Casinos crept into Tukwila while we were unaware. Empirical studies show that despite the tax revenue generated by gambling, allowing casinos in a community is fraught with pitfalls, hidden costs, and social ills.
A nationwide study reveals that per capita gambling revenues are $34, while the social costs of gambling are $190, resulting in a net social cost of $156. Included in that cost are unemployment and welfare payments, mental health treatment, and criminal justice costs due to domestic violence, child neglect, fraud, theft, and homicide.
Casinos do NOT promote true economic growth. New businesses avoid locating in areas that allow gambling. Since none of Tukwila’s casino owners and few of the employees live inside the city, Tukwila residents do not benefit from jobs or economic investment of profits. Instead of rejuvenating a city, a casino can actually kill other businesses by sucking money out of the economy.
State law says that casinos are permitted wherever restaurants are allowed. Do we really want casinos anywhere in our city? What are we willing to allow for the sake of revenue? We didn’t have a say then, but we do now. Vote “NO” for a casino-free Tukwila.
Want the facts? Visit www.FreeTukwila.org.
