Philadelphia Inquirer

Dear Editor,

In a recent editorial, “Gaming is a gamble,” (September 23) The Inquirer maligns an industry that has provided tremendous benefits to people – including many of its readers – throughout Pennsylvania.

As the article acknowledges, casino gaming has brought thousands of good jobs, millions of dollars in tax revenues and opportunities for local businesses in communities throughout the state.

What it HASN’T brought are the vast social ills gambling critics like to attribute to casinos.  The evidence in Pennsylvania simply doesn’t support the claims.

In fact, those who take time to look at the realities of what has happened since gaming came to Pennsylvania would see that casinos have become valuable allies embraced by their communities.  Frank Siffrin, the manager of North Strabane Township has said of the nearby Meadows Racetrack and Casino, “You couldn’t ask for a better neighbor.” His words have been echoed in countless similar accounts during the past six years.

Without question, there are people who cannot gamble responsibly – about 1 percent of the adult population. That’s why the industry has spent millions to fund gambling research and promote responsible gambling. It’s an issue we take very seriously.

The editors of the Inquirer are entitled to their opinions about casinos, but the facts speak for themselves.  As casinos come to Philadelphia, residents won’t find trouble with a capital “T,” but a cooperative community partner with a capital “P.”

Sincerely,   

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