April 3, 2002 Representative Dear Representative : The attached letter has appeared in several major Ohio newspapers. It is factual verification of a concern long associated with legalized gambling expansion but unfortunately ignored by pro-gambling members of the General Assembly and Governor Taft. Most lawmakers are barely aware of the Indian Gaming and Regulatory Act, the federal statute controlling tribal gambling in America. The gambling industry understands and utilizes that statute in an aggressive strategy to expand gambling. This is part of their competitive leverage strategy. Right now you're hearing all kinds of rhetoric and promises regarding gambling expansion in Ohio. One thing is certain, tribal gambling concerns and their allies in the gambling industry are using every tool to expand legal definitions and land claims to open new casinos. As this attached letter verifies, they are watching every move made by the General Assembly and the Governor. If racetrack casinos open in Ohio, with or without legislative approval, tribal concerns will attempt to open "Las Vegas" style casinos. If video slots are approved the same result will follow. The Powerball and Big Game electronic, on-line gambling activities, are also subject to tribal exploitation. One court case defining such multi-state activity as a Class III gambling activity will open the door to tribal gambling in Ohio. There are profound consequences to any gambling expansion in Ohio. Those who promise you they can control the expansion via statute or the Lottery Commission obviously have not researched the gambling industry. That industry is desperately trying to use the current economic difficulties to expand in several states. Of course, they are promising gambling will relieve the current pressure on the state budget. That promise has not been kept anywhere in the nation - including Nevada where lawmakers are considering a state lottery because revenue from casino gambling is faltering. We urge you to continue searching for the whole story on legalized gambling and not be persuaded to buy a compromise that is based on deception. Please visit our website at www.ohioroundtable.org for more details. We would appreciate knowing your opinion on this important subject. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, The Ohio Roundtable David Zanotti |
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