Aren’t There Better Uses of Slot Machine Money?

There is a prevailing idea that slot machine money is extra money that a state brings in. Instead of looking at it as simply more money to spend, states should be looking at it as money they don’t really have. This is money that you cannot count on to be a specific amount – be it large or small. If you get extra money then it is a windfall, but if you don’t get your projected amounts you are in the proverbial hole and now short that money.
 
Instead of cutting budgets in areas that truly need cutting – like governor and legislator salaries – they always look to cut educational funding instead. Then if they are able to bring in slot machines – low and behold they have their funding. But slot machine money is a gamble – hence the name of the game. But lawmakers view it as more of a guaranteed payment that they are going to get and then are disappointed when it doesn’t work out the way they want.
 
In Minnesota they want their slot machine money to go towards a new stadium. This is one of the smartest ideas yet. They feel like they really need a new stadium so by bringing in slot machines they will have the money to do it without raising taxes for the new structure. This way, if not enough money comes in, they are not left wondering how to buy books for the next year.
 
A lack of slot machine revenue would simply mean that the stadium was not getting built – not exactly a life changing experience. But having to cut teachers and school supplies is. Slot machine money is a gamble – and it is a gamble as to how much you will get. By counting on a certain amount they are bound to be disappointed in the end.

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