Casinos can be a source of great fun, especially with those penny slot machines. They bring in billions of dollars of revenue each year and provide entertainment and fun to those in search of risk. So, why not allow casinos in Arkansas?

We believe they should be allowed. Many surrounding states, Missouri, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Texas, all allow gambling. This means that Arkansans are able to travel to nearby locations to attend casinos. Some are located directly across state lines.

The state is missing out on an incredible amount of revenue that could be used to fund programs that need more money because of this. Arkansas already discovered this fact when it instated a lottery last year.

People were traveling to surrounding states to purchase lottery tickets, thus funneling money to other states rather than keeping it at home. Ever since having a lottery, the state is making revenue, which goes towards providing college scholarships.

The same principal applies to casinos. People travel out of state to gamble money when the money could be kept here instead. Though people get frustrated losing money at casinos, some of that money (the part not kept by the casino) would be used for fellow Arkansans.

It would also be good for area businesses surrounding casinos because they would attract more people, who in turn will spend money at both the casino and at the businesses (including gas stations, restaurants and shopping centers).

In addition to revenue, having casinos could add as many as 40,000 jobs to the state. This is a big number that would be good for the economy.

Texas businessman Michael Wasserman is heading the attempt to get casinos legal in the state. To get the proposition on the ballot this year, Wasserman needs 77,000 signatures. But, he is shooting for 120,000 so that there is no question that residents of the natural state are in favor of legalizing casinos.

Since there are already forms of gambling (the lottery and horse tracks), we should not be skeptical or afraid to have casinos. Some disagree with this because of moral beliefs. Gambling does have the potential to cause people to lose their money, go into debt, etc. But, we believe it is the individual’s right to decide what they do with their own money. Most people are responsible enough to not spend more than they wish in casinos.

To those who say that people cannot help it when they become gambling addicts, gambling addictions are similar to alcohol and cigarettes. Addictions are sad, but unfortunately, they are going to happen anyway. These people just have to travel a little longer to other states to do so.

Other people should not be punished by not being allowed to gamble near their homes simply because some people do have problems. These are a minority of people. Casinos are meant to be a fun place to hang out and as a place of entertainment.

So, if asked to sign a petition to legalize casinos, we ask you to do so for your own benefit.