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If Baker's Square is not hurting like these 17 business are claiming to be then perhaps they should figure out why Baker's Square is doing so well. Swampy is correct that it's all about the money. For Lansing to receive $100,000 income (if and when they get it) people will have to lose $2 million dollars gambling. Did those who voted in favor of these video fleecing machines really think about how people playing them will be hurt? Sure a few will win. These machines are rigged to entice in this way. But in the end many will have to face their friends and families and admit they became financially wrecked. All so a few business owners can profit.

October 18, 2012 5:27 pm on Lansing gives backing to video poker at local taverns
Lansing has now approved an ordinance allowing liquor selling businesses to have video poker machines. The Mayor broke the tie. Hopefully, no residents will become addicted but history has shown this is not likely. How is it fair to other struggling businesses to allow only liquor establishments to get rich from such vices? Also, one can only speculate why the board turned a blind eye to statistics presented by fellow trustees at the meeting. Many people will very likely become financially ruined from this. Huge amounts of gambling losses are needed for Lansing to benefit. But to many this is no big deal as it's a drunks fault for over drinking and will be a gambling addict's fault for over spending. It's a matter of choice. But a choice some believe will not have God's blessing - even if one wins!

October 16, 2012 8:56 pm on Lansing could approve video poker measure
The line between crime and entertainment, vice and virtue, is disappearing.

But is gambling really a good social policy? Is it even a good economic policy?

If Lansing allows video poker machines those who have gambled elsewhere will continue to gambling but perhaps now in Lansing. Plus, a new base of gamblers will arise, who in the past never gambled.

What once was considered a vice and connected with organized crime is now a legalized activity promoted by our state of Illinois. But because gambling has now been redefined to mean simply an entertaining game of chance, these non-gamblers might be enticed to join the others.

There is the problem of addiction. Will Lansing be creating a new addiction for those who have stayed away from it so far?

There are lots of unanswered questions. Does Lansing really think this state approved gambling will not stimulate more illegal gambling?

Has Lansing studied whether it really will bring enough dollars to pay the negative social costs? Can they show us what studies they have look into?

Will this new source of income create new productive jobs? Is this really good economics? If it is so great, why not allow all suffering businesses in Lansing and other villages the opportunity to install the “games”?

If gamblers lose more than they win, don't they lose the opportunity to use such money for some other meaningful capital investment?

Our government once did well emphasizing the importance of family values and responsible social behaviours. Are we not jeopardizing these moral foundations that have been crucial?

Will other moral issues be viewed with the same lens of pragmatism? Our people are not being taught moral philosophy in schools or to think about ideas and their consequences. Gambling simply cannot be decided on economic or pragmatic grounds alone.

October 15, 2012 4:01 pm on Lansing could approve video poker measure
Thanks to Cheryl Abbott for clearing up the degrading remarks by "head out of sand". I am thankful the mayor did not sell to the Ho Chunks who wanted to bring a huge casino into our community. I hope the mayor also rejects any form of additional gambling in Lansing especially in places serving alcohol where it is very likely people will lose money because they are under the influence. At least let the residents decide on whether to allow video poker gambling machines in Lansing by placing the matter on the voting ballot.

October 04, 2012 5:02 pm on Video poker debate on hold in Lansing
Gambling (in all forms) is counter-productive to work ethics.

Gambling businesses gain at the expense of losers whose gambled money does not purchase any products – only their remote chance to win a bet.

Costs to communities from the effects of gambling are known to exceed revenue income by a ratio of 3 to 1.

Surrounding businesses are hurt when money needed for their items such as groceries, clothing, school supplies, etc., is gambled away.

The National Gambling Impact Study Commission received testimony that convenience gambling, such as electronic devices in neighborhood outlets, provides fewer economic benefits and creates potentially greater social costs by making gambling more available and accessible. Therefore, the Commission recommends that states should not authorize any further convenience gambling operations and should cease and roll back existing operations.

“For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” - 1 Timothy 6:10

September 29, 2012 3:14 pm on MARK KIESLING: Lansing casino question needs public input
Gambling (in all forms) is counter-productive to work ethics.

Gambling businesses gain at the expense of losers whose gambled money does not purchase any products – only their remote chance to win a bet.

Costs to communities from the effects of gambling are known to exceed revenue income by a ratio of 3 to 1.

Surrounding businesses are hurt when money needed for their items such as groceries, clothing, school supplies, etc., is gambled away.

The National Gambling Impact Study Commission received testimony that convenience gambling, such as electronic devices in neighborhood outlets, provides fewer economic benefits and creates potentially greater social costs by making gambling more available and accessible. Therefore, the Commission recommends that states should not authorize any further convenience gambling operations and should cease and roll back existing operations.

“For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” - 1 Timothy 6:10

September 29, 2012 7:20 am on MARK KIESLING: Lansing casino question needs public input
Mantiny1983, What is your definition of a hypocrite? Is it one who pretends to be who he is not? If you are neither for or against gambling it is surprising that you attack those who are against it as being hyprocrites and out of touch with today. Did you know a liquor store in Lynwood was closed up ever since a mother was murdered by a man who figured it was a way to eliminate his gambling debt? Did you know a father was drowned in a pond by Burnham and Sauk trail by wife who did not want him to learn of her gambling debt? Think of the grief such murders bring to those who loved them when you wish to be neutral. Both these murders happened in the present century.
You wrote there are “current” problems in Lansing of drugs and prostitution being allowed. Are you sure Lansing has approved of these vices. I was told they opposed them. However, if we learned Illinois was passing laws promoting them as a way of solving it’s budget problems but cities needed to approve it for businesses to also profit by them – yes – we should also voice opposition.
Your argument that those with low incomes who get into debt from gambling will still buy groceries using food stamps ignores the reality of sound economics. But it is similar to our present government’s huge debt and its refusal to cut spending. Such thinking is irresponsible.
I’ve been told the Catholic Church is not opposed to gambling on a small scale but it IS against gambling when it causes harm, as "convenience gambling" has proven to do.
Also, according to your logic, since drinking is legal, are you for drinking and driving? Plus, as you dislike addiction, why would you want ANOTHER addictive activity available right in Lansing?

Yes, in light of the quote of Scripture (1 Timothy 6:10) all gambling promoting the love of money should be stopped – especially by churches who confess to believe this Scripture is the Word of God. But both church and state ought to honor God. Also, the argument of separation of Church and State is NOT in the Constitution.

September 27, 2012 6:36 pm on Lansing residents voice objections to video poker machines
Gambling (in all forms) is counter-productive to work ethics.

Gambling businesses gain at the expense of losers whose gambled money does not purchase any products – only their remote chance to win a bet.

Costs to communities from the effects of gambling are known to exceed revenue income by a ratio of 3 to 1.

Surrounding businesses are hurt when money needed for their items such as groceries, clothing, school supplies, etc., is gambled away.

The National Gambling Impact Study Commission received testimony that convenience gambling, such as electronic devices in neighborhood outlets, provides fewer economic benefits and creates potentially greater social costs by making gambling more available and accessible. Therefore, the Commission recommends that states should not authorize any further convenience gambling operations and should cease and roll back existing operations.

“For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” - 1 Timothy 6:10

September 21, 2012 3:08 pm on Dolton reconsiders, approves video poker for local taverns
Gambling (in all forms) is counter-productive to work ethics.

Gambling businesses gain at the expense of losers whose gambled money does not purchase any products – only their remote chance to win a bet.

Costs to communities from the effects of gambling are known to exceed revenue income by a ratio of 3 to 1.

Surrounding businesses are hurt when money needed for their items such as groceries, clothing, school supplies, etc., is gambled away.

The National Gambling Impact Study Commission received testimony that convenience gambling, such as electronic devices in neighborhood outlets, provides fewer economic benefits and creates potentially greater social costs by making gambling more available and accessible. Therefore, the Commission recommends that states should not authorize any further convenience gambling operations and should cease and roll back existing operations.

“For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” - 1 Timothy 6:10

September 21, 2012 3:05 pm on Lansing residents voice objections to video poker machines
Since Illinois tax laws are hurting all kinds of businesses why "privilege" only Bar Businesses an opportunity to install video fleezing machines? Do the Illinois politicians want to promote alchohol more than all other products in Illinois?

June 20, 2012 10:32 pm on Business owners, residents make plea for video poker in Lansing