******* WINDOW CLINGS NOW AVAILABLE!!!! GO TO POSTERS/ STICKERS LINK ******* URGENT ACTION ALERT FROM CasinoFreePA CasinoFreePA continues to oppose the Unconstitutional Act 71 of 2004. We are also vehemently opposing the exploitation of children by using them as an excuse for pushing slot machines through the use of the slot machine money for property tax “reduction.” We applaud the Eastern Lancaster County School District School Board for refusing the slot money via the so-called “tax reduction.” Parents and other adults have always taught their children that they should not take things which don’t belong to them unless given freely as a gift or if those things are purchased, traded or earned. It is reprehensible to use gambling’s “take” in any way connected to educating our children including the property tax “reduction.” The PA School Board Association is having a conference October 14-17 in Hershey. Since the time is short, we are asking that you contact members of your local school board by phone (or email if you have that information) ASAP. Ask that they try to get the PSBA to lobby our elected officials to find other ways to fund education that is fair, transparent and not exploitive and that do not use our children to promote gambling. Gambling taxes fail that criteria and are not sustainable. This site has the school district addresses listed alphabetically by county and also lists the president of the school board. http://www.psba.org/menu.asp We need REAL tax reform and the people of the Commonwealth have to unite to let our elected officials know that we are serious. Please pass this along to others who may help us get this message out. Thank you in advance for doing your part in finding solutions to our educational funding problems. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ==================================================================== "NO POKIES" Australian Senator Nick Xenophon's powerful speech before Parliament. ==================================================================== ================================ SEE RECENT MEDIA RELEASE & LETTERS TO PGCB AND ATTORNEY GENERAL on MEDIA RELEASES PAGE **********************************************
CHECK THE TESTIMONY LINK TO SEE CasinoFreePA's STATEMENT re MINI-CASINOS IN HOUSE BILL 1663 AND STATEMENT OF SUPPORT FOR THE MONTHLY STATEMENT IN HOUSE BILL 783.
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Anyone who is considering writing about gambling should read this article. This article was written before Harvard’s Center for Addictions became linked with the gambling interests. The quote below is from the article. "Remember, this is an industry that's in the business of selling illusion," says David Johnston. "And it begins long before the casino ever opens." (David Johnston, investigative reporter, is also author of Temples of Chance.) ********************************************************************************************************** With the passage of the so-called smoking ban, PA has given permission to poison the air to casinos plus venues striving to become mini-casinos ... bars, taverns, clubs & charter clubs. This is more confirmation of the influence gambling interests have on our elected officials to the detriment of the health, safety and well-being of the citizens. =================================================================== SEE RESOURCES PAGE FOR COMPLAINT ======================================================================
re CRIME & CASINOS When checking on crime due to gambling, remember that the crime follows the gamblers.
Most of PA's casinos are full of security personel including State Police. Just like seeing a police car slows down speeders, having security visible is a crime deterrent.
Gambling interests treat the everyday person as if he or she is unable to see through the spin and diversion from the truth. It is highly unlikely that a gambler would rob someone at the casino but he or she would be more likely to emblezzle from his workplace or from relatives, etc. The gambling related suicides are not usually committed at the casino although there have been some. (Twenty percent of gambling addicts attempt suicide.) The domestic violence doesn't usually happen at the casino but at home or on the way home.
When Las Vegas first had "legal" casinos, the locals were NOT supposed to gamble. They knew that there are tremdous negative costs associated with gambling. So, their game plan was to take the visitors' wagers and send them back home with any gambling problems. As years passed, the locals have begun gambling resulting in a very large addiction rate.
The leading texbook author in economics (Samuelson, 1870, pg. 402) says that "(There is) a substantial economic case to be made against gambling... It involves simply sterile transfers of money or goods between individuals, creating no new money or goods. Although it creates no output, gambling does nevertheless avsorb time and resources. When pursued beyond the limits of recreation, where the main purpose after all is to "kill" time, gambling subtracts from the national income."
THAT is what happens with gambling. There is no new wealth. It is just recycled wealth.
Unlike other business transactions, the "customer" is not guaranteed to get a product or service for his or her money BUT the bookie (casino) is certain to get its share of the gambling loses.
In PA, the old saying of "Don't tax you and don't tax me. Tax that man behind the tree." should really be "Don't tax you and don't tax me. Tax that gambler who thinks that he will get something for free." Dianne M. Berlin, coordinator, CasinoFreePA ==================================================================== ============================================================== Check the Media Release link to see CasinoFreePA's release on Eight Belles's death at the KY Derby. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Download this brochure (side 1 & side 2) if you want to know how PA got casinos and some of what is wrong. ************************************************************************************************ ************************************************************************************************ CHECK RESOURCES PAGE for STUDIES, REPORTS, BROCHURES, FLYERS, etc. Be sure to check out the consumer fraud materials. A MUST SEE from MA re EDUCATION & CASINOS Take a couple minutes to see the future for our children. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR SENATOR IMMEDIATELY. Here is the letter to them from CasinoFreePA re Senate Resolution 233. February 12, 2008 Senators, On the surface, Senate Resolution 233 seems like a good idea but only on the surface. Senate Resolution 233 should be about gambling problems NOT about "problem" gambling. Their goal is to point a finger at the DEFECTIVE human being without taking ANY responsibility for their so-called "entertainment" or addressing the myriad of other problems which gambling brings with it. This is like blaming only the smoker for the health problems caused by tobacco and seeing addiction as the only problem caused by smoking. The question of whether gambling is "recreational" or not has not ever been discussed and conclusions reached so it is inappropriate to include that. Perhaps it would have been discussed IF there had been hearings on Act 71 before its passage. PLEASE do not fall for this ploy but instead recognize the many other problems associated with gambling which were NOT addressed in Act 71 of 2004. The responsibility and LIABILITY of those who hold the licenses and those who promote gambling have not been addressed but should be. Unless these changes are made in the resolution, it should not be passed. The citizens deserve more than mere rhetoric. Real lives are at stake and deserve real attention to the problems which gambling brings. I am including an article from today (2/12) where suicides are connected to gambling at Quebec casinos which should be a reality check for all of us here in the Commonwealth.. Act 71 dumped a huge number of problems on Pennsylvania. We need serious solutions and still believe that repealing Act 71 would be a great start giving citizens a chance to have their voices be heard. ========================================================= Should Gambling's Dark Side Be Forgot?
By Kathy Gilroy 12/20/2007
To tune of "Auld Lang Syne"
Refrain:
Should gambling's dark side be forgot and never brought to mind?
Should gambling's dark side be forgot, replaced by "I want mine"?
Verses:
1. For "jobs and fun" is what will sell and no talk of crime.
"We'll take whatever cash we can. Don't let us hear you whine." (refrain)
2. "For only a few are hurt, my friend. They're no concern of mine.
We'll take your stolen money, too. Don't let us hear you whine." (refrain)
3. For gambling's fruit is bankruptcy, divorce and suicide,
Embezzlement and child abuse. "Don't let us hear you whine." (refrain)
4. For government is hooked now, too. They crave the tax money.
"Addiction means more cash for us. Don't let us hear you whine." (refrain) There is a wealth of information on our RESOURCES link. Please check that page. Be sure to also check the PETITION DRIVE DOWNLOADS for petitions. Remember, A LAW CAN BE REPEALED AT ANY TIME. There is enough evidence to see that PA's slots law will never be able to be repaired as it is that seriously flawed. The citizens were NEVER ASKED and, now, the gambling interests certainly seem to be getting whatever they want whenever they want. Time to end this citizen disenfranchisement. Dare we dream? Take time to read: There are so many concerns re Act 71 which would be concerns even if this had passed constitutionally.
The most recent issue is about the background checks of licencess.
One casino license holder is under a grand jury investigation for alleged mob connections and has asked the Supreme Court to halt that investigation.
In testimony given at a public hearing on the background checks, it became apparent that the BIE did not and should not have had access to information only available to the State Police or DOJ.
Now, the license holder has asked the Supreme Court to intervene and stop the grand jury investigation. The Court did put a temporary halt on the investigation. Wouldn't you think that this license holder would want this issue cleared up rather than continue to have a cloud over this?
Of course, his casino was allowed to open. Oh, almost forgot, the former PGCB chair's law firm represents this license holder.
The only question that needs to be answered is WHEN WILL THIS LAW BE REPEALED????? GEORGE WASHINGTON would be appalled at the explosion of "legalized" or "licensed" gambling in the country for which he fought so hard. Read what he said about gambling. Call your legislators to support a ban on smoking INCLUDING CASINOS!! There is overwhelming evidence of the harm of first and secondhand effects of smoking. A vote exempting casinos from a smoking ban is permission for them to cause additional damage to the gamblers as well as to the employees and to add to the overloaded healthcare costs. This vote would be a ludicrous vote second only to the reprehensible vote to pass Act 71 of 2004. **** UNFORTUNATELY, the SENATE puts gambling and tobacco interests ahead of the health of the citizens including workers and gambler at the racinos & casinos. MORE evidence that the tail is wagging the dog in HARRAHSburg, PennsylVEGAS. UNLIKE SHEEP, WE DON'T NEED TO BE FLEECED!!! "[Gambling] involves simply sterile transfers of money or goods between individuals, creating no new money or goods. Although it creates no output, gambling does nevertheless absorb time and resources. When pursued beyond the limits of recreation, where the main purpose after all is to 'kill' time, gambling subtracts from the national income."
-- Nobel Laureate Paul Samuelson, in Economics (1970) This site is updated frequently. Check back often Click on highlighted text for links. Keeping casinos a minimum of 1500 feet from any home, school, place of worship, recreational center or playground is a very minimal distance and is not unreasonable. Original HB 1477 ONLY applies to Philadelphia but can and should be expanded to include ANY casino in ANY community.
CasinoFreePA is opposed to using gambling revenues for funding education.
Gambling undermines and even helps to destroy the work ethic which is the foundation of our educational and economic systems.
TAX SWITCHING IS NOT TAX REFORM. ******** Petition to REPEAL ACT 71, FAITH leaders' PETITION, flyers & bulletin inserts under Petition Drive Downloads. This law was passed in an unconstitutional manner. REFORM in HARRISBURG MUST INCLUDE THE REPEAL of ACT 71.
CasinoFreePA has consistently questioned the constitutionality of Act 71 of 2004, the slots law and continues to press for its repeal. It has also questioned the PA legislature and Governor Rendell going against the recommendation of the National Gambling Impact Study Commission which is to refuse to bail out tracks with slots.
Questions? Contact coordinator Dianne Berlin, Phone 717-575-2771 ' );
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CasinoFreePA has been asking repeatedly for proof that the slots in PA meet state and federal consumer protection laws. The last time was March 8, 2007 at the House Gaming Oversight Committee Hearing. Gamblers have NOT been the focus of Act 71 except as feeders of the slots. They deserve consumer protection. Phila Park SLOTS GAMBLER NOT REALLY A WINNER!!! Was told MACHINE MALFUNCTIONED!! After much bad press, Phila Park paid off the jackpot. However, GAMBLERS BEWARE!!!! There has still been NO response to the CasinoFreePA question as to whether or not these machines pass state and federal consumer protection laws. Jackpot "malfunctions" have occured in other casinos and there have been no payoffs. The question raised should be answered. PGCB reasons for their decisions. Links to sites are in this PGCB press release.
NOTE:
CasinoFreePA has consistently questioned the constitutionality of Act 71 of 2004, the slots law and continues to press for its repeal. It has also questioned the PA legislature and Governor Rendell going against the recommendation of the National Gambling Impact Study Commission which is to refuse to bail out tracks with slots THIS IN FROM CANADA!!!!! JAN. 15 VERY IMPORTANT!!!! Six-Person Complaint to Competition BureauCalls for Investigation of Canadian Gambling Industry and Misleading And Deceptive Technologies Employed By Electronic Gaming Machines (EGMs), including Slots & VLTs Press release UNITED CHURCH of CANADA SUPPORTS above COMPLAINT *** LAWSUIT FILED NOV. 1, 2006!!!! Gov. signed SB 862 (Act 71 "reforms on Nov. 1, 2006. It is now ACT 135 PROJECTIONS for slots at tracks PROPERTY TAX RELIEF .......... FOR HARRAH'S not the citizens!!! "Harrah's paid for cleanup at the site and the racino sits in a special state economic zone, so the company won't pay property taxes until 2013."
Sept. 27 meeting. From Gambling in America Costs and Benefits by Earl L. Grinols, 2004, Cambridge Press, pages 180- 181 Regional governments continue to consider casino-expansion proposals, often appearing in related guises such as providing EGDs at racetracks. The reason is that casinos can be taxed and the money raised appears to be “free,” or at least voluntarily paid. Once a proposal is considered in these terms, it should be evaluated for what it is: a tax mechanism. Because government always has the option of levying conventional taxes, such proposals should be compared to conventional taxes in terms of efficiency. Conventional taxes cost the private sector between $1.17 and $1.57 additional dollar collected (see Chapter #7 and footnote #240): the cost per dollar of “tax by casino” is generally higher. To show this, let C be the social costs per adult of introducing casinos. Based on Iowa, let us set C = $163 (= $148 + $15). Let L be the average loss for adults in the region to be served by the casino. For purposes of discussion, let L = $400. Finally, let t be the tax rate on casino revenues. We will assume that t = 0.2, a not unrepresentative rate. Then the tax dollars collected (a cost to the private sector) plus the direct social costs are tL + C per adult for the tL dollars collected. The social costs per tax dollar raised is, therefore, 1 + C/tL = $3.04. Even with a higher tax rate, the costs per tax dollar of “tax by casino” remains above $1.57 until the tax rate exceeds 71percent. By a wide margin, tax by casino is inferior to levying a conventional tax period. 240. See Ballard et al. (1985), p. 21. This is the low end of the range estimated in the public-finance literature for sales tax, and below the preferred range of 1.318 to 1.469 of Browning (1987). A lower choice lowers the estimated social costs of casinos. .
CFPA coordinator's testimony and "Unbalanced Reel Gaming Machines" at the SENATE RULES AND EXECUTIVE NOMINATIONS COMMITEE HEARING re AMENDMENTS to ACT 71 (SLOTS LAW)
Tuesday, September 12, 2006 (NOTE: An earlier draft version of the report below was linked by mistake.. If you downloaded it prior to 9PM Sept. 13 please download the one linked above. which is the correct version. Sorry for any inconvenience.) ARE THESE THE SLOTS HEADED FOR PA???? From page 7 in the above mentioned report:
"In the mid-1980s, the Nevada Gaming Commission allowed computer-weighted symbols on mechanical reel slot machines, which is possible through a computer process called “Virtual Reel Mapping”. U.S. Patent #4,448,419 describes the intent of virtual reel mapping (Telnaes, 1984): “it is important to make a machine that is perceived to present greater chances of payoff than it actually has within the legal limitations that games of chance must operate.” " A LAW CAN BE REPEALED AT ANY TIME. THE WORSE THE LAW IS, THE SOONER IT SHOULD BE REPEALED PGCB AWARDS FIVE LICENSES one to Penn National despite illegal campaign contributions. Casinos were a bad idea when limited to the tracks. Read the testimony from Earl Grinols gave in PA in 2003. The PGCB which seems to be the guard dog for the cacino interests apprears to have inadvertently RELEASED PERSONAL INFORMATION (phone numbers, home addresses) for 1200 members of THE PUBLIC!!!!!! DEMOCRACY RISING SUPPORTS REPEAL of ACT 71 A consultant's "secret "report predicts slot machines at one Pennsylvania casino would take in less than half of the average amount needed per machine statewide to raise $1 billion a year for property tax relief. "promoting gambling or encouraging its extent in order to protect or enhance taxation revenues is not philosophically, economically or socially defensible strategy because of the wide costs to society embodied in such an approach". former Australian federal Treasury economist & ANU tax historian, Julie Smith
The STENCH continues to grow around this whole issue as the names of people on boards of public or large non-profit institutions who have a financial interest in the casinos are listed. Be sure to check the UPDATE on PGCB MONEY TRANSFERS. Their spending is out of control and taxpayers are picking up the tab. SEN. FUMO was on KDKA's Marty Griffin show in Pittsburgh. With NO prompting question, Sen Fumo said that he would SUPPORT THE REPEAL OF ACT 71!!!!! Sen. Orie was also on re the changes to Act 71 that she and others are pushing.
No one asked us if we wanted to live in PennsylVEGAS!
Do us all a favor. REPEAL ACT 71!!
VERY IMPORTANT A report on gambling by the (CA) attorney general's office concludes "the annual cost of adult pathological gamblers in California is an estimated $489 million and the annual cost of adult problem gamblers is an estimated $509 million."
"These costs derive from a number of social and personal problems that correlate with problem gambling, including crime, unpaid debts and bankruptcy, mental illness, substance abuse, unemployment and public assistance," it says.
In addition, crime rates are higher near gambling establishments, and problem gamblers are more likely to commit violent crimes. An alarming number of problem gamblers, nearly half, are youths. DID YOU KNOW? You can bet $4.50 every five seconds on a five-cent machine. At that rate, it costs $54 for each minute of play.
The machines are built to allow people to bet very, very quickly. The average video gambler can make at least one bet every five seconds. In addition, the machines make it easy for people to bet more money than they can afford. |
