Heck, if the states really want to bring in the loot they should get into pornography and prostitution too.

#1 The states, and the Feds, already participate in porn by way of the various tax structures.  Our tax dollars are funding govt at various levels which is complicit in debasing us as a people.

New York already has one casino:  The Turning Stone Casino, which is owned and operated by and for the people of the Oneida Nation.  The Oneida Nation is sovereign, however, while the state itself has allowed no commercial casinos outside of the reservation.

More than one Indian casino, Cennydd. There’s also a Mohawk one in Hogansburg and Seneca Niagara in Niagara Falls. Buffalo and Rochester have been begging for a casino to improve their economies for years, now.  I was in Niagara Falls the other day trying to find something improved and came up empty. Being that we’re talking about New York State, I’m sure casinos will improve someone’s something (Andrew in 2018?), but having driven around Oneida and Niagara Counties over the years it looks like the average joe isn’t getting a piece of the jackpot.

Br. M, I understand prostitution is legal in certain portions of Colombia.  Legalizing it here would require some restrictions, otherwise our tax money might be in an endless “do loop”.

Maybe they can offer special rates to the Secret Service.

By the way, Chuck Colson just died.  We all need to stop and pray.

All of this reminds me of Oscar Wilde’s famous observation on the hypocrisy of newspapers who rail against gambling in pious editorials while publishing the racing form in the back page.  Is gambling a vice? Maybe and maybe not. But it is certainly none of my business what others do with their own money as long as they are meeting their financial obligations.  The stupidity of big government statists, who are forever engaged in the futile effort of trying to tell people how to live their lives, never ceases to amaze me.

4.  Thanks for the update, BlueOntario.  It’s been several years since my wife and I were home last.  And yes, our prayers go out for Chuck and his family and friends.  May he rest in peace, and may they find the solace in knowing that he’s in God’s presence and they will be with him again.

New York State is already running “Racinos” at the Buffalo Raceway in Hamburg, south of Buffalo, and at Batavia Downs, which is east of Buffalo. I’ve never been in one, but I have the impression they are basically slot parlors. I suspect the state is using a name such as “Video Lottery Terminal” to avoid calling them slot machines.

8, maybe, but we all have to swim in the sewer they make.  Whenever people allowe vice in the name of liberty or whatever they then demand that the rest of us pick up the pieces, and there always seem to be pieces to pick up.

Here’s a really novel thought—why don’t governments spend less to solve their budget problems?

IF ONLY!

How can a Roman Catholic Priest (which I assume the good father is) denounce gambling when so many Catholic (and I guess other) Churches host BINGO?  I am definitely not opposed to gambling, but if I were, I would have to pretty much keep my mouth shut since I am very much involved with community organizations (Legion, Fire Department) which sponsor BINGO.  I would be a hypocrite if I denounced “the speck in my neighbor’s eye”. 

Also, I would point out that the very first Post Ascension act of the Church (Acts 1:20-26) was to choose a successor to Judas.  They chose Matthias BY CASTING LOTS (e.g. Gambling).  Sometimes, I think that would be the best way to choose a Bishop(GRIN).  Actually, the Coptic (Egyptian) Church does exactly that to choose a new “Pope.”
So, until the church gets out of the gambling business, let’s just leave this particular “vice” alone.  Lord knows that we have enough “vices” to deal with (Homosexuality, Abortion, Drunken-ness, Sexual Immorality etc) which are specifically prohibited in the Scriptures rather than going after one which is “approved of” in the Scriptures.  (note I use quotes around approved).

14, apples and oranges.  Casting lots to allow the Holy Spirit choose between two equally qualified individuals is not gambling.  I don’t see that wagering was involved.

Bingo, may be a closer case, but I would suggest the difference is a matter of degree.  High stakes gambling can ruin people and lives.  It harms society when you and I are asked to pick up the pieces.