[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 168 (Friday, October 27, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Pages S16106-S16107]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  GAMBLING IMPACT STUDY COMMISSION ACT

  Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, legalized gambling in this country is 
growing at a phenomenal rate. In 1975, only one State allowed casino 
gambling. Today, 20 years later, 23 States have legal casino gambling. 
Forty-eight States have legal gambling in some form. Gambling is a huge 
industry, but we know very little about its economic and social 
impacts.
  As a result of my deep concerns, I have become a cosponsor of S. 704, 
the Gambling Impact Study Commission Act. This bill, sponsored by 
Senators Simon and Lugar, will establish an 18-month commission to 
study the effects of legalized gambling and its impact on local 
communities. The commission would report its findings to the President 
and Congress, providing administrative recommendations and proposals 
for legislation, if called for.
  Mr. President, I am a strong believer in the free market and I 
believe the 

[[Page S 16107]]
Federal Government's zeal to regulate business in this country must be 
reined in. The American people sent a clear signal with the 1994 
elections. That is why many of us in Congress are working overtime to 
cut Government red tape that is stifling our businesses and industry.
  But this national gambling commission is not about Government 
interference. As I mentioned, 48 States have some form of legalized 
gambling, including 23 with operating casinos. There is even gambling 
on the Internet. I am not opposed to State lotteries but I note that 
today, gambling is done on river boats, Indian reservations, and in 
well-established downtowns. There are even proposals to put video 
gambling machines on airlines and to have gambling cars on passenger 
trains.
  According to a study by U.S. News & World Report, Americans in 1992 
legally wagered $330 billion in casinos, race tracks, lotteries, et 
cetera. This represents an 1,800 percent increase since 1976. Mr. 
President, I believe Congress must recognize that legalized gambling is 
now a huge industry, and we must take steps to learn about this 
industry and to provide credible and objective facts for our States and 
communities.
  Many towns and cities are in tight budgetary situations and are 
looking for new dollars without increasing local taxes. Legalized 
gambling has been seen by some as a panacea, not just as a means to 
avoid tax increases, but as a means to provide new jobs and stimulate 
economic growth.
  Frankly, Mr. President, there is very little unbiased information 
about gambling's true economic and social impact in America. The gaming 
industry has produced its studies, which predictably paint a rosy 
picture for States and local governments. The opponents of gambling 
have likewise produced reports about the problems legalized casinos and 
other forms of gambling have brought to communities. We do not know who 
to believe.
  In short, there is a real lack of unbiased information. An 
independent national gambling commission, as I envision it, will be 
fair-minded and provide information across a wide spectrum. It will 
examine the social impacts of gambling, including the impact on crime 
rates, political corruption, and family life. It will also examine its 
economic costs and benefits.
  From the work of this commission, Congress will learn a great deal 
about this relatively unknown industry. Moreover, Virginia and her 
counterparts, and just as importantly local communities, will be able 
to use this information while making future decisions about creating or 
expanding legalized gambling.
  I look forward to Senate consideration of this bill, and will work to 
ensure its passage.

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