Ministers decry scourge of casinos

To the editor:

Missouri's proposed casino gambling referendum is -- to say the least -- disquieting. Remember the so-called "boats in moats" referendum in which the casino industry pledged to live with loss limits? This newest ballot issue calls for complete repeal of those limits.

The Cape Girardeau Downtown Council of Churches acknowledges casino gambling may bring new employment and revenue. We point out the underlying social cost, demonstrated in part by the rise in gambling addiction in every venue where a casino has been situated. Existing businesses also stand to lose much of their labor base to the seductiveness of this industry.

This is a bad measure. It provides a Hobson's choice to voters. A yes vote would cap the number of casinos in Missouri, an action that would -- at least in the short term -- prevent location of a casino in Cape Girardeau. But a yes vote would also remove the $500 loss limit on gambling. Deciding which way to vote this fall is, therefore, wrenching.

Before Jesus lost his life, he lost his clothing in a casting of lots -- an ancient form of gambling. It is our view of casino gambling that, in the end, everybody eventually loses.

We reluctantly urge a yes vote on this poorly conceived referendum Nov. 4. This, at least, will keep the scourge of casino gaming away from the community we love.

Rev. JEFF LONG, Rev. ROBERT TOWNER, Rev. PAUL KABO, Rev. SCOTT MOON, EVA HILLIS, Cape Girardeau Downtown Council of Churches