Linn County loses with legal local gambling

It is deeply disappointing to see how many good people — and now even The Gazette editorial board — have succumbed to twin delusions that Cedar Rapids needs a casino and, worse, that a local casino would bring economic benefit.

Benefits go mostly to casino owners, whose business model depends on emptying your wallet. Their tax payments never equal the dollars they drain from a community. And despite taglines in their advertising reminding about problem-gambler telephone helplines, casinos’ direct-mail marketing demonstrates true love for gambling addicts. How I know: My younger brother Mark killed himself 11 years ago after losing hundreds of thousands of dollars in casinos, and after multiple IRS notices containing eye-popping tax claims linked to winnings long lost. (It took me three years to settle his estate.) Casino owners so despise the possibility that a customer who steps outside for a cigarette might have second thoughts about walking back in — to lose more money — that the industry sought, and received, exemption from indoor smoking laws. And you want to reward this bunch with a yes vote?

Linn County needs economic generators, not drains. Gaming generates no spillover trade. Visitors head straight for the casino and then home. Local gambling will decimate our existing bars, restaurants, theater, concerts and nightlife.

I know standing up to the gambling tide seems a losing battle. However, losing is what casinos are all about. If gambling interests win, Linn loses. Please join me in voting no on Nov. 2.

Kurt Rogahn

Cedar Rapids