|
Indiana slot machines are fulfilling their end of the
bargain for sure. When the state approved slot machines as a way to generate
more funds, the citizens approved the measure with hopes of the slot
machines revenue supporting some of the lagging areas in the state’s
budget—like education for example. What they didn’t expect was the $27
million the state puts in to the horse racing industry each year to help
support the failing industry. Many states have similar programs—the slot
machines generate enough money to lend support to an industry that supplies
additional jobs to the state.
Others though argue that if the horse racing industry cannot support itself,
then it needs to shut down. So far other forms of gambling in the state fund
themselves—no one puts money into the slot machines—they cover their own
costs so why can the horse races?
On the other side is the horse racing industry which claims the $27 million
goes toward “agricultural development.” They also claim that the horse
racing industry uses the $27 million from the slot machines revenue to
increase profits exponentially. For every one dollar of the $27 million they
generate $11 million. But if that’s the case why do they still need the slot
machine’s revenue? Well, often the slot machines revenue goes toward
increasing purses, and toward supporting top-end horses and horse races. The
larger the purses the racetrack offers, the higher caliber horses, races,
and patrons.
But even with that defense, many citizens of Indiana believe that the $27
million would be better spent on supporting the state’s education system.
Some areas they could focus on is raising teachers salaries, supplementing
lower end schools, and cleaning up the state’s public schools.
Back to December News>>>
Back to Recent
News>>>
|
