Other views: We’d bet downturn continues

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Let’s have a show of hands: Who is surprised that the state’s charitable gaming industry made less money in 2009 than the year before, considering the economic decline across the country?

Seriously, though, was anyone shocked that North Dakotans spent only $250.8 million on bingo, pull tabs, blackjack and other games last year, compared to $265.7 million in 2008?

Why the downturn? It’s the economy, stupid, as the old saying goes. If consumers have less disposable income these days, it makes sense that one way to make ends meet is to cut back on gambling. But obviously the economy didn’t have too great an impact on the gaming industry in the state, considering there was still more than $250 million spent on gambling last year. No doubt there are some gamblers who shouldn’t be spending their money on games of chance, but are still playing games in hopes of beating astronomical odds to hit a big jackpot.

Some officials in the industry say smoking bans at bars and bingo parlors have had a negative impact, but revenue was down in Minot and Bismarck, where smoking is still allowed, according to Ron Gibbins, president of the North Dakota Association for the Disabled. The organization is the biggest beneficiary of gaming in N.D., collecting gross revenue of $20.6 million last year.

We’d guess the economy and competition from the lottery and casinos had a lot more with the decline than smoking concerns. And we’d guess the downtrend will continue as long as the national economic picture is cloudy, at best.

Tags: other views, opinion, editorials, gambling, gaming, charitable