Anti-Tysons Casino Activists Call On Supervisors To Take A Stand

RESTON, VA — Dennis Hays of the No Casino Coalition made the following statement to members of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors during the public comment section of its Feb. 20 meeting.

Mr. Chairman, Members of the Board - Thank you for allowing me to speak today.

Over 200 years ago Thomas Jefferson observed, "The only way to make money at a casino is to own one." True then and true now. The House always wins and everyone else loses.

A lot of conversation about casinos recently. I've noticed that proponents of putting one in Fairfax County justify this by saying it would bring in more tax revenue. It appears that's their only argument. OK, tax revenue is important, but is tax revenue the primary or only consideration? If so, than any tax generating business would be acceptable - a steel mill, a pig farm, a toxic waste dump would provide tax revenue, but you are very unlikely to support them. Why? Because they would be entirely inappropriate for this County. Because the negatives would far outweigh any limited positives. Because your constituents would clearly and loudly tell you to oppose it.
If a casino is such a good deal, why don't the two senators advocating for one want it in their districts? Why do they want it miles away?

The Las Vegas comic Tommy Cooper has said "Gambling brought my family much closer together. We had to move to a smaller house."

Promoters never seem to mention that the revenue casinos generate come out of the pockets of our neighbors. And it is guarantee that a not insignificant percent of them will be thrown into financial distress or bankruptcy.

The Gambling Research Institute has determined that 50 percent of gambling revenue governments get comes from problem gamblers. They wonder why if the role of government is to protect the weak and vulnerable it instead often exploits them.

This is all about money and the proponents have a lot of it to throw around. Over 1.2 million so far with lots more to come. But having campaign funds is not the same as having votes. and people aren't going to forget how their politicians voted because of a slick advertising campaign.

So, we look to you. We look to our elected officials to protect us from special interests who believe money can overpower common sense. We look to you to stop downstate officials from dictating what is best for Fairfax. We look to you to send a message that Fairfax is not for sale.

There was an old English proverb from the 16th century - the best throw of the dice is to throw them away.

Dennis Hays

No Casino Coalition