Who actually benefits from a casino? Not many

So, $80 million. Really. Interesting how those who want something bad enough can skew the numbers to support their position.

We must consider who would actually benefit from a casino in Cedar Rapids. We have, within an easy hour’s drive, no less than six casinos. I would venture to guess that the predicted “benefits” prior to the building of these have not actually come to fruition.

So who has actually benefited? How is Tama doing? Or Riverside? Dubuque? Bettendorf? Have their communities become better places because of the presence of the casinos? Obviously not.

So the builder gets a big chunk of change. The owners of new hotels and those who own supporting infrastructure will profit. Certainly jobs would be created (there are always more toilets to be cleaned and other minimum wage “opportunities”) but really, does this actually benefit our community? Will this provide homes for our homeless population? Skilled employment? Will the presence of a casino actually improve our children’s education? Again, I doubt it.

This is greed, pure and simple. Do we need a reminder — perhaps another billboard or two touting 1-800-BETS OFF — to understand the detrimental effects a gambling establishment can have on a community? Come on city Government, you can do better than this!

Mary Jo Elam

Cedar Rapids