Benefits of Casinos
A few vocal conservative Goans, especially on goanet are against casinos for valid reasons. These include an added temptation for gambling addicts and resultant family and social consequences. However gambling like many other nefarious activities is here-to-stay. Such nefarious daily social activities induce smoking, alcohol, bars, race course gambling, sport gambling, stock market, internet junkies, etc, etc. CASINOS ARE HERE TO STAY There are several benefits of casinos. In our county in upstate New York there are two casinos and across the state of NY the are close to a dozen major and minor casinos.The benefits of casinos: 1. In our county, casinos are the largest employers and thus directly and indirectly (restaurants, etc) pump thousand of million of dollars into the local economy. 2. Casinos attract high-end tourists who in turn pump money into the local economy by spending on hotels, restaurants, transportation and other entertainment. 3. Politicians love casinos because they bring in tons of tax dollars with no one complaining of being taxed. This is specially needed in India where it is estimated that only 2% of the population pay taxes and expect the government to do it all - from education to infrastructure. To eliminate the negative impact of gambling on the local population, all countries ban children and many countries ban local citizens from local gambling houses. A good example is Monaco. In that country, even its king cannot gamble in Monaco. Casinos are also required to advertise and advice their customers to use good judgement and "PLAY RESPONSIBLY" and provide psychology counselors for addicts if needed. Many casinos to attract 'decent' folks including children (and good for business) have become centers of total entertainment than merely gambling houses. These other attractions include theater, sports (golf), restaurants, receptions centers for wedding and other company and academic meeting venues. So instead of Goans putting hurdles on casinos and river-boat gambling, Goans should make it easier for them to expand and do business; and think of other workable and successful alternatives to reduce or eliminate its negative impact of casinos. Regards, GL
