Gambling increase decried

The New York State Catholic Conference is urging members of the State Legislature and Gov. George Pataki to reject a proposal to repeal the state's constitutional ban on casinos, as well as plans to further expand gambling through new video lottery terminal "racinos" at New York racetracks, such as Saratoga Harness.

The Catholic Conference represents New York State's bishops in matters of public policy.

Since 2001, sanctioned gambling in the state has become a favorite revenue-enhancer for elected officials, said the Conference, citing Indian compacts that allow casinos in western New York and the Catskills, the approval of video lottery terminals (VLTs) at eight sites, and the state's entrance in the Mega Millions multi-state lottery.

Gov. Pataki's proposed budget for 2004-2005 would double the number of VLT sites across the state. In addition, State Senators John Bonacic (R-New Hope) and William Larkin (R-New Windsor) and Assembly Member Aileen Gunther (D-Forestburgh) are proposing changing the state's constitution to allow for non-Indian casinos.

Richard E. Barnes, executive director of the Catholic Conference, noted that the Catholic Church is not prohibitionist about gambling, but he added that the social ills that come with increased gambling are not in the moral or economic interests of the state.

"Any economic benefits that state-sanctioned gambling may bring are outweighed by the costs," he said. "The state should not be in the business of promoting addictive behavior that destroys lives, breeds crime and gives false promise of economic salvation to our poorest citizens. Our great state should aspire to a vision more noble than being known as a destination for high-stakes gambling."

According to the Council on Compulsive Gambling, 5 to 8 percent of people who play games of chance become compulsive, with another 15 to 20 percent gambling beyond a normal degree.

The National Council of Compulsive Gambling has reported that more than half of compulsive gamblers rely on illegal means to support their habit.

In addition, statistics in Atlantic City showed a steep rise in major crime following the opening of that city's casinos. Rapes and robberies rose 33 percent in the first year of casino operations, with murders rising by 40 percent and car thefts by 70 percent within two years.

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