Spending at casino means others lose

Money that is spent on gambling is money that is not spent on other entertainment activities. If Linn County opens a casino, patrons will divert time and funds now spent on other community activities, such as NewBo, Amana Colonies, theater, farmers markets, art exhibits, shopping trips, meals at local restaurants, Czech Village, museums and sports activities.

Iowa is not growing, and incomes are stable. A new casino does not generate new money, it simply rearranges where and how it is spent.

So, the question is, what would the new casino close? How many jobs will be lost, not just how many are gained? How much tax revenue will go away from one taxpaying enterprise that must close its doors to support another? A new casino does not just compete with other casinos, it competes for a family's time and entertainment dollars.

John Thomas

Coralville