APPLETON, WI — Citizens Against Expanded Gambling released the following statement regarding this morning’s U.S. Suprme Court’s ruling overturning the federal law that preventing states from sanctioning and promoting sports gambling:
While today’s court decision centered on questions involving states’ rights, studies continue to show that gambling promotes an increase in crime, contributes to the destruction of families, comes with some sizeable costs to taxpayers and increases the number of compulsive and problem gamblers without additional dollars dedicated to treatment.
“Gambling is a zero-sum game. It creates no new wealth. Its business model depends on players playing to extinction. Worse yet, the state is a complicit business partner in the industry. In order for the government to win, its citizens must lose,” said Lorri Pickens, Executive Director of the Wisconsin-based Citizens Against Expanded Gambling.
This serious state problem will be made far worse if the government is allowed to operate and advertise sports betting through operations like Daily Fantasy Sports, which is already primed to for entry into the sports betting market and has made two unsuccessful attempts to legalize online gambling in Wisconsin.
Sports betting is especially appealing and dangerous for American kids. Studies show that children in those countries with legal sports gambling are repeatedly exposed to harmful messages and advertisements about sports gambling. It normalizes gambling for kids.
“Government’s primary role is to protect citizens. State-sanctioned gambling is a sign of failed leadership. Citizens deserve responsible leadership,” said Pickens.
https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/17pdf/16-476_dbfi.pdf
