I recently saw a Warren Buffet quote: “Gambling is a tax on stupidity.” It is true that a great deal of money is spent gambling, and some of it goes for taxes. However, calling it stupid doesn’t take into consideration the motivation of the individuals who gamble.
There are many who gamble only with money they can afford to lose; they enjoy it and there is no problem.
In Maine, there are two popular forms of gambling: the lottery and bingo. Although some spend more than they should on these, neither offers the opportunity for the accumulation of extreme debt that casino gambling does.
At the American Legion in Locke Mills, a person can play bingo and get a meal for approximately $25 an evening. An added plus is that the money the Legion earns goes to help veterans and their families.
It is well-documented that casino gambling offers opportunities for people to gamble with money they cannot afford to lose. Therefore, some pile up a huge debt that has negative effects on their family, friends and society. They have no money to pay their bills and become so desperate that they are prone to commit a crime, such as embezzlement or robbery.
The problems that are associated with a casino are too great. Therefore, I am against a casino in Oxford County. There are many other ways to provide jobs.
We can do better.
Nancy Willard, Woodstock
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