Casino expansion in the state of Connecticut has been a subject to heated debates recently and attracted a lot of proponents and opponents. In case the gambling sector is expanded, the percentage of the unemployment rate will be kept within a reasonable range. On the other hand, the new casino establishments would pose serious traffic, environmental and social issues to the state as well.
Yesterday, Windsor officials voted to pass a special resolution and make it clear that they are totally against the construction of a casino in the vicinity of their town.
Town councils pointed to the problem gambling issues that will inevitably arise once Windsor residents get free access to gambling facilities. Plus, they do not believe a casino would be appropriate for the character of Windsor.
In the above-mentioned resolution city officials say that they are unwilling to provide any financial incentives to investors and added that the casino establishment would not be beneficial to the local economy or not as much as its proponents expect.
According to Al Simon, a council member, communities are against the availability of gambling facilities as well. He also added that casinos are usually regarded as places attracting desperate people and local residents are far from happy with that alternative.
Surprising or not, Windsor is among the few towns that have firmly stated they are not willing a casino to be built nearby, while others are still hesitating due to the potential economic growth casinos would bring.
Mr. Simon also added that Windsor officials have been relentlessly working towards the adoption of a special program for economic development and they can take pride in having achieved their goal. The program attracts enough investors to the city and a casino construction was the last thing they have ever sought.
Connecticut General Assembly is expected to give the nod to three casinos and the Mashantucket Pequots and the Mohegans expressed keen interest in establishing casinos near the state border in order to deal with the increased competition from Massachusetts and New York.
Meanwhile, Professor Clyde Barrow, a vivid proponent of the casino expansion, released a report concerning the economic threats the state would face if the gambling sector is not diversified.
According to the numbers reported, 9,000 people would lose their jobs and the state would lose $700 million in revenue within the next four years.
