Lots to lose in a gambling operation in Atlanta

Eric Cochling, vice-president of public policy

During these severe economic times, why would Atlanta city officials try to convince citizens to spend hard-earned money on virtually worthless gambling products instead of urging them to save and invest in their future? What about the financial costs to the city and other businesses?

Gambling dollars are dollars not spent in restaurants or shops elsewhere in Atlanta. What about the city’s cost to hire more police to handle the increase in traffic and crime around the casino?

And don’t forget the social costs that inevitably come from gambling addiction: crime, domestic violence, divorce, unemployment and bankruptcy. Once the floodgates are opened, more gambling venues are sure to follow. Is this the first step toward making Atlanta a gambling destination? Before assuming that the gambling industry is the answer to Atlanta’s economic woes, we must remember how much we have to lose.

This commentary appeared in The Atlanta Journal Constitution.