Friday, June 18, 1999
Argosy visitors advise limits
There's a line between fun and obsession
BY DAVID ECK
Enquirer contributor
LAWRENCEBURG — Some visitors to Argosy Casino on Thursday said the pros and cons of wagering should rest with individuals, not government. They also think there are enough riverboats in the region and are against automatic teller machines in casinos.
“Some people are able to handle it and some are always hoping they're going to make their fast buck,” said Lois Malone of Hagerstown, Ind. “I've watched people as they come and go (from the casino), trying to glean information from their expressions. When they come down they're very hopeful. When they come back they're not so happy.”
A day before the National Gambling Impact Study Commission released its final report on the influence legalized gambling has in the United States, Mrs. Malone sat near the casino entrance reading a book and waiting for her husband, James.
Having blown her $10, she decided to wait for him away from the clatter. He's the player in the family.
“If he brings $100, he usually spends it,” she said. “I'm very conservative.”
Kay Wall of Pittsburgh gambles four or five times a year in places like Las Vegas and Atlantic City. She was at Argosy with a tour group. For her, gambling is recreation.
“It's been positive for me,” she said. “I'm very cautious.”
But she also has seen gambling's dark side.
“I've known people who've gambled and lost their families, lost their homes on account of it. It has a bad impact on a lot of people.”
Gaming boats have flourished in Indiana since they were legalized in 1994, generating millions in tax revenue. The state's nine riverboats have taken visitors on more than 12.6 million cruises so far this year.
Argosy, open since December 1996, is the nation's most successful gambling boat. It routinely breaks its own attendance and wagering totals each month.
Kentucky leaders are reviewing the creation of new gambling venues in that state. But some Argosy visitors said the region doesn't need more casinos.
“It's going to take away from the revenue,” said Rosemary Houpe of Harrison. “I don't think they (Kentucky) really need it. They've got two here. It's so close.”
Still, Roger Delp of Atlanta,who is visiting friends in the area, said it's an equity issue.
“If one state's got it, it's only fair the rest of the states should have it,” he said as he waited to board Argosy. “They should probably let the people vote on it. I don't see where it hurts anything. I lose my limit and go home.”
The Argosy visitors didn't think having automatic teller machinesis a positive.
“There again it takes maturity,” Mrs. Malone said. “I think there's a great temptation to spend money that people can't afford.”
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