Hwang: "A Bad Bet"

State Sen. Tony Hwang on Feb. 27 issued the following statement after a partnership of two federally-recognized Indian tribes chose East Windsor to host a commercial casino:

“Casino expansion is a bad bet for Connecticut. Let’s talk about the long-term economic and social costs of expanded gambling. Let’s talk about the potential for increased gambling addiction among Connecticut’s most vulnerable residents and our seniors. Let’s consider how casino expansion has become an economic dead end for nearby New Jersey. Let’s consider how casino expansion could trigger a provision in the current state-tribal compact under which the tribes would no longer have to pay the state 25 % of their slot machine revenue. And what about the people’s voices? Forget it - no referendum vote will be held. There are many questions and the negative impacts of expanded gambling are plain to see, yet Connecticut is rolling the dice on this and calling it sound policy.”

Hwang represents Fairfield, Newtown, Westport, Weston and Easton. He can be reached at 800-842-1421 and at Tony.Hwang@cga.ct.gov . On the web: www.SenatorHwang.com and www.NoMoreCasinosInCT.org .

Attached photo: Sen. Tony Hwang is interviewed by WFSB Channel 3 on Feb. 27 at the Legislative Office Building.