Duluth News Tribune

Dear Editor,

It’s important your readers are aware that Justin Krych used out-dated and faulty research to support his argument against gambling in Minnesota in his recent editorial. While the American Gaming Association (AGA) does not take a position on expanded gambling, we feel compelled to point out that new research has proven time and time again that the information he cites is false.

Since commercial casino gambling was first legalized in Nevada in 1931, it has expanded to 22 states, where nearly two-thirds (64 percent) of those living in gaming communities say casinos have had a positive impact. Minnesota’s neighbor, Iowa, knows the benefits of gaming well. Last year, for the seventh time since 1989, Iowans voted overwhelmingly to continue casino operations in the state.

If the arguments posed by Krych were true, states like Iowa would be centers of depravity instead of home to successful communities that have come to see casinos as valuable community partners.  Elected officials and civic leaders in U.S. gaming communities know the real impact of our business—with the benefit of hindsight, 75 percent say they would vote to allow casinos if they could do it all over again. They welcome the additional tax revenue, jobs, secondary economic development, and contributions to community and charitable organizations. This reality is far different from the picture Krych and the gaming opponents he cites would prefer to paint, but it is reality all the same.

Even with the introduction of gaming in new states and jurisdictions, it’s settled science that the prevalence rate of pathological gambling hasn’t changed in more than 30 years, holding steady at 1 percent of all adult Americans. Nonetheless, our industry takes problem gambling seriously. We have implemented responsible gaming programs at casinos across the country and contributed millions of dollars to fund independent, peer-reviewed research on disordered gambling. We don’t want problem gamblers at our casinos – period. 

Sincerely,

Frank J. Fahrenkopf, Jr.
President and CEO
American Gaming Association