November 3, 2004
By: California Coalition Against Gambling Expansion
California rejects gambling expansion

SACRAMENTO -- California's decisive rejection of two wagering initiatives on November 2 demonstrates a seismic change in public opinion about gambling. The special interest groups that backed Propositions 68 and 70 promised too much, spent too much and advertised too much in their ill-fated attempts to expand their gambling enterprises. The people saved California from becoming the "Gambling Capital of the World."

The voting public overwhelmingly said NO to the promise of "more jobs," "economic development," "more easy taxes," and the other empty promises of tribal casinos, card clubs and racetracks.

The public responded to law enforcement, unions, businesses, churches and neighborhood organizations that did not want our environment degraded by addictions, debts, crime, corruption and marital problems that result from widespread gambling. Voters resoundingly sent a clear message: "Keep casinos out of our large cities. We don't want more gambling."

It is now up to the Legislature to respond to the will of the people by rejecting all legislative attempts to undo what California voters have decided. Lawmakers should turn down the lobbyists who will advocate more slot machines, an expanded lottery, and soliciting bets by telephone or Internet. Gambling enriches a few and impoverishes many.

California cannot gamble itself rich. California is a better state because the people have spoken loudly and clearly: No more gambling expansion!

California Coalition Against Gambling Expansion
803 Vallejo Way, Sacramento, CA 95818 (916) 441-1844