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Sen. Tony Hwang (R-28) joined the Coalition Against Casino Expansion in Connecticut. The non-partisan, 12-group alliance opposes the legalization of off-reservation commercial casino gambling in Connecticut.
The group appeared in Hartford Tuesday to announce its intention to educate the public about the economic and social costs of more legalized gambling.
The coalition will oppose efforts to open a commercial casino in the Hartford area because its members believe that casino gambling puts a regressive tax on low-income residents. They doubt a new casino would bring revenue and create jobs, and believe it would actually take jobs and revenue from existing casinos, restaurants and entertainment industry. The members also worry that a new casino would spread gambling addiction, and that the casino industry's business model preys on the vulnerable and could weaken communities.
The members of the coalition also said that if the state's casino tribes open a Hartford area casino, they may revive their original proposal to open two in Fairfield County. A new casino opens the door to slot parlors, internet gambling and sports betting, the coalition believes.
Its members also said casino expansion could trigger a provision in the current state-tribal compact whereby tribes would not have to pay 25 percent on slot machine revenue.
Hwang represents Fairfield, Newtown, Westport, Weston and Easton.
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