GAMBLING IS NO RELIABLE SOURCE
Just like Maryland, Delaware is holding the possibility of having budget deficits and looking for means to balance the books without giving up the needs of the people or worthwhile projects or programs. After years of debate, voters of Maryland have already approved the referendum that authorizes the playing of slot machines but with limited numbers only. However, the fruits of this venture can only be seen in few years more. Meanwhile, Delaware has already been enjoying the benefits of legal gambling for several years now.
Gov. Jack Markell of Delaware has proposed a huge pay cuts and increased on tax for all state workers. He is also considering an extreme expansion of gambling which includes sports betting, riverfront entertainment and some table games like blackjack and poker. It is his objective to transform Delaware into a Vegas-like gaming tourist destination. This is an effort to balance the state budget and to offer something unique to the region. Most residents will appreciate this means of raising revenues, though as it appears in the first glance gambling may not be the golden goose. Casinos in Delaware get a steady cash flow, in which big portion of it goes to state’s treasury.
On the other hand, Maryland realized that venturing into gambling may not pan out the today’s economy as what they expect. They were disappointed with the initial round of bidding for slots licenses. It was also remember that in 1976 when Delaware venture too in sports betting, it was a big flop.
Sports like horse racing can be considered as competitive event. Betting on sports gambling is becoming more compelling. Everything about the sports gambling including the odds, the potential payouts, and the increased opportunity for corruption greatly affects the performance of the players, especially if they are bribe and threaten to throw a game and influence the outcome of the game in favor to those who give a higher stake.
Gambling can be a slippery slope. Slots used to be nothing but just one harmless entertainment. When it became a successful they decided to expand new more additional games. Where will it stop?
Any other state such as Delaware that is looking for extra revenue would be foolish to put many financial eggs into one basket which is gambling.