Yeah, We've Got Another Casino!

[Buzz]

There are extremists in all things good and bad. Casinos can be a fun night out that wouldn't cost much more than a nice dinner and a movie.You just have to set a limit and stick with it. That's how I look at it. For those who go all of the time and spend too much, well that's on them. They should call the number and get some help.

In some respect, you see the same types spending $20 or $30 twice a week on lottery tickets. That I don't do. Call me silly. Picking numbers or scratching tickets just isn't enjoyable to me.

[jdmidwest]

I should study up on this.

I said earlier that it's a zero sum game, and I still do believe it is to a large extent. Money spent there is not spent elsewhere, but there is no doubt the jobs created boost the local economy. If that somehow gets folks off the government 'teet' (as dad used to say) that's a good thing. I think it comes at the expense of somewhere else though -- that's just the way stuff works.

I don't think crime is a real factor anymore. That's mostly the reputation from the old days when the mobsters were so involved. Sure, some granny will gamble away her Social Security check and have to resort to armed violence, but that's probably the exception to the rule. If she's foolish enough to try that in JD's neighborhood -- well, we know how that'll go down.

I suppose my fundamental issue is that there's the 'something for nothing' mentality at the core of this. The time and money spent on all this could be spent so much more effectively on other things. You know -- good old hard work and smart work.

I don't gamble at casinos, because I know the odds are stacked against me. And, I recognize the way the casinos pay for all their glitz and glamor is on the suckers that think they'll be 'the one'. I know that for every big winner you hear about, there are many times that many that lost (and they tend to keep to themselves). Some lost more than they can afford, but most just pissed away some money for the excitement. I just get mine elsewhere.

Well put.

But when they make it all touchy feely like you are supporting your local school, it sounds like a great idea.

Take the lottery, how many winners took the money and created an industry that employed people and become an asset to the community?

[Gavin]

I've seen some sad story's. Former clients of mine would wast 10- 100k in an evening.Thought they had it figured out. They didnt. Didnt benefit anything...just a waste of money, Casino's suck...but if you think its fun and dont mind getting played like a sucker..please waste your money there.

[fishinwrench]

if you think its fun and dont mind getting played like a sucker..please waste your money there.

I don't "do" casinos but when you have the option of opting out then I can't see it that way.

Being played like a sucker, to me, is things like....oh I dunno....sales tax on used cars and stuff like that.

[Flysmallie]

Casino's suck...but if you think its fun and dont mind getting played like a sucker..please waste your money there.

Not picking on you Gavin but I have a comment about this quote that seems to be repeated on here in different fashions.

If you go to a casino in the hopes of winning money you are an idiot. Plain and simple. It's just another form of entertainment. Some folks go to Branson to take in a show and I feel that's the biggest waste of your money that there is, but as long as they enjoy it then so what. I'm happy that they are happy. I'm not a big casino guy but my Wife enjoys it so we go maybe once a year. We buy a tank of gas in Springfield, we stop in Joplin for a nice dinner and then hit Downstream. Maybe grab a soda and a snack on the way home. That is ALL money that we wouldn't have spent in these businesses had the casino not been there. And lots of people are doing this. Crime? Haven't seen it.

The thing that's really funny to me is that this country has one of the biggest casinos in the world that a lot of people play. It's called Wall Street. Just a different form of gambling. Good thing there though is that if you are big enough and lose your butt the government will come bail you out.

What happens to that same little old lady that loses everything she owns in the stock market????

[stlfisher]

There are extremists in all things good and bad. Casinos can be a fun night out that wouldn't cost much more than a nice dinner and a movie.You just have to set a limit and stick with it. That's how I look at it. For those who go all of the time and spend too much, well that's on them. They should call the number and get some help.

In some respect, you see the same types spending $20 or $30 twice a week on lottery tickets. That I don't do. Call me silly. Picking numbers or scratching tickets just isn't enjoyable to me.

This is how I look at it. I go to have fun...not to win money.

Crime...I say casino's are pretty safe places. Try something and see what happens.

I'd also agree though there is a sad element to them. It is awfully quiet most of the time.

I do enjoy a good sports book in Vegas during March Madness. That is always entertaining

[Chief Grey Bear]

Here is one from a conservative site, the Clinton Brodcast System, aka CBS. http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-57515033-503544/fact-checking-romneys-47-percent-comment/

He rounded up, actually 46.4 percent. 47 just sounds more impressive.

Interesting link.