WE HAVE RIVERBOAG GAMBLING: WHAT DO WE HAVE?; EFFORTS WILL CONTINUE TO EXPAND STATE GAMBLING

Don Wideman is executive director of the Missouri Baptist Convention.

So now that we have riverboat gambling, just exactly what do we have?

We have the beginning of a continuous and continuing barrage of efforts to expand the gambling industry in Missouri.

Most Missourians do not realize that the push for gambling and the money to support that push did not come from the ordinary citizens of our state but from the industry itself! The out-of-state companies that manufacture the casino machines, the lottery tickets and other paraphernalia associated with gambling. They sought out a few legislators to carry the ball for them and to "front" the effort. The expensive television ads were paid for by the industry, not Missouri backers.

As we have experienced with bingo and the lottery, we are now facing the push for more more kinds, more places, less restrictions on gambling.

Also, it was discovered during the campaign, too late to do anything about it, that sponsors "forgot" to exclude felons from riverboat gambling. Now, the criminal element can move in as predicted.

We also have learned that the Tourism Commission, which asked that riverboat gambling be placed under its jurisdiction, does not have the money nor the means to administer the enforcement of regulations necessary (and promised). In Jefferson City we have been told that enforcing state regulations on each riverboat may take as many as seven highway patrol officers and supervisors!

We can be sure the attempt will be made to introduce casino gambling into the lake areas of Missouri and Branson, robbing local citizens of the family style atmosphere~ long enjoyed in those areas.

What do we have? We have a monster that is always hungry and feeds on the unsuspecting and uninformed.

What can we do? We can keep vigilant and aware. We can put light on the deals and deeds being carried on in the dark and behind the scenes.

Local communities can still call for strict enforcement of the law and hold those responsible who promote this unwholesome industry. And there will be opportunities when we can vote it out!