THE BUZZ This week’s question: Voters in Norfolk and Portsmouth will decide referendums that would allow casinos to operate in those cities. What do you think about bringing gambling to Hampton Roads?
The Buzz is a weekly question on an issue affecting the residents of Hampton Roads.
I am not in favor of a casino in Portsmouth. The location — adjacent to the Portsmouth Tidewater Community College Campus — is ill advised and not compatible with a learning facility. Instead of betting our future on gambling, a center similar to what Virginia Beach’s “Sportsplex” is like, would be more welcoming.
JoAnn Clarke, Portsmouth
This is nothing new for our Tidewater area: gambling (both legal and illegal) has been part of our culture for over 200 years: floating poker games, the old weekly football cards, playing the daily numbers, men’s club activities, and now online chances. The controversy (Norfolk) seems to be the tax incentives and land use requirements.
Ross Kearney, Hampton
When the United States was founded, governments assumed Americans should live as freely as possible, thinking people should make their own decisions without government interference. Today, most social problems originate with government passing laws restricting people from deciding for themselves, regarding many issues such as gambling, drinking alcohol and others.
Joseph L. Bass, Suffolk
The question on the Norfolk ballot is about allowing a specific casino operator. I voted against that because the process wasn’t transparent; the location in Norfolk is bad; an open bid process to other potential casino operators was not used; and lastly the wisdom of even having a casino in Norfolk was not properly explored.
Georgette Constant, Norfolk
Gambling is already in the area and casinos will be just another great options for the citizens. No tax money being used to build the casinos and many new sources of revenue will be coming back to our city. I’m excited to see it happen here in my city.
Peggy Scott, Norfolk
I believe that we should have no casinos in Hampton Roads. Casinos take money from those people who can least afford to lose their money.
It also gives a false hope of getting rich when there is a very tiny chance. The cities should be encouraging their residents to
save their money.
James Taylor, Newport News
Very bad idea. Lived in Nevada. I worked with the Gaming Commission when a bunch of other states thought gaming was the Golden Goose. Most found out it was not. Jobs did not materialize as expected. Tax revenues not there. The tax giveaways by the state and local communities never recouped.
D. A. Willard, James City County
Although I see nothing immoral about commercial gambling, gambling can have unintended consequences. In 1971 Vietnam, I lost a hand, by not bidding, for which I had the best cards. I then lost by bidding on a hand for which I had losing cards. Losing $400, I quit gambling ... and won for life.
Steven M. Yedinak, Newport News
Gambling is always terrible trouble. Old movies covered the subject very well. Casinos are always a problem because the house sets the rules. Those always favor the house. More people lose than win and losers ruin not only themselves but also their families. I strongly oppose casinos.
Toni Beacham, Williamsburg
Virginia is infected with exploitative Casino Virus. Economic arguments do not consider the pain inflicted on compulsive gamblers. Arguing we would not ban liquor stores because some people are alcoholic doesn’t work. Casinos exploit the hope, driving the most vulnerable economically deprived compulsive gamblers. Shame on Hampton Roads if casinos win. Vote no.
Janet Bendann, Suffolk
Where we lived most of our lives in New Jersey, we never saw a pawn shop and never heard of payday loans or car title loans. Clearly people here have trouble handling money. This is a bad idea. It would be like bringing a case of beer to an AA meeting.
Raymond J. Rich, Newport News
Quality people and progressive companies are attracted to cities that promote higher than average quality of life standards. Casinos are not included in favorable judgments and hosting them can only contribute to a negative view of cities that do.
Walter Zadan, Williamsburg