Taxing the Addicted

There is some concern in Ohio as to the addition of slot machines at the race tracks. Time and time again the state’s residents have voted against bringing in the slot machines, but the government says that they are necessary to keep taxes down and to be able to pay for those programs that need it the most. But what about those with a slot machine gambling problem?
 
There is not currently any kind of set up in the state to help those that have a slot machine addiction. There is the Ohio Council on Problem Gambling that asks for these services, but as of right now the state does not have a system of care for those people who are addicted to slot machines.

Residents are concerned for they say that if you bring in slot machines with no way of helping those that have a slot machine addiction, then you are simply relegating them to a life of failure. They argue that by bringing in that many slot machines it is the same as pouring a drink down an alcoholic’s throat. They cannot help themselves if it is right in front of them.
 
Not only that but they say that the state’s position is that they are keeping taxes down by bringing in slot machines. But opponents argue that by bringing in the slot machines you are essentially taxing the addicted because they cannot help themselves stop gambling. They say that by bringing in slot machines with no way of treating the addiction you are allowing them to harm themselves and they don’t know if the state can pay the price that will ultimately come out of such a move.

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