Too often, both the proponents and opponents of legalizing casinos in South Carolina cite extreme cases in support of their positions, as is reflected in The Post and Courier’s editorial, “Don’t gamble on road needs” (Feb. 15).
As a South Carolina taxpayer, I find casinos to be an important and interesting public policy issue. But in addition, I also happen to be one of the most published and experienced experts on the economic and social impacts of casinos in the United States, and my work has been cited in the recent ongoing debate in the local editorial pages. I have worked as a consultant to regulatory agencies or testified before legislatures in Florida, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Missouri, when they were debating casino legalization or expansion, based on my academic work in this area, which includes two books and more than fifty academic articles.
Thus, I feel compelled to comment on this issue, especially since the editorial specifically cites one of my own research papers (on casinos and corruption) in arguing against casinos in South Carolina. Casinos are a legitimate policy option for our state, and if they’re going to be debated, we should at least to consider both the costs and benefits.
Read the full article by clicking the link below:
South Carolina Association of Taxpayers 