Gaming dollars help the economy

I was disappointed to read John Kindt's latest assault on the gaming entertainment industry in a recent edition of the Daily Herald ("Illinois prof says economic fix starts with gambling ban"). Kindt is a well-known anti-gaming activist, and the current economic climate has provided him with yet another opportunity to spread his vitriolic propaganda.

Kindt says spending money on gambling is harmful because that money could be spent on consumer goods and services. I wonder if he would say the same about going to a baseball game; or to the movies. People have a right to spend their money however they see fit, and casinos are no different from other businesses that provide exciting entertainment experiences to their patrons. Are we to assume that entertainment spending is bad for the economy? Many economists would strongly disagree with that notion.

Illinois casinos generated more than $566 million in tax revenue in 2008, which helped improve schools across the state. Additionally, Illinois casinos provide good-paying jobs that wouldn't otherwise exist; they employed 7,700 people who earned $326 million last year. During these difficult times, Illinois can ill-afford to take a single job or contribution for granted.

But it's about more than taxes and jobs. Firsthand accounts from people living near gaming facilities show that Illinois casinos are responsible, generous neighbors. Robert Gilliam, a member of the Elgin City Council, said, "I think we probably would have died on the vine if the casino had never come here. We would have been just another old, struggling city. It has made us a better community."

Unfortunately, Kindt seems determined to promote his own selfish agenda, even though his claims undermine an important segment of the economy and jeopardize thousands of jobs. Your readers - and Illinois lawmakers - deserve better.

Frank J. Fahrenkopf, Jr.

President and CEO

American Gaming Association

Washington, D.C.