"Gov. Eliot Spitzer unfortunately is following in the footsteps of his predecessor by betting on gambling as a savior of the state's dilapidated economy.

That's the wrong direction. Gambling is a self-destructive behavior that ruins lives. And the taxpayers of this state should demand that instead of expanding a business that hurts people, lawmakers should focus on attracting legitimate business and industry to resurrect the Empire State.

Earlier this week, Spitzer reached agreement with the St. Regis Mohawks to build a casino at Sullivan County's Monticello Raceway in the Catskills. The governor said that the pact creates an economic partnership between the Mohawks and the people of New York, and that "by working together, we can establish a premier gaming facility that will produce significant revenues for the tribe and the state, and help spark a resurgence of the Catskills region."

While the proposed compact is clouded by assorted legal issues that would need to be resolved by the federal government, the real concern here is the state's willingness to compromise the people of this state.

Spitzer touts the Mohawk casino as a moneymaker. Under the compact, the state would receive 20 percent of slot-machine revenues the first two years, 23 percent the following two years, and then 25 percent. Approval could also pave the way for similar deals with other tribes, which could mean even more money.

What's not mentioned is the money state and local taxpayers will end up spending rehabilitating or otherwise helping those who are caught in the gambling snare. Worse will be the lives that are ruined — or lost — as a result of a very real addiction that breaks up families and destroys relationships."

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Gambling economy a bad bet (The Utica Observer-Dispatch 2/25)