D'Amico's response to the Gambling Bill

From the news wire

Rep. D'Amico of Seekonk said, I appreciate the community you represent and how much this means to you. And I respect your leadership and the way we have conducted this debate over the last two days. Seems like two years. Nonetheless, I rise in opposition to the bill.

We've heard a lot about jobs. But there's little evidence that casinos will spur long term economic development. And the gentleman from North Adams explained why. Whatever modest economic benefits that gambling brought to these communities, they were diminished and they went away. Foxwoods, Mohegan Sun have laid off well over 1,000 people during this recession, many of those skilled workers. Many of those will be knocking on our doors to take some of the best jobs.

Studies estimate for every 1,000 in gambling spending there is a reduction in spending in other businesses nearby. The gambling industry is predatory. It preys on the vulnerable. Like Big Tobacco, it addicts people to its products. By inviting the predatory gambling industry into Massachusetts, we will double the number of families destroyed by this predatory industry.

There are those who argue we need to recapture revenue lost. But we can't recapture it without a high cost. Massachusetts gamblers visit casinos four times a year. Connecticut residents visit eight times a year. We will create 140,297 new problem gamblers in our communities. That is three and a half times larger than the districts each of us represents.

Shattered lives. Broken families. We're told not to worry though. The bill includes $5 million to make the problem go away. Addiction is never cured. It's a lifetime struggle. The children of newly recruited pathological gamblers, they will carry the scars with them their entire lives. I ask each of you to look into your hearts, is this the best we can do for our people? Mr. Speaker, I hope the bill does not pass.