Life, liberty and the pursuit of slot machine gambling in Maryland?
- Sep 13, 2008 - 1
Gambling is becoming an increasingly prevalent part of the American landscape. And it is being pursued aggressively here in Maryland. In November, Marylanders will be asked to amend the state constitution to allow a return to Maryland of organized gambling. A favorable vote on the ballot’s slots referendum will unleash 15,000 one-armed bandits on the states citizenry.
I sit on the steering committee for Marylanders United To Stop Slots. This summer faith leaders from across the state are lending their influence to help defeat the changing of the state constitution to allow for slot machines.
I’m happy to join them. There is much that faith leaders can do to defeat this initiative. Yes, some citizens think it is inevitable that slots will be here. Yes, the goliath gambling interests are powerfully funding the pro-slots campaign. Yes, it’s as if our founding fathers had written the constitution this way: “All men are created equal with certain unalienable rights. Among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of slot machine gambling throughout the state.” Huh? What am I missing? Is it already a done deal (excuse the expression)?
As Baptists, we must join hands with faith leaders of all faiths that oppose this degrading vice in our midst. We have the moral high ground here. We can do this!
Gambling of any kind is not good for our communities. Other states have found, after the fact, that gambling is devastating to families and businesses alike and is the cause of one of the most insidious addictions that can ever snare a person.
Slot machines, in particular, have become the most addictive form of gambling. This is, of course, why state governments have latched on to them as a lucrative tax revenue stream. In 2004, state and local governments gained nearly $6 billion from taxing casino gambling. Of that amount, slot machines accounted for more than two-thirds of that money. Currently, only 15 states still have no legal slot machines.
However you look at it, gambling is addictive. It preys on those at lower income levels who often spend their paychecks looking for a chance to “strike it rich.”
I am well aware of the dramatic change that has occurred within American culture. I get that we as Bible-believing Christians are swimming upstream on most things related to both faith and family values. But it just seems to me that, in spite of what the pro-slot folks tell us, more good could come if we solidly defeat this one. Each year people gamble away billions of dollars that were actually entrusted to him or her by God. Imagine the more positive outcome if that same money was used for feeding the hungry, helping the homeless, and even doing missions locally and around the world!
Jesus said, in Luke 16:11, “Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon (money or riches), who will commit to your trust the true riches.”
To stand one day before the Lord, having squandered away the money God entrusted us on a degenerative activity like slot machines, is a very frightening thought. Gambling is wrong if for no other reason than that it disregards responsible Christian stewardship.
I urge you to join with me in voicing your opposition to slots in Maryland! Let your elected officials know how you feel. Tell them to say “No” to amending the state constitution resulting in the bringing of slots to our state! For more information, or if you would like to join us, go to www.MarylandersUnited.com.
This article is reprinted from the August/September 2008 issue of Baptist LIFE, the newsjournal of the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware.
Further Learning
Learn more about: Family, Addictions, Gambling, Citizenship, Legislation
1 comments (post your own) feed
1 On Oct 13th, 2008, at 8:14am, scott wrote:
i believe that if gambling is going to be legal in maryland than they should go all the way with it. not just slots but table games also that way the state and make money and at the same time create jobs as well