November of 1996 seems so long ago. Do you remember the referendum questions on that ballot?
Voters were asked whether they supported the development of gambling casinos in locations throughout he state? In each case, the answer was a resounding no. The results of that election derailed – at least temporarily – the pro-casino movement in Rhode Island.
Now, just six years later, that movement – fueled by a stagnant economy – is rebuilding its energy.
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Last week, in a gesture of respect for the wishes of Gov.-elect Don Carcieri, the Rhode Island Lottery Commission delayed until January taking action on a proposal to allow nearly 2,000 additional video lottery terminals at Lincoln Park and Newport Jai Alai.
But that proposal is very much in play – with the Rhode Island Lottery predicting an annual windfall of $90 million if the additional machines are approved.
The arguments, for the most part, haven’t changed since 1996. Casino proponents say the casino at the dog track in Lincoln and Newport Jai Alai are losing revenues because they don’t have enough slots to meet the demands of customers.
Why frustrate paying customers, and force them to travel to casinos in nearby Connecticut when Rhode Island could be collecting those same dollars? They correctly point out that slot machines do exist here already, that expanding the number of them simply makes sound business sense.
But the added slots are just a small part of a much bigger story.
There is a sense that the momentum to build a casino here – most likely in cash-strapped West Warwick — is also gathering strength.
The House Finance Committee has a study commission in place. Testimony is being taken and is expected to continue for several months. Harrah’s Entertainment is said to be very interested in a commercial venture here.
Casino proponents suggest there is a sense of urgency at hand. They point to the north, warning that the Bay State is moving quickly to develop a casino of its own — one located in the southeastern corner of the state – a short drive from the Rhode Island line.
It will be interesting to see how all of this plays out. Gov. Lincoln Almond has been criticized for showing a lack of leadership during the tail end of his eight-year administration. But Almond’s opposition to the issue of casino gambling has been consistent. He has always said it is a bad idea.
Gov.-elect Don Carcieri sides with his fellow Republican, Almond, on the issue. His challenge will be to demonstrate more viable means of economic development.
Robin Porter, a Republican member of the North Kingstown Town Council and a long-time opponent of casino gambling, dismisses out of hand the notion that there is an urgent need to move on the casino issue, noting the House study commission and the collective opposition of Almond and Carcieri.
“It’s at least short-sighted to take this up now,” Porter told me last week. “They’re careering down a highway, making a bad decision.”
Porter points out that Almond has often attacked casino proposals on moral grounds. And while he doesn’t disagree, he prefers to emphasize that a casino is simply anti-business.
“We know it sucks up retail trade dollars and it doesn’t produce anything,” he says.
I am no fan of the casinos in Connecticut, the dog track or Newport Jai Alai. For the record, I’ve been to Foxwoods twice in my life – and both times spent far more on food than gambling. I’d rather go to a college basketball game. I do not ever remember, getting the urge in the middle of a basketball game to run to an ATM to withdraw another $100.
I do appreciate that different people have different likes and dislikes. If the pro-casino forces drum up the necessary support, so be it. But I wish they’d call it what it is. Because this isn’t about economic development.
Economic development is a biotechnology company that discovers a scientific breakthrough, then doubles its production space and hires hundreds of workers to keep up with market demand.
Economic development is an old-line manufacturer that re-trains its skilled work force and finds new and more efficient ways to produce products.
Economic development is convincing a major financial services company to bring a major division – and hundreds of jobs – to Rhode Island because the tax structure has been improved and the quality of life can’t be beat.
Slot machines and casinos aren’t about economic development. They’re about economic desperation.
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