Regulate and tax casino-style gaming
Gambling is already a big business in Alabama. Today, Alabama citizens spend about 1.2 billion dollars a year on some kind of gambling. Right now, there are casinos all over Alabama -- some are grand and some arenot -- but they are here. In addition to these Alabama-based facilities, about 10% of the all the money spent in Mississippi Casinos comes from Alabama citizens -- that's more than 80 million dollars a year.
For too long Alabama politicians have pretended gambling didn't exist. For too long state leaders have refused to face reality and deal responsibly with one of the fastest growing businesses in our state.
Well, it's time for that to end. Here's what I believe about casino style gambling in Alabama.
First of all, gambling is already here. And no matter what the politicians say - It's not something we can prevent or get rid of. It's here and it's going to stay.
Second, I believe gambling should be regulated at the state level. Seven counties in Alabama have charity bingo operations that are authorized either through constitutional amendment for through federal law granting rights to Native American tribes. But the hodge-podge of local ordinances being passed across the state that allows sometimes questionable operations to spring up is unacceptable. Sometimes these ordinances are even passed without a vote of the people.
Third, I believe gambling should be taxed. Our state is sending hundreds of millions of dollars to other states and allowing in-state gaming to get by without paying their fair share. It's time to start collecting taxes from gambling operations and to use that money to support vital state services and programs.
Fourth,I believe the voters of each individual county should have the right to decide whether they want casinos operating in their county. If you live there -- it should be your choice.
When I'm governor, we will establish a gaming commission that will regulate all gaming operations in the state. We will tax gambling and use the proceeds to support Medicaid, the Special Education Trust Fund, and to create a special relief fund for agriculture. And we will let the voters decide whether or not they want casinos in their county.
It's time to stop pretending and to start regulating and taxing casino style gambling in Alabama. If you elect me governor, I promise you, together we will make a difference.
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