Gambling's string of problems

People have been claiming that the casino will be a boost for the downtown area. I doubt that. Downtown is a combination of unique boutiques and charming restaurants. The casino is going to do everything it can to keep the gamblers in the casino. They offer cheap food, which will discourage patrons from going to downtown restaurants. They offer cheap liquor to encourage gamblers to keep gambling when a sober person might quit. When Caruthersville first got a casino, local businesses sprung up thinking they would be able to take advantage of the casino customers. Many of those businesses have closed. If you look at the video on the home page of the Southeast Missourian, the casino is surrounded by a huge parking lot. People are not going to step out and conveniently go shopping. The only businesses I see thriving near a casino are the pawn shops.

Then there is the negative effect of a casino. Some people gamble responsibly while others do not. What is an acceptable level of new gambling addicts in Cape Girardeau? Think of the families who will do without when needed money goes to the casino. Think of the robberies and thefts that could happen so that gamblers can get more money. Think of the divorces that will be caused when one partner becomes a problem gambler.

LINDA TANSIL, Cape Girardeau