Reading (Pa.) Eagle

Dear Editor:

While the American Gaming Association does not take a position on gaming expansion, we must respond to the misinformation from a leading gaming opponent reported by your newspaper (“Anti-Gambling Crusader Talks Against State Slots,” Nov. 22).

Rev. Tom Grey repeats the same arguments he’s made for years about gaming, despite the fact that numerous independent investigations have directly contradicted his claims. A study conducted by the National Research Council for the federally mandated National Gambling Impact Study Commission found that “[g]ambling appears to have net economic benefits for economically depressed communities.”

And no evidence suggests gaming’s economic boon occurs at the expense of increased social costs, contrary to Rev. Grey’s assertions. Commission research found crime rates were not affected by the introduction of casinos. A National Institute of Justice-funded study reached similar conclusions, reporting that “casinos do not appear to have any general or dramatic effect on crime.” The commission also estimated the level of pathological gambling to be 0.6 percent in 1999, whereas in 1976 it was 0.77 percent. Despite major increases in gaming opportunities, the rate has remained stable.

In the future, you should provide your readers with more balanced information instead of one opponent’s biased agenda.

Sincerely,

Frank J. Fahrenkopf, Jr.
President and CEO