OpinionOctober 24, 2024
Letter: The hidden cost of gambling
Missouri's Amendments 2 and 5 could expand gambling, posing risks for 4% of participants. Dr. Richard Martin of Cape Girardeau argues it's a regressive tax affecting vulnerable populations. He says Missouri voters should cast a no vote to protect families.
Amendments 2 and 5 are efforts to expand the population of Missouri to the addictive disease of gambling. For 1% of the participants who become pathological, it means tragedy to their families and problematic for 3%. This 4% has no relation to IQ, position in society or income — it may be your banker or your accountant who succumbs to the addiction.
The state politicians are attracted by the opportunity but it is often a regressive tax taking money from those who eventually can least afford it.
It’s no wonder why our forefathers originally placed it in the desert.
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Vote no on Amendments 2 and 5.
RICHARD A. MARTIN, M.D., Cape Girardeau
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