent perhaps $1 thousand.

While that may be true, we have the power of the people on our side. It seems the only people interested in casinos are the gambling industry. Some states are addicted to gambling revenues. That's why it's best to stop it here and now. Casinos have not solved the problems the industry promised. Just look a block past the casinos in Atlantic City or any other city where gambling is legal. When casinos arrive in an area teen addictions rise, child and spouse abuse increases, teen suicide and pregnancy rises, bankruptcies skyrocket. In Mississippi, $27 billion is wagered at the casinos while only $26 billion accounts for all other retail sales. If you own a business this should alarm you. Crime and suicide rises dramatically. The industry says they are no different than a theme park however you don't see people destroying themselves after visiting Disneyland. The tobacco industry denied responsibility for the damage caused by their product too!

The gambling industry is trying desperately to improve its image by making contributions to community events, and making wholesome corporate friendships. They are launching an education campaign to teach the people how good they are. No other legitimate business admits up front that they have built in casualty figures. Yes? that’s right they know some people become addicted to gambling. You don't need to have moral qualms to oppose gambling. What kind of legacy do we want to leave to our children. Take 5% of a state's population and multiply it by $10,000. This is the minimum amount pathological gamblers cost the taxpayers each year. Why do racetracks want slot machines? GREED!

Operators and lobbyists are pushing hard to break into Maryland. Slots are already at racetracks, casinos in Cambridge, Elkton, Inner Harbor and Western Maryland and off track betting exists at tracks and parlors. We don’t want them despite the fear tactics of stating that the racing industry will close up and people will leave the state to gamble in Delaware. Casinos offer false promises -- gambling interests are tying slots to the need for education dollars and that a tax cut can only be funded by gambling money. The facts are only the casino owners win. Crime increases, people become addicted and families lose. Our Governor and our Attorney General are against gambling. A 1996 State Task Force was against gambling.   Regrettably Maryland already has horse racing, lottery, Keno, power ball, charitable casino nights and bingo.  And as with any gambling venture, the House always takes its cut.