Gambling in San Mateo not a good play

The initiative has been designed to force Indian Tribes to contribute more of their profits to the state's coffers. Indian Tribes that operate casinos must pay 25 percent of their gross slot machine revenue to the state or complete with the likes of Lucky Chances. The proponents see this as a safe bet - a win either way - with increased revenue from the Indian Tribes or other casinos. But if Las Vegas comes to a San Mateo County, it will be San Mateo County's communities paying the price.

Consider the impact gaming has brought to other communities:

·A tremendous increase in traffic on streets leading to and from the casino.

·A likely increase in pathological gambling among area residents.

·An increase in social problems associated with addiction.

·A loss of business, anywhere from 10 to 30 percent, for the area theaters if the casino brings in entertainers that compete.

·A similar loss of business for area restaurants due to the competition of casino buffets.

·Possible pressure on the area labor market in terms of employee turnover as more and more people are employed by casinos, especially if they offer better benefits than area employers.

In 1997, the National Gambling Impact Study Commission studied the social impact of gambling. One of the most striking findings was that the rate of pathological gambling - the addiction with the most negative consequences - doubles within 50 miles of a gambling casino. Pathological gamblers make up about 1 percent of the population. Problem gamblers, those whose gambling addiction is less severe but nonetheless has a significant negative impact on their lives, are about 3 percent of the population.

Another study commissioned by Wisconsin in the late 1990s found that for every dollar of gambling revenue the state garnered, the government spent 42 cents addressing the social cost created by pathological or problem gamblers. The influx of new clients seeking treatment is sure to affect San Mateo County's already cash-strapped Mental Health Services, which stand to lose more funding based on the governor's proposed budget.

And California's Legislative Analyst Office has determined that gambling activities increase the need for law enforcement services throughout the state. Any additional revenue generated for local law enforcement in San Mateo County would undoubtedly be diverted to meet the increased demands placed by the casinos.

Consider also the controversy that resulted during the recent recall election by the substantial contributions of Indian Casinos to Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante's campaign. The perception, whether real or imagined, that influence can be bought was painfully created. San Mateo County should not be put in a position where the ethics of our elected officials will ever be called into question in that manner.

If you are asked to sign the petition, consider carefully the consequences of your action. There are a lot of reasons why I choose to live here. Casinos aren't on the list. Help me preserve our quality of life, for ourselves and for our children who will make San Mateo County their home. Oppose the Gaming Revenue Act of 2004.

Jerry Hill is a San Mateo County Supervisor. He lives in San Mateo.