Bingo in Casino

In addition to the expansion of casino gambling to other states, the Indian Nations of this country are trading in their bingo parlors for big-time casino gambling. A recent article in the Seattle Times by Emmett Watson details how the Lummi people in Whatcom County intend to open 24-hour casino gambling in a rehabilitated warehouse. Mr. Watson explains the Lummi complex will be the first of several casinos operated by Native Americans throughout the state of Washington. Naturally, blackjack is slated to be the "headliner." Several other Native American groups are gearing up, or have already, to implement casino gambling.

Lotto fever has taken this country by storm and has even reached deep into the Bible Belt. Many states see gambling as the only alternative to raising taxes. Politicians no longer have to say, "Read my lips." They merely have to support the lottery! Texas was always steadfastly opposed to any form of lottery, but when confronted with a likely state income tax or a lottery, it too joined the ranks of us sinners (by a two-to-one majority, I might add).

Gambling is no longer considered the fast track to hell. It is looked upon as salvation in a time of need. As with charity raffles and church sponsored bingo games, gambling is viewed as the only viable source of new revenue the taxpayers will tolerate. Casino gambling is currently and will continue to expand through the nineties and into the next century.

The public's fear of organized crime has always been one of the primary deterrents to the legalization of gambling. Through the assurance of tight state controls, as demonstrated by numerous state lotteries, this fear has dwindled. States currently in the process of legalizing casino gambling are being very careful to keep organized crime out. The small towns and riverboats that currently have casino-type gambling operate on a small and controlled scale. The maximum bets allowed are relatively small (as low as $5) and the amounts people are allowed to lose are limited. Let's hope they don't limit the amount we're allowed to win!