Editorial: Casino gambling isn’t best for citizens of Alabama

Casino gambling and the state of Alabama should not mix.

Alabama Agriculture Commissioner and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Ron Sparks wants to bring legalized gambling casinos into the state, believing the state would benefit exponentially at the bank.

He is right. Jobs and increased tax revenue would be brought to the state and gambling would become a major industry. Thousands of Alabamians already flock across the Mississippi border to spend their hard-earned money at casinos along the Gulf Coast.

But here is where Sparks is wrong: “I want to tax, regulate and control gambling in this state.”

Taxing gambling sounds fine. But if he truly believes he can regulate an industry with a history of a web of corruption, then he should think again. The power of money – particularly when it’s tied to gambling — is a corrupting influence. The last thing Alabama needs is more corruption than it already has.

Who’s to say that the rich and powerful with strong ties to casinos couldn’t funnel cash into the campaign coffers for potential lawmakers who might see things their way in Montgomery? Think this is outlandish? Think again. According to the Birmingham News, one out of every three dollars donated to Louisiana lawmakers’ political campaigns were from gambling interests – and gambling in Louisiana has been legalized for only three years.

Sparks says gambling is already in Alabama, referring to bingo halls and greyhound racing facilities. Taxing their revenue is a means to raise necessary funds for the state. And it would, but is it worth the risk of inviting corruption?

If gambling were to be legalized, a state lottery makes much more sense. Its proceeds should go toward education – where money is desperately needed.

But instead of appealing to what he believes Democratic voters want, he should instead appeal to what citizens need. For the most part, gambling preys upon those who can least afford it. Look at the number of greyhound racetrack billboard advertisements along our roadways and the message reads, “look at the promise of big winnings.” For every person you see winning big, there are scores of others who lost money that they could ill afford to lose.

Some with low incomes see gambling as their only chance at getting a big payday. Then they slowly watch as what little they have eventually trickle into the hands of others.

Do we want an industry that feeds upon our own citizens?

Keep casinos out of Alabama.