Goverment created very convinient pocket for themselfs.
Americans spent last few years more on gambling, then on any sport, music, films (movies) events combined. We put money in, but can we claim our loses, if we didn't win that year. No! State of Pensylv. ex. collects up to 55% from every dollar gambler spends in a casino. AZ 10-15% as far as I know, there is around 20 casinos, just one of them average claims 200-250 million profit. And AZ allocates only 5 million (for whole state) for compulsive gambling treatments. Money comes in, when asked what it spends it said it spent on schools, roads, hospitals and other BS. Then what are we paying state taxes and license plates fees for? When same thing said. And condition of schools, roads are staying the same, plus funds get cut constantly. Detroit has richest casinos and a highest foreclosure number. Where did the money go? So far I did Not see return on my "investment", not even a dollar back!
Casinos getting more and more legal power from goverment and can do almost anything they want. It is profitable for them to have more compulsive gamblers.

I refused to invest in this shady industry anymore.

Great day to all, Vicky

We have so many casinos here in Washington state. There are 6 within an hour from me and about double that within two hours of me. I can't believe there are not GA meeting in every single town.

Good posts Vicky and 2Live. I live in Oregon right on the Columbia river and the Pacific ocean. Moved here from Las Vegas where I lived and taught for 15 years. Casinos everywhere. 7 eleven stores, mini marts, bars on practically every corner. We need more recovery facilities, more education, more GA, AA,NA, and other meetings. Vicky is right. The money that we are told will help the intrastructure and other needs are not being met. So, I have the answer, don't patronize the places where there is gambling. Very hard in Las Vegas I know but I did it. I bought a house there. Could not have done that if I was gambling. We are the gamblers. The houses of ill repute are the winners. We are the losers. When we really, really, really realize that we are sick and fu--ed up perhaps we will see the light and release our anger and take some action. The casinos have no power over us if we change our thinking and do something about our own self hatred. And, I put myself at the top of the list. I have been sober for 32 years and a little less from gambling. I still struggle with my self esteem and I was a very prominent tennis pro. I have lived at the top of the heap all my life. The very top actually. But it made no matter. I didn't need money. I needed to get rid of it. How sick is that. Not only did I lose tons of money I lost two fabulous wives, one of whom was a doctor. When I was flat on the floor and couldn't get up, crying, shaking, contemplating suicide, I somehow sought help. A miracle. I was so depressed I couldn't walk let alone eat. It was as though I sought help in a stupor. What I realized in recovery was that the problem was not the casino, it was ME. Jon, still living one day at a time, saying the
serenity prayer each day, live and let live, easy does it, let go, let god, and keep coming back, to the meetings that is.

I am with you, Jon! Forgive, but don't forget. One single day at a time. We are strong and its never too late to seak help, never too late to forgive yourself, to leave regrets behind and start good again. We just have different journies to come to true forgiveness, which is beginning of everything. Some things are truly priceless.. and its not what we lost, but what we have.
Love, Vicky

Thank you Vicky. Well said and very wise. Jon

Thank you so much, Jon for sharing your personal story and experiences. I came from an alcoholic background; my father - and your description of the lowest low hits home to me. I did not inherit the alcohol gene; instead took the slot machine one. :] Ugh.
Thanks again - very helpful and meanful to all of us.
SG

Hang in there Smokey. There is strenght in numbers and you are an important number. Thanks for the compliment. Jon

Smokey and Jon, I did the alcohol thing too. When I stopped drinking the gambling took over. Traded one addiction for another. As I have said, the demonic forces will try to get you any way they can.
I am SICK of THEM! I am not sick of ME, I LOVE ME! They are the ones I have to cut out and they deserve all my condemnation.

I lived in two cities during a timeframe when legalizing Casino Gambling was on the ballot. I voted against the measure and warned legislators, as well as anyone who would listen that the jobs created and economic boost would pale in comparision, to the devastation to families, children and the community as a whole. They didn't hear me though! These two cities are now realizing they made a BIG mistake, evidenced by the increase in crime, Compulsive Gamblers, children in Fosters Care, drug and alcohol issues, DUI's, suicides, divorces and...need I continue. DAMN! GOD Bless.