To bet or not to bet? That is the burning question in Jefferson City, Missouri. It seems as though our community is split down the middle but sometimes it is hard to tell for sure. Jefferson City is the Capitol city but we have the least entertainment opportunities in the entire state.
Echoing the words of many proponents, permitting riverboat gambling would bring increased revenue that would support many of the much needed project our community is trying to accomplish. We need a significant convention center badly because we are losing out on the revenue it could bring to our community. We can't even support small organizations in our town so people are taking their money to Columbia, Springfield, Branson, and just about everywhere else. Allowing Riverboat gambling would help fund the needed Convention Center. We need better restaurants and other entertainment options to help keep dollars and people in Jefferson City. Currently there are more people going to nearby Columbia and The Lake of The Ozarks to spend their hard earned cash than there are people going out in Jefferson City.
Opponents feel like the crime rate would increase but a relatively nearby casino town has experienced no increase in crime. In reality non violent crime has decreased. (Increased revenue for the town has allowed for a better staffed and payed Police Force) Social decline has been the best and most understood argument against it. I understand that people have addictions and that there is a problem when people are spending their life savings at the Casino.
I am no doubt for strongly considering the addition of the Casino to our community. Selfishly, I am looking forward to the possibility of increased property values and increased interest from people looking to relocate to the area. Actually, I am more for much needed increased entertainment opportunities and I would be for other options that will help increase our towns revenue in an effective manner. The casino seems like a great opportunity for us. The idea is going to be opened up to the community for a vote in April which I think is a step in the right direction.
Does anyone out there have an opinion on the matter? Maybe there is something important that I am not thinking about.
If you are considering making a move in Jefferson City, consider choosing Brett Baker as your next Realtor®. You'll be 100% satisfied. I guarantee it! Learn more at www.brettabaker.com
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There are a lot of pro's and con's of the casino. here in Minn., gambling has increase a lot since the first casino opened. In some areas it was a boone and others a bust , for the local economy and the residents themselves. A hard fair look is what is needed!
Hi Brett.
The first casino in my area is supposed to be open in 2010. The provincial (like your state) government has selected a bidder, so it's going to happen. As a real estate professional, I'm interested in the impact on property values in the area of the casino.
I'd like to hear from real estate professionals who've already gone through the experience of their area's first casino.