Statement before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on the Judiciary, 104th Congress, 1st Session, Sep. 29, 1995

Abstract

On September 21, 1994, the House Committee on Small Business held a hearing on the socio-economic impacts of the trend toward increased legalized gambling activities. At the hearing, the committee received testimony from various experts, all of whom criticized the impacts legalized gambling activities inflict upon social-welfare budgets, the criminal justice system, small businesses, and the u.S. economic base. Among other conclusions presented, legalized gambling as a strategy for economic development was thoroughly discredited. Indeed, Committee Chair John J. LaFalce expressed his own concerns on the issue, including the need for a national policy. Despite these expressed concerns, legalized gambling interests are utilizing millions of dollars to misdirect the debate and cause government decisionmakers and the public to reach invalid conclusions.