THE PUBLIC MIND: SELF-CONTROL IS NEEDED TO CURB ADDITION TO GAMBLING, AS IT IS IN ANYTHING ELSE

To the Editor:

The controversy over riverboat gaming has caused me to speak up and voice my opinion. There are several reasons why I'm voting "yes" on this issue.

Mainly, I like the entertainment value provided by riverboat gaming. It's intended to be harmless much like the church bingo fests where you pay money to play a card on the "chance" you might win. You know, there are people addicted to wholesome bingo, too. Why is bingo more acceptable?

Self-control is needed to curb addiction in gaming as in anything else.

A good example of self-control is my husband and video games. If he could, he would play these games until he had no quarters left. But by exerting self-control, he plays a couple of dollars and gets his "fix." He leaves happy that he got to do what he enjoys yet he didn't "break the bank."

Being origin~ally from St. Charles, I can only hope that the Cape Girardeau riverfront gets developed as beautifully as St. Charles. There the boats, one a floating restaurant and the other an off-Broadway theater, compliment the heritage and history of the area. As it would in Cape. There, downtown business is booming and will only get better after their casino boat is in operation.

As for the crime factor, if we are aware and on the lookout, how much of a factor can it be? Of course, we'll need more law enforcement. But weren't more officers on the way anyhow? This in response to the drug dealing in some areas, which was stopped cold in its tracks by our vigilant police force. Also, we must remember the state police assigned to patrol the area around a riverboat.

Then, of course, there are the economic benefits from increased jobs and tourism. Why have a tourism board if the people of Cape don't want to welcome the tourists who choose to visit here? The secondary jobs alone would be worth a "yes" vote. The gift shops, craft shops, new restaurants and hotels can increase Cape Girardeau positive image. If the gaming boat does leave, all is not lost. What about the restaurant or showboats like in St. Charles. These boats would still draw tourists. These boats could also be owned by people in Cape. And, I imagine, the religiously correct shou~ldn't be awfully upset over that.

One the point that the only thing the Boyd group is interested in is making money ... I have to shout, "Of course, that's what all businesses want to do!" You may not have anything tangible after leaving a gaming boat; but what to you have when you leave a video game or a putt-putt course or a movie theater? A sore thumb, a meaningless score card or a torn ticket stub. Or maybe, just maybe, a fond memory of a fun evening night out.

Pamela Skelton

Cape Girardeau