Representative Dennis E. Williams is sponsoring a new bill tomorrow that would authorize two new casinos in Delaware. That would be in addition to the three already operating in the state (Dover Downs, Delaware Park, and Harrington), and also in addition to the Harrah’s in Chester, and the two casinos in the Philly Northeast section. And that is also in addition to whatever Maryland has got planned. And that is also in addition to Atlantic City. And that is also in addition to possibly more casinos in Pennsylvania.
ENOUGH!
I am not a moral prude who objects to casinos because they are immoral, or because they have the affect to vacuuming money up from those that can least afford it. In fact, I like gambling on occasion. And when I want to gamble, or play the ponies, or the slots, or some blackjack, I know where to go. It is a 20 minute ride from door to door to Delaware Park. It is also a 20 minute ride north to Harrah’s. If you live in Kent Co., you are close to Dover Downs. If you live in Sussex, you are close to Harrington. So I do not see anyone being in a desperate need to have a casino located closer to where they live. And where would you put it? I guess Dennis Williams will say the riverfront in Wilmington and somewhere along the shore in Sussex.
I want to see the three existing casinos in Delaware succeed and provide revenue to the state. Has it not crossed the minds of Dennis Williams or anyone supporting more casinos that if you add more options in the state, it will dilute the revenue from the other three sites? I mean, building two new casinos is not going to make more people go to casinos to spend money. Delaware is a small state with three casinos. I doubt there is an untouched gambling market anywhere in the state or in Maryland, New Jersey or Pennsylvania. If people have wanted to gamble, they have already gone and are going to Dover Downs, Harrington and Delaware Park. Williams is betting there is some idiot out there who has wanted to gamble but somehow objects driving more than 20 minutes. Please.
Our legislators need to stop looking for quick revenue fixes. You can’t really tax cigarettes any more than we already have. You can’t build more casinos without hurting the others. It is time our politicians get some courage and raise taxes on the rich.