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Pretty weak in my opinion, but I like how the article mentioned the perception that poor African American communities are somehow more prone to addictions than others. Like I said before, those people who have the addictions will drive to Maryland Live or the Horse Races if no Casino was built at National Harbor. Could there be more addicts because of the proximity of the casino? I guess. I would like to see studies though on just how many new addicts there are after a new casino is built within 5 miles of them. Like I said before, casinos offer so much more than gambling. At least the bigger ones. The Casino at NH will not be some big warehouse filled with slots. There will be a mall, restaurants (good ones that may rival those in D.C.), a 4 star hotel, shows, etc. I'm looking forward to those things more so than slots and table games. And as another person said, Casinos can be great social venues just like bars are for happy hour.
I'm not sure what planet you live on, but it's true. Just go to southeast and see how many druggies are out there (yes they are still there). I don't necessarily think that drug addicts become gambling addicts, but you need to look at why these people are doing these things. There are a lot of people who don't have jobs, can't afford to move out of bad areas, or work low wage jobs. These are often the people you see hanging out at the liquor store in this county getting drunk. Why is that? They are looking for an escape from their reality. Gambling is definitely another gateway. How many of those people do you think would love to go to a casino and win tons of money so they don't have to live in that bad area or work that job. I don't know what degree it would affect those individuals but the temptation for those individuals is real.
Pretty weak in my opinion, but I like how the article mentioned the perception that poor African American communities are somehow more prone to addictions than others. Like I said before, those people who have the addictions will drive to Maryland Live or the Horse Races if no Casino was built at National Harbor. Could there be more addicts because of the proximity of the casino? I guess. I would like to see studies though on just how many new addicts there are after a new casino is built within 5 miles of them. Like I said before, casinos offer so much more than gambling. At least the bigger ones. The Casino at NH will not be some big warehouse filled with slots. There will be a mall, restaurants (good ones that may rival those in D.C.), a 4 star hotel, shows, etc. I'm looking forward to those things more so than slots and table games. And as another person said, Casinos can be great social venues just like bars are for happy hour.
Yeah the arguement was a little weak but I wasn't expecting hard-hitting journalism from BET. That would be a pipe dream lol. But I am with you, stating that poor African American communities are more proned to addiction etc. is absurd. But what's even more interesting is that, with the number of churches in the black community with "outreach" programs and ministries why are all these social ills still such a problem? For example, the collective of churches opposed to a PG casino stated that they will pull their resources and their power to stop a casino from coming to PG but I have yet to hear that this group (or any other protesting group) state that they were developing or have programs in place that are actively and aggressively working with gambling addicts to rid them of ther addition. IMO, they seem more concerned about the loss of income than anything else. If they really wanted to make a difference in a big way. They would voluntarily lift their non-profit status so that they can be taxed as a corporation and help to alleviate the deficit in the county. They want new revenue streams not tied to gambling etc. That would be a great place to start.
I do agree that the other ammenities that are slated to come with the casino (especially to the degree proposed at the NH) would contribute a lot to the recreational options that would be available in the immediate area and the county. I also believe that it, along with the proposed outlet, wil have a domino effect in increasing the number and quality of retail and entertainment options available in south county. I think that if they play this right, the commercial area nearby could evolve into a significant entertainment district with a variety of options that could compete with the to be Wharf in SW and revamped Alexandria waterfront.
Yeah the arguement was a little weak but I wasn't expecting hard-hitting journalism from BET. That would be a pipe dream lol. But I am with you, stating that poor African American communities are more proned to addiction etc. is absurd. But what's even more interesting is that, with the number of churches in the black community with "outreach" programs and ministries why are all these social ills still such a problem? For example, the collective of churches opposed to a PG casino stated that they will pull their resources and their power to stop a casino from coming to PG but I have yet to hear that this group (or any other protesting group) state that they were developing or have programs in place that are actively and aggressively working with gambling addicts to rid them of ther addition. IMO, they seem more concerned about the loss of income than anything else. If they really wanted to make a difference in a big way. They would voluntarily lift their non-profit status so that they can be taxed as a corporation and help to alleviate the deficit in the county. They want new revenue streams not tied to gambling etc. That would be a great place to start.
I have to disagree with you. What you said makes no sense. Who's to say that these individuals won't have those type of programs once casinos actually come? The reality is right now at this moment, there are no casinos in PG, so why would they need to have programs? In their mind, they are going to fight this and they are going to be successful, therefore there is probably not a need for it. Why would they put energy in something that would be admitting defeat in an effort that they are trying to fight against? Also it's not like they won't have two years to prepare for it, casinos won't come (if they do come at all) for another 2 years. It doesn't take two years to have a program like that.
Quote:
Originally Posted by UrbanScholar
I do agree that the other ammenities that are slated to come with the casino (especially to the degree proposed at the NH) would contribute a lot to the recreational options that would be available in the immediate area and the county. I also believe that it, along with the proposed outlet, wil have a domino effect in increasing the number and quality of retail and entertainment options available in south county. I think that if they play this right, the commercial area nearby could evolve into a significant entertainment district with a variety of options that could compete with the to be Wharf in SW and revamped Alexandria waterfront.
I think the other amenities would be nice, but even without the casino they can work towards that. I remember them talking about having a movie theater before. Perhaps that could be an alternative or even a theater for plays and different performances. They don't necessarily have to have a casino to reach that vision.
I'm not sure what planet you live on, but it's true. Just go to southeast and see how many druggies are out there (yes they are still there). I don't necessarily think that drug addicts become gambling addicts, but you need to look at why these people are doing these things. There are a lot of people who don't have jobs, can't afford to move out of bad areas, or work low wage jobs. These are often the people you see hanging out at the liquor store in this county getting drunk. Why is that? They are looking for an escape from their reality. Gambling is definitely another gateway. How many of those people do you think would love to go to a casino and win tons of money so they don't have to live in that bad area or work that job. I don't know what degree it would affect those individuals but the temptation for those individuals is real.
I agree that there are people who are naturally inclined to become addicts but I don't think that a geographic or racially homongenous area are the cause. I grew up in a poor to working class neighborhood and although there were problems with addiction, that problem represented the minority. The fact is that, just like the misperception of welfare recipients, the majority of individuals who have those issues are people who have an addiction problem are non-minorities who are middle to upper middle class. Actually I remember news special a few years back where they found that there was more of a problem with gambling and drug addicition in the predominantly white areas than with the black/hispanic lower income areas. They also found that those minority poor that had gambling addictions were more inclined to indulge in a lottery than bet at a casino. The opposite was true for white middle class addicts.
I have to disagree with you. What you said makes no sense. Who's to say that these individuals won't have those type of programs once casinos actually come? The reality is right now at this moment, there are no casinos in PG, so why would they need to have programs? In their mind, they are going to fight this and they are going to be successful, therefore there is probably not a need for it. Why would they put energy in something that would be admitting defeat in an effort that they are trying to fight against? Also it's not like they won't have two years to prepare for it, casinos won't come (if they do come at all) for another 2 years. It doesn't take two years to have a program like that.
I think the other amenities would be nice, but even without the casino they can work towards that. I remember them talking about having a movie theater before. Perhaps that could be an alternative or even a theater for plays and different performances. They don't necessarily have to have a casino to reach that vision.
The casinos are already here. You don't think PG residents aren't going to Maryland Live, Perryville, or Berlin? Or treking up the road to and accoss the state line. We have had previous discussions that there are a number of PG/MD residents that drive up to DE, PA, WV, NJ to gamble. I am sure that some of those individuals have gambling problems that need to be addressed. I also think that if they felt that the real problem was gambling addiction then they would also be trying to reduce the impact that out-of-state gambling has on local residents. If they were really concerned they wouldn't wait until that possibility lands on their doorstep. That approach is asinine.
Granted it would be great to have those amenities without a casino. Like I have discussed previously that component is the least of what I am interested in seeing. Especially if it is not high end. But in a recovering economy there are not a lot of domestic entertainment companies interested in investing in domestic projects. Most are focused on the hot markets (China, India, Middle East) and are hesitant to do anything stateside unless the consumer market is significant. National Harbor needs an entertainment district that will draw patrons with more disposable income (Single or couples with no kids and empty nesters) and one way of drawing that market is a casino resort. The one thing I like about MGM's model is that their projects outside of LV are not casino centered/heavy. In fact I was reading that 70% of their revenues come from the non-casino part of their revenues which is why they are heavy on that mix. They also like to focus more on the table game aspects of their casinos to draw a higher dollar client. This will be different from the other MD casinos since (at least for the moment), they are not planning on offering a lot of table games. Check out what they are proposing in Springfield Mass. It seems very similar to what they are interested in doing here. To your point, I think that, if it comes to NH, a lot of other entertainment/retail venues will begin to pop up around that area (going north) to capitalize on the new developments (MGM and Tanger). I wouldnt be surprised that one of those other projects is a performance venue for plays etc. Given Peterson's vision I would see that coming before the movie theatre but I could see a more upscale theatre (better than what's currently offered in the area) being built in that vacinity. What would be awesome is if they redid the shopping center in Fort Washington (where Giant is located), turn it into a town center, and placed one there. That would be really ideal since they wooded area acrossed from there is slated for SFH.
I agree that there are people who are naturally inclined to become addicts but I don't think that a geographic or racially homongenous area are the cause. I grew up in a poor to working class neighborhood and although there were problems with addiction, that problem represented the minority. The fact is that, just like the misperception of welfare recipients, the majority of individuals who have those issues are people who have an addiction problem are non-minorities who are middle to upper middle class. Actually I remember news special a few years back where they found that there was more of a problem with gambling and drug addicition in the predominantly white areas than with the black/hispanic lower income areas. They also found that those minority poor that had gambling addictions were more inclined to indulge in a lottery than bet at a casino. The opposite was true for white middle class addicts.
The difference though, especially in the perception of this, is where these places are located. Middle to Upper Class individuals have more resources to support their habits, but in a place like PG and in a lot of black areas, the vices that the poorer groups suffer from happen because it is more accessible to them. The issue here is a matter of convenience. They are the most vulnerable group. The Police Chief last year even said that our county has a major drug issue. Even with that said, I don't think it is a misconception. If it was, these liquor stores wouldn't exist in PG. How else do you explain why you can go to Eastover and there is like 4 liquor stores at one intersection? How do they keep themselves in business in such a poor area that is inundated with poor/section 8 housing? How many liquor stores do you think they have in Accokeek? How many do you think you would find in then Tantallon area?
The casinos are already here. You don't think PG residents aren't going to Maryland Live, Perryville, or Berlin? Or treking up the road to and accoss the state line. We have had previous discussions that there are a number of PG/MD residents that drive up to DE, PA, WV, NJ to gamble. I am sure that some of those individuals have gambling problems that need to be addressed. I also think that if they felt that the real problem was gambling addiction then they would also be trying to reduce the impact that out-of-state gambling has on local residents. If they were really concerned they wouldn't wait until that possibility lands on their doorstep. That approach is asinine.
I would say, do you know that these individuals do not indeed have those type of ministries? Even if they didn't, it would be a huge difference between a select amount of individuals who leave the county to go to these casinos versus the ones that live down the street and walk to one. I would have to say, let's wait and see what they do, maybe they may address that, then again maybe they won't.
Quote:
Originally Posted by UrbanScholar
Granted it would be great to have those amenities without a casino. Like I have discussed previously that component is the least of what I am interested in seeing. Especially if it is not high end. But in a recovering economy there are not a lot of domestic entertainment companies interested in investing in domestic projects. Most are focused on the hot markets (China, India, Middle East) and are hesitant to do anything stateside unless the consumer market is significant. National Harbor needs an entertainment district that will draw patrons with more disposable income (Single or couples with no kids and empty nesters) and one way of drawing that market is a casino resort. The one thing I like about MGM's model is that their projects outside of LV are not casino centered/heavy. In fact I was reading that 70% of their revenues come from the non-casino part of their revenues which is why they are heavy on that mix. They also like to focus more on the table game aspects of their casinos to draw a higher dollar client. This will be different from the other MD casinos since (at least for the moment), they are not planning on offering a lot of table games. Check out what they are proposing in Springfield Mass. It seems very similar to what they are interested in doing here. To your point, I think that, if it comes to NH, a lot of other entertainment/retail venues will begin to pop up around that area (going north) to capitalize on the new developments (MGM and Tanger). I wouldnt be surprised that one of those other projects is a performance venue for plays etc. Given Peterson's vision I would see that coming before the movie theatre but I could see a more upscale theatre (better than what's currently offered in the area) being built in that vacinity. What would be awesome is if they redid the shopping center in Fort Washington (where Giant is located), turn it into a town center, and placed one there. That would be really ideal since they wooded area acrossed from there is slated for SFH.
What part of the area is getting the SFH? Are you talking about across Old Fort Road or across 210? They definitely need to re-do that shopping center. I can't stand that Giant with a passion. And they never replaced the Jo-Ann Fabric. It's time to do something different with that shopping center, it is extremely dated and inadequate.
The difference though, especially in the perception of this, is where these places are located. Middle to Upper Class individuals have more resources to support their habits, but in a place like PG and in a lot of black areas, the vices that the poorer groups suffer from happen because it is more accessible to them. The issue here is a matter of convenience. They are the most vulnerable group. The Police Chief last year even said that our county has a major drug issue. Even with that said, I don't think it is a misconception. If it was, these liquor stores wouldn't exist in PG. How else do you explain why you can go to Eastover and there is like 4 liquor stores at one intersection? How do they keep themselves in business in such a poor area that is inundated with poor/section 8 housing? How many liquor stores do you think they have in Accokeek? How many do you think you would find in then Tantallon area?
I see your point but I don't believe in discounting an area wholesale. You are correct, there is a percentage of the population that is vunerable but that percentage would be less than the majority of people who are not vunerable. Would the impact be greater in a poorer area? Definitely but there are typically a lot of factors negatively impacting an improverished area that contributes to its decline. Saying that gambling alone is the reason for an individual or community failing is not considering the entire picture.
I'm not sure what planet you live on, but it's true. Just go to southeast and see how many druggies are out there (yes they are still there). I don't necessarily think that drug addicts become gambling addicts, but you need to look at why these people are doing these things. There are a lot of people who don't have jobs, can't afford to move out of bad areas, or work low wage jobs. These are often the people you see hanging out at the liquor store in this county getting drunk. Why is that? They are looking for an escape from their reality. Gambling is definitely another gateway. How many of those people do you think would love to go to a casino and win tons of money so they don't have to live in that bad area or work that job. I don't know what degree it would affect those individuals but the temptation for those individuals is real.
It usually takes money to make money in a casino. If the poor and jobless don't have any money, it's pretty hard to have a gambling problem. Like UrbanSchaolar said, it's much easier for affluent middle class individuals with expendable income to become addicts. I think we need to give the poor more credit knowing that they are aware of the odds of winning.
My mom had a lottery habit. Bought the numbers books that taught you how to play numbers and what numbers meant, etc. We still ate. I don't think she played the lottery so much that her children would starve. She never put her household in jeopardy.
I used to steal wash money (quarters) when I was in grade school to spend at the arcade. One could say I had an additiction to video games. I could not stay away from Sega's Out Run. Which is probably why I drive a sports car now. It's more about the adrenaline than anything financial. Which is why you have people betting on Football games, etc. For others, Facebook may be an addiction to where they hardly get any work done at work jeopardizing their employment. I know this daggone forum is my addiction.
There are addictions in everything and I think some people miss the point. We focus too much on the vices without focusing on the people that are a slave to them. 99% of the people who go to casinos are normal people who have enough self control and common sense not to bet their house on a crap table. I think the negative stereotypes, mostly from TV and FILM get more attention than the entertainment value a casino brings.
I see your point but I don't believe in discounting an area wholesale. You are correct, there is a percentage of the population that is vunerable but that percentage would be less than the majority of people who are not vunerable. Would the impact be greater in a poorer area? Definitely but there are typically a lot of factors negatively impacting an improverished area that contributes to its decline. Saying that gambling alone is the reason for an individual or community failing is not considering the entire picture.
Yeah it definitely isn't. These are people who are often times addicted to whatever happens to get them out of their reality. If gambling wasn't there, it would be something else.
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It's more about the adrenaline than anything financial. Which is why you have people betting on Football games, etc. For others, Facebook may be an addiction to where they hardly get any work done at work jeopardizing their employment. I know this daggone forum is my addiction. 
