Leaders debate effects of gambling

A legislator says gaming is needed to offset 160,000 lost blue-collar jobs.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
LORDSTOWN -- Is allowing casino-type gambling in Ohio a panacea to resolve the state's economic woes or a dark, complex threat to society?
A Saturday forum at Lordstown High School provided more grist for the ongoing debate.
"We need more revenue" to reduce a mounting deficit in the state budget, argued state Rep. Kenneth Carano of Austintown, D-59th. Carano favors casino gambling in the state, but not the proposal on the November ballot.
That proposal would allow casino gaming in some areas, but the Mahoning Valley is not one of those.
"You're opening yourself up to a can of worms," countered the Rev. John Temple, pastor of North-Mar Church of the Christian and Missionary Alliance in Warren.
The forum was sponsored by The Vindicator's Internet Web site, vindy.com, and WFMJ TV-Channel 21.
Different views
David P. Zanotti, president of Ohio Roundtable, a nonprofit public policy organization that fought gambling campaigns in the past, said rather than using gambling to offset the state budget deficit, the General Assembly should reduce spending.
Dr. Peter Yacobucci of Walsh University, who has studied gambling and its impact on communities, said the studies show that crime is not higher in communities with gambling.
There may be more traffic congestion because gambling attracts people, though, he said, adding that not all problems that occur after casinos are built can be attributed to gambling.
Zanotti, who opposes the proposed state amendment, pointed out that the rates of alcohol and substance abuse and incarcerations dramatically increase where gambling is permitted. Two percent to 3 percent of those who gamble develop gambling-related problems, and the most dangerous state to live is Nevada, which also has the highest auto theft rate in the country, he contended.
Yacobucci, however, said the higher theft rate is not a result of gambling, but a result of Nevada being close to Mexico, where the vehicles are taken.
Las Vegas is the fastest growing city in the United States, he said, not because of gambling, but because it has a diversified economy with the entertainment business.
He agreed that gambling contributes to bankruptcies, suicides and divorces, but suggested the social problems are offset by the jobs gambling creates.
Zanotti said casino gambling doesn't solve unemployment problems, but Lordstown Mayor Michael A. Chaffee interjected that gambling can offset the loss of jobs.
Carano, who has championed casino gambling, said the state has lost 160,000 manufacturing jobs at the same time the state has cut education funding and assistance to the poor and working poor.
He said Ohioans are already gamblers. Sixty-six percent of visitors to Mountaineer Race Track & amp; Gaming Resort across the Ohio River are Ohioans, he said.
'Trojan horse'
The Rev. Mr. Temple was instrumental in defeating off-tracking betting at Eastwood Mall in Niles. He termed gaming a "Trojan horse." The Ohio Lottery was supposed to solve education deficits, but didn't, he said, contending it will be the same with casino gambling.
"All we hear is the positives from gambling proponents" and little discussion of the crime, divorce, bankruptcies and embezzlement it causes.
Mr. Temple said he realizes that people are going to gamble, but "we have to look at other ways to generate added revenue "without destroying lives" and families.
Carano said Ohioans don't want to pay more taxes and they should profit from controlled gaming and not the few who operate it.
Public policy is for the common good, Zanotti said, adding that he believes a handful will get rich vs. the lives it destroys.
Zanotti said the proposed amendment doesn't provide any money to the state -- "Not one penny."
"You can't build a strong economy out of addiction," Mr. Temple added.
A few of about 75 attending the morning event mentioned the proposal from the Eastern Shawnee tribe of Oklahoma for construction of a casino/resort in Lordstown. The tribe is trying to get the acreage designated as federal tribal land.
Mayor Chaffee said Lordstown does not intend to annex land from North Jackson Township for the casino.
Zanotti pointed out that if the tribe receives the federal designation, Lordstown will lose authority of what happens on the 37 acres forever.
yovich@vindy.com