UMM Against Slot Machines

The United Methodists in Maryland are outraged that slot machines are even being considered in their state. They say that they have to stop the governor from bringing in the slot machines as they are detrimental to the well being of the residents of the state of Maryland. They say that if they don’t take action now, there will be no time for a second chance.

They are now joining various religious leaders in the state to fight the impending slot machine legislation. With Governor Martin O’Malley calling for the legalization of slot machines, the religious leaders say that now is the time to act. They must stop the proposed 9,500 state owned slot machines before it is too late.

The religious leaders got together and said that the state shouldn’t be counting on expanding gambling to bring in much needed funds for schooling and other funding. They say that the “long range consequences” of bringing in slot machines will far outweigh any amount of money that the slot machines would eventually bring in.

They say that gambling is "a menace to society and a regressive tax on the poor," and that their Book of Discipline regards it as possibly one of the worst things that can happen. They argue that the numbers for crimes such as child abuse and domestic violence, as well as divorce, suicide, bankruptcy, and poverty will increase, and the toll it will play on Marylanders is not worth all the money in the world.

 

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