Alaska Voters Making Gambling Decision On Tuesday

Alaska has never been known as a big gambling state. When people think of going somewhere to gamble, Alaska is not the first state that comes to their mind.

That may all be changing soon. Voters in the state will decide on Tuesday whether or not to create a Gaming Commission within the state Department of Revenue.

If approved by the voters, the Commission would then be allowed to expand gambling through any form of wagering game. That could include lotteries and casino gambling in the state. That decision would be solely the Commission's decision.

"There's a lot of money involved, and it should stay here. I'm voting yes because I think it's good for the Alaskan economy," said Ken Jacobus, a lawyer who assisted in writing the initiative for the ballot.

Opponents are lining up with their typical concerns for expanded gambling. They are worried that problem gambling among citizens could become an issue. They also are worried about crime that casinos could create.

The argument against expanded gambling is becoming increasingly outdated. Many states have recently relaxed their gambling laws and there has not been a significant increase in either crime or problem gambling. The states have combated the problem gambling with correctly setting up educational activities for those in the gambling industry.

August 24, 2008
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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