Nimby Vice

I was reading the other day (yes, that again) a piece on the widespread introduction of casino gambling in the US by local governments... but when the final tally comes due, the studies seem to show that for every dollar the casinos bring to an area in construction and tourism, they cost another three, in increased costs for social services.

Now, I like going to a casino as much as the next guy. I'm happy to blow a weekend at a blackjack table, I host a local poker game, and fantasy sports are nothing but low-grade gambling with more opportunities for trash talk. From an eco-friendly standpoint, driving or flying less to gamble is also a win.

But when the money goes on the table, here's how you know that casinos are not nice things that should receive governmental enthusiasm as panaceas... because even the people who work as lobbyists for the industry blanch at the idea of having one in their neighborhood. (The same is true, but in spades, for Indian casinos.)

People without addiction problems don't tend to think about it, but gambling is a serious drain on the economy -- and makes no bones about it, they prey on repeat losers. Local repeat losers. Who then cost the community big, and slowly but surely drag the place down... and now that ride to Atlantic City that I haven't taken in the 18+ months since I've been back on the East Coast? It's looking longer every day.