We, the undersigned citizens of the state of Delaware are against any legislation that would allow sportsbetting to become legalized. We oppose sportsbetting for a large variety of reasons. Morally, gambling is wrong. The suicide attempt rate for pathological gamblers is one out of five. 65% of pathological gamblers commit crimes to support their addiction. The average rate of divorce for problem gamblers is nearly twice that of non-gamblers. Gambling affects principally the poor. Players with household incomes less that $10,000 bet nearly three times as much on lotteries as those with incomes over $50,000. There are 15 million people in America that show some form of gambling addiction. Sportsbetting is also opposed by the National Football League (NFL), the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). They realize sportsbetting can corrupt athletes and officials and can turn sporting events into gambling events. Religious leaders oppose gambling. Any money earned by the state from sportsbetting could never outweigh the pain and suffering that will occur to addicted gamblers and to their friends and families. Our state should not look to legitimize illegal activities for the sake of raising money. The gambling that has already been legalized in our state has not cured our money problems and neither will sportsbetting. The only jobs that will be created will be low end service jobs. As voters, we will be watching closely how this issue is handled. Please Governor Markell and all our Legislators: Cut pork barrel spending to balance our budget but do not legalize sportsbetting. Sincerely, The Undersigned
The feedback I have received from residents across the state confirms that many of you share deep concerns regarding the social consequences of legalized gambling. I am currently compiling a report to present to state officials that highlights the specific economic and moral risks detailed in our petition. Thank you for your continued engagement as we push for more accountability from our leadership.
April 1, 2009
The momentum behind this initiative indicates a strong public commitment to protecting our community from the social costs of expanded gambling. This sustained interest demonstrates that our collective concerns regarding the integrity of our state and the well-being of our neighbors remain a priority for many citizens.
6 Comments
K
Karen Reddy
17 years ago
Featured
It will just prey on the poor people who can least afford to lose money. why would anyone want this here?
D
David Morales
17 years ago
Featured
DONT LEGALIZE THIS. STOP IT NOW
L
Linda Russell
17 years ago
Featured
Keep this garbage out of our state. We have enough problems without turning every sports game into a casino.
M
Mark Anderson
17 years ago
Featured
betting ruins lives. seen it happen to family members way too many times. say no.
S
Sarah Hardy
17 years ago
Featured
DE should be focusing on helping people not finding new ways to pick their pockets. greedy.
T
Tom Marquez
17 years ago
Featured
Sports are supposed to be about the game not the point spread. disgusting.
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We, the undersigned citizens of the state of Delaware are against any legislation that would allow sportsbetting to become legalized. We oppose sportsbetting for a large variety of reasons. Morally, gambling is wrong. The suicide attempt rate for pathological gamblers is one out of five. 65% of pathological gamblers commit crimes to support their addiction. The average rate of divorce for problem gamblers is nearly twice that of non-gamblers. Gambling affects principally the poor. Players with household incomes less that $10,000 bet nearly three times as much on lotteries as those with incomes over $50,000. There are 15 million people in America that show some form of gambling addiction. Sportsbetting is also opposed by the National Football League (NFL), the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). They realize sportsbetting can corrupt athletes and officials and can turn sporting events into gambling events. Religious leaders oppose gambling. Any money earned by the state from sportsbetting could never outweigh the pain and suffering that will occur to addicted gamblers and to their friends and families. Our state should not look to legitimize illegal activities for the sake of raising money. The gambling that has already been legalized in our state has not cured our money problems and neither will sportsbetting. The only jobs that will be created will be low end service jobs. As voters, we will be watching closely how this issue is handled. Please Governor Markell and all our Legislators: Cut pork barrel spending to balance our budget but do not legalize sportsbetting. Sincerely, The Undersigned
The feedback I have received from residents across the state confirms that many of you share deep concerns regarding the social consequences of legalized gambling. I am currently compiling a report to present to state officials that highlights the specific economic and moral risks detailed in our petition. Thank you for your continued engagement as we push for more accountability from our leadership.
April 1, 2009
The momentum behind this initiative indicates a strong public commitment to protecting our community from the social costs of expanded gambling. This sustained interest demonstrates that our collective concerns regarding the integrity of our state and the well-being of our neighbors remain a priority for many citizens.
6 Comments
K
Karen Reddy
17 years ago
Featured
It will just prey on the poor people who can least afford to lose money. why would anyone want this here?
D
David Morales
17 years ago
Featured
DONT LEGALIZE THIS. STOP IT NOW
L
Linda Russell
17 years ago
Featured
Keep this garbage out of our state. We have enough problems without turning every sports game into a casino.
M
Mark Anderson
17 years ago
Featured
betting ruins lives. seen it happen to family members way too many times. say no.
S
Sarah Hardy
17 years ago
Featured
DE should be focusing on helping people not finding new ways to pick their pockets. greedy.
T
Tom Marquez
17 years ago
Featured
Sports are supposed to be about the game not the point spread. disgusting.
Help this petition grow
Share it with friends to help reach
100 signatures.
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Couldn't copy automatically. Long-press to copy:
Share directly
Sign Petition
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By signing, you accept our Terms and Privacy Policy and agree to occasional emails about petitions. Unsubscribe anytime.
It will just prey on the poor people who can least afford to lose money. why would anyone want this here?