Sen. Michael Walters’ decision to co-sponsor legislation that would allow casinos in Robeson and a few other counties in North Carolina doesn’t signal any fondness on his part for gambling. Rather, it underlines his concern for his native Robeson County, which is broke, desperate for new jobs, and getting left behind.
The promise is to direct proceeds, from revenues and fees, to enhance education, economic development and tourism in this state, while making busy idle hands in Robeson County.
The legislation could imperil Walters’ chances for re-election, but making decisions that are easily assailed is part of leadership. For the rolling of the dice, Walters should be commended.
The local debate, and it will be lively, should be limited to the merits of a casino or two in Robeson County. Here’s what we can say with certainty:
— If a casino were in Robeson County, no one would be forced to gamble. That would be a choice.
— A casino in Robeson County would enhance tourism efforts, making Robeson a destination county, and not just a quick stop on Interstate 95 for a meal and gasoline, or a longer stay for a night’s rest.
— A casino in Robeson County would enhance Lumberton’s efforts to transform into a retirement community. Some retired folks enjoy golf, and some prefer slot machines.
— A casino in Robeson County would bring jobs, hundreds certainly, and perhaps thousands. Hotels, restaurants and retail outlets would pop up nearby. That’s in addition to the jobs the casino itself would produce.
— A casino in Robeson County would add significantly to the tax base, bringing some relief to long-suffering property owners. It would also turn the flow of sales tax revenues into more of a flood.
— A casino in Robeson County would redirect “empty” dollars that are now spent on sweepstakes gambling and the lottery — money that does little to benefit this county — into dollars that would provide some benefits to Robeson County.
— A casino in Robeson County would make property in this county, land and homes, more valuable.
— A casino in Robeson would plunge some people into poverty; it would lift many more out of it, not because they hit the jackpot, but because they found employment.
The debate, however, is unlikely to be about merit, but will swing on morality. For those about to mount the soapbox, remember this isn’t a dry-wet choice, that gambling opportunities abound in Robeson County, on the Internet and with the lottery.
The legislation is designed to entice the giants of the gambling world to Robeson County; it’s not a mechanism to slip a slot machine into the corner of the convenience store. It provides heavy regulation, something that is lacking in gaming opportunities now, and funnels dollars to law enforcement and social programs that combat gambling addiction. And don’t bite on the idea that a casino would lead to more crime; the biggest driver of crime is poverty, and a casino would mean fewer poor people.
Senate Bill 523 has a tough slog, and its passage isn’t a good bet, especially with Republicans in control of the General Assembly. But Republicans come in two shades — there are Republicans with conservative social values who are certain to oppose the bill, but there are also Republicans of a pro-business bend who might surprise us.
Those who line up against it should do more than just say no; they should offer an alternative route to better days for have-not counties like Robeson. If you don’t have a better idea, you don’t have an idea at all.
Building a casino is shortsighted.
For more success, one has to dream bigger.
Consider: Atlantic City is littered with casinos but few go there to stay overnight. It's a slam/bam/thank ya mam 1-day quicky bus ride.
Consider: Las Vegas is littered with casinos AND many other attractions to make it a true destination attraction. One can spend days there and never once gamble except on "now just what is that on the buffet?"
Consider: So, Robinson wants to be a retirement community. And just why would anyone want to retire here? For our fine dining restaurants? Don't have. For our world-class golf? Don't have. For our fabulous subdivisions that feature homes and amenities especially geared to retirees? Don't have. For our superb cultural offerings of music, opera, theatre, dance, art galleries? Don't have. For our state of the art, 3-D capable, stadium seating, clean movie theaters? Don't have. Between what we don't have and what we do have: high taxes, crime, poverty, the decision is easy. Drive right on by.
So how to stop them? Thing BIGGER. Think destination RESORT! Think Foxwoods, http://www.foxwoods.com/default.aspx . Think Great Wolf Lodge, http://www.greatwolf.com/ .
Think 6-Flags or theme amusement park.
We have to build something for the WHOLE family. Granny can play the one-armed bandits, Mom can hit the spa, Dad the links, the kids the amusements and all go see a nice show in the evening. Something that keeps them here 3 - 4 - 5 days even.
It is time for VISIONARY leadership that sees the potential in the vast land resources we have, the location at the crossroads of I95 and I74, the resources of many workers who could staff a vast family entertainment resort complex that just happens to have casinos -- full service ones offering card and table games as well.
The truth of the changing economy is that service and entertainment industries are the best options for growth. A full service resort with spas, entertainment, fine dining, world-class golf, shopping, and gambling will provide every level and class of job from dishwasher and janitor who just made it out of HS to MBA management level.
Such a luxury liner needs lots to float and as the saying goes, a rising tide floats all boats.
It is time for the tide of change that will float the boat of a luxury level resort with gambling and thereby float the boats of the majority of the citizens of Robeson county.
I will grant the point that this county is rife with poverty. However, bringing in an "industry" that produces nothing, takes from one to give to another, and is viewed by many as immoral is not going to improve this county. If we are going to do this, let's make cathouses legal along with it, like they are in Las Vegas. Nearly the same arguments could be made for legalizing prostitution in the county as you have made above for casinos. And besides, its already here, in droves, so the locals would just be legal now instead of it being a crime. Think of how many could be turned loose from jail, and of how many court hours we could save!!
In all seriousness, this is a horrible idea, and will just further destroy this county. I expect to see some get on the board raving about legislating morality, but all laws are, to some measure, legislating morality and behavior. Some are just worst than others, and this one, if passed, would be a prime example.
After it, I'm sure that someone would make the domino argument - "that county that borders us has casinos - its only fair that we have them - we are suffering!" Soon the whole state is covered and there goes your so called economic development.
These dominos are already stacked against us. I urge the public to contact this lawmaker and tell him to deep six this horrible bill. And I also urge the Robesonian to use their bully pulpit to try to urge the public to make an honest living, rather than one stealing legally.