Oregon Ignores Problem Gambling to Solve Lost Lottery Revenue

Now they've created a mess, because they are in danger of killing their own golden goose, and they're going to panic and sacrifice compulsive gamblers.

Oregon has made a decision to advertise the state's video gambling as a means to offset losses from a smoking ban. As of January 1st, bars, restaurants, and gambling venues will be required to go smoke-free.

Smoking bans around the country have resulted in double-digit drops in revenue percentages at casinos and other gambling establishments. Oregon has 2353 video slots locations throughout the state.

Advertising gambling has been forbidden to all venues, and the state will continue to enforce that prohibition. But the state itself will run commercials, hoping to draw new business to replace that which will inevitably be lost to the smoking laws.

Video poker and slots have been in Oregon since 1992. Retailers are allowed to promote the gaming devices on the premises, but no media presence has been permitted. But, as of December 8th, ads will run on television, radio, and billboards.

The limiting of advertising was done to curb any potential development of problem gambling. But, faced with a loss of money caused by yet another government attempt at dictating individual lifestyle choices, politicians have decided problem gambling is a small price to pay to shore up their income stream.

Steve Perry, an Oregonian saloon owner, said, "They should just leave us to run our business the way our customers prefer. If we aren't making the public happy with smoking bars, they'll find non-smoking places. Now they've created a mess, because they are in danger of killing their own golden goose, and they're going to panic and sacrifice compulsive gamblers."