Effects of Legalized Gambling 

As part of the Governor's school finance plan, it has been proposed to legalize video gambling (called the "crack cocaine" of gambling) as well as allow use of credit cards for gambling. This would be a terrible mistake for Texas.  Governor Perry argues that there are already a large number of illegal slot machines in Texas, and that this proposed plan would legalize gambling and allow it to be regulated by the state. If this argument were true, then we would legalize drugs since they are illegal and rampant as well. Thus, the argument of legalizing gambling and drugs is illegitimate.  

Statistics show that it will lead to a net loss of resources for the state and invariably create pressure for future tax increases. 

Legalizing Gambling will:

• affect taxpayers heavily due to increased social welfare costs and increased crime 

• increase bankruptcies

• act as a regressive tax on the poor

• hurt local businesses by diverting consumer dollars

• increase problem gamblers to more than 10 percent of the population, with two to five percent becoming compulsive gamblers 

• destroy families by increasing child abuse, neglect and parental suicide

This is simply not the way to raise money for our schools. It will be a net loss economically and will actually increase terrible social consequences.

To Read Articles on the Effects of Legalized Gambling, Click on the Links Below:

Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs) and Electronic Gaming Devices 
Gambling and Bankruptcy
Gambling and Suicide
Gambling's Impact on Families
What Every State Official Needs to Hear About Gambling