Published: October 31, 2008 11:00 am      

Favoring slots will have bad results

On Nov. 4, Marylanders will consider a constitutional amendment that would bring 15,000 slot machines into the state, distributed at five casino locations.

Allegany County finds its self as one of the unsolicited recipients of a casino, which would be built at Rocky Gap State Park the only state park designated for a casino.

The Maryland Chapter of the Sierra Club in noting the magnificent park setting of Rocky Gap has said, “This park is a wonderful natural resource for all Marylanders and should not be developed into a casino location under any circumstances.”

Many changes have come to Rocky Gap in recent years, and there are mixed feelings in our community concerning the lodge and the golf course. Yet, the park continues to be a family friendly site for water based recreation, hiking, the enjoyment of nature, and a place for family gatherings.

We believe the addition of a $75 million slot casino along with its extensive parking lots would be a complete change in the atmosphere and the environment of Rocky Gap State Park.

Although at first sight casinos might seem a “cure-all” for Maryland’s economic distress and provide money for education, we believe for the citizens of Allegany County that the reality will be quite different.

First, stats show that casino patrons seldom venture beyond the casino, so this will not be a boost to tourism. Secondly, local disposable income may be spent at the casino as opposed to local restaurants and other businesses.

Third, we are concerned that the areas chosen to receive casinos are areas where many people are on the lower steps of the economic ladder. Why is the state choosing these areas as opposed to wealthier areas of Maryland?

Fourth, a casino will in-crease the number of gambling addictions in our area along with increased bankruptcy filings and an increased crime rate. In Jefferson County, W.Va., home of Charles Town Racing and Slots, crime statistics have increased 83 percent since 2004.

We understand that Ocean City did not want a casino because they desired to maintain a family friendly atmosphere for their tourism industry. Two years ago, citizens in Gettysburg, Pa., rejected a referendum that would have brought a slots casino to Gettysburg.

The nearby states of Virginia and North Carolina have thriving, economies without resorting to slot machines to fund education. Why does the second-wealthiest state need to resort to slot machines to fund the education of its children?

Although the future of Rocky Gap and a casino in Allegany County is in the hands of the voters of the entire state, we hope voters in Allegany County will realize the lasting change that will come to our community and the long-term ramifications that Allegany County will have to deal with. We encourage you to consider a no vote on Question 2.

Rev. Charles Erzkus

Christ Lutheran Church

Monsignor Thomas Bevan

St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church