Say No to Keno
One of the problems that New Jersey faces with an interim lame-duck governor is the budget.
In his proposed budget Tuesday, Acting Governor Codey proposed permitting keno machines to be used in bars throughout the Garden State. This is a prime example of a bad idea. Gambling is legal in New Jersey . . . in Atlantic City. Companies interested in providing this activity file applications for a license. The business is heavily regulated and in the pie-in-the-sky idealism that went with legalizing gambling almost 30 years ago, the benefits to the area are pinpointed. It should also be noted that gambling is restricted to a certain locale.
Opening up keno games statewide spreads the gambling ills too. The quality of life of New Jersey residents takes a hit all to help balance a specific budget this year. The effects of this decision will be felt for years to come. New Jersey cannot afford this kind of leadership. The heavily regulated Atlantic City casinos are less than pleased with this idea as well. What does it say to this industry if the state is willing to water down what gambling is? These folks will not travel to the boardwalk if they can stumble to the neighborhood bar and pull the video poker arm and drink their dollar drafts.
Yes, money is tight this year. But this kind of nickel-and-diming to rectify the problems are disasterous. Hunker down and do this correctly. Cut spending if revenues are slim. Yes, find new revenue sources, but the residents of this state deserve better than gambling at the local bar.
Also blogged on this date . . .
- Nanny State: Organ Donation - 2008
- Oh My: Paid Family Leave - 2008
- Economics 101 - 2007
- Governor Corzine and What He Says - 2007
- Jeep - 2007
- Competition & FTF - 2007
- First Poker Tournament - 2006
- Unexpected - 2006
- NJ Lawmaker Wants Me to Collect Your Personal Information - 2006
- Park it like it's hot - 2005
- Old Timey Outhouses - 2005
- How did you get into scoring? - 2005
Tags: budget, New Jersey