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Given the current state of our economy, job cuts and the burden of our state deficit, it is time to find a viable answer to our problems. Fortunately, you only have to look as far as a subject that was brought up not that long ago.

Giving bars in New Jersey the right to install and operate video slot machines would solve many problems that currently plague our state. Slots in bars would increase taxable revenue and jobs throughout New Jersey, giving our economy a much-needed boost.

Under the plan, bar owners like me would not be in competition with the casino industry for gaming dollars. In fact, the casinos would be needed as an integral part of the process in order for this to be successful.

Casinos would regulate and maintain the machines, and, in exchange, would receive one-third of the gross profits. These profits, for the most part, would be coming from dollars that would never have reached the casinos in Atlantic City in the first place. Most of this money would come from people who would not travel up to two hours to play, but would walk to their neighborhood pub to drop a few dollars. Therefore, this is additional income from gambling, not a deduction from the revenue of the casinos.

The bars in New Jersey have had a rough go of it over the past couple of years with the institution of the smoking ban, reduction of the blood alcohol limit to .08 for driving while intoxicated and the downward spiral of our economy. Video slots in bars would save many businesses in our state that are on the brink of closing.

The bar industry would also work on behalf of the casinos in getting sports betting passed. Internet betting, sports betting and slots in Delaware and Pennsylvania have undoubtedly contributed to the recent decline in business for our casinos. We are the same in Atlantic City as we were 30 years ago, as everyone around us progresses.

Isn't a voluntary revenue-raiser the best answer of all the choices available? No one loses under this plan. Taxable revenue is created, jobs are created, and the bar and casino industries experience an economic revival. It's a plan worth trying.

LARRY SHUEMATE

Larry's Bar

Millville

1 comment:

• MrWhite (94) posts 1:06 pm

  If Larry,or anyone else wants to put a slot machine in his bar, why not? It is his place,and a slot machine only harms the person stupid enough to play it. Why not let him have a slot machine or two?

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