Legalizing Online Gambling
Iowa House leaders are currently working on a bill that would legalize online gambling to help bring in millions of dollars in revenue. Some state leaders say it'd be a completely safe and successful alternative for gamblers.
No credit card information would be given out, the designated sites would be secure, and best of all, it could bring in an estimated 80 million dollars. But some say it would bring in much more than that.
Doris Cornish, from Akron, IA, says, "It brings in revenue but it destroys people. It absolutely destroys their lives."
But experts say throwing a few dollars down here and there isn't the issue.
Matthew Cihak, Gambling Therapist with Jackson Recovery Centers, says, "Gambling in general is not a bad thing."
It's legalizing the activity that could fuel the fire of those who already are addicted to online gambling...a growing problem that breaks much more than the bank.
Cihak says, "Family relationships, marital relationships, people's work performance can suffer. People engaging in illegal activity to support their gambling addiction."
Experts say, to date, over 50,000 Iowans already illegally gamble online and about 1/3 of those folks are compulsive gamblers.
The bill is currently in subcommittee, so if you'd like your voice heard on the issue you're encouraged to contact your local state representatives.
