Quote:
Originally Posted by kerry
Colorado just passed an amendment to the constitution, funding community colleges with the bulk of the taxes from the casinos in Colorado. I argued that if we were going to go that route, we should aim to corner the taxation market on prostitution and drugs, then we'd be sitting pretty.
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We did that about 15 years ago in Louisiana. Since then the legislature has been gradually increasing the non-education portion of gambling revenue -- there was just too much money flowing in from Texans for the legislature to ignore. I don't know what the proportion is now, but I suspect educational system still gets the majority.
Casinos are among the more depressing places I have visited in the USA. I don't know the demographics, but I'll bet a large minority, perhaps even a majority, can ill afford to lose their money in a casino. This is from me just observing the people on the few times I've been in them.
I am conflicted about casinos. My libertarian side says that it's the patron's money and life, let them live it. My Democrat Party side is itching to protect them from themselves and my Republican side wants to steer the lost lambs from the eternal fires of hell. So far, libertarian wins, but by not much.
Gambling is mostly for suckers who cannot understand probability. Yes, a few people have incredible luck. A few more are professionals who study their particular game and come out ahead. Most non-professional gamblers are delusional. The only consistent winners are the owners. they can do math and they study the games 24/7.