Letters: Casinos create countless costs

I taught in the women’s prison in Connecticut and saw much damage was caused when the state legalized casinos.

There was a precipitate rise in embezzlement, prostitution, break-ins and theft in and around the casinos. Many families were broken by suicide and loss of property or income. The towns surrounding the casinos have to have additional police presence because of the thefts and driving under the influence. Alcoholism became a bigger problem.

As a result, the state had to provide addiction support for out-of-control gambling and drinking; the programs are staffed, advertised and marketed, all costing additional funds. And tell me what is the cost of lives, businesses and income lost to debt? There is even more need for family counseling and unemployment insurance. Add in more court costs and prisoner housing, and the price rises.

If an honest accounting were done, I am sure that the cost of casinos would exceed the revenue.

This story was originally published April 2, 2017 at 6:03 PM with the headline "Letters: Casinos create countless costs."