A Better Montana Without Gambling-Discussion

Discussion Page

This is a page you may add any thoughts you have about this site or any gambling topic

Just E-mail to discussion@dontbetonit .com
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FROM: Steve Arno:
TO: Tom & Chuck,

Bonnie and I gave an invited presentation to a group of citizens at Frenchtown about our past experiences protesting new casino applications. When I brought up the website as a resource, the group's first response was that they weren't against all gambling. We have found this a prevalent view against casino application protestors in many parts of Montana over the past 3 years. The groups do seem to have one thing in common: they want the views of the public in the local area to carry more weight in whether new applications are approved and they want more effective regulation of the gambling industry in MT. Many people seem inclined to support restrictions on the gambling industry; few have any enthusiasm for a ban on all gambling activities.

In view of these attitudes, I'm wondering if the website could be broadened to address possibilities for greater public control of gambling (which might be attainable) rather than focusing only on a complete ban of all forms of it (which seems unattainable).

s/steve arno

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FROM: Tom Shellenberg:
TO: Steve and Chuck
The purpose of the site is to educate anyone interested in all the issues related to gambling. It will focus on Montana gambling, but probably incorporate problems that are identified in other states.
You are correct, to date the 2 initiatives have not been successful in eliminating all gambling or eliminating video gambling. Just what is attainable no one knows for sure. Obviously the less you try to change the more likely of success.
A Better Montana Without Gambling, founded and funded by me, is opposed to all gambling. However I welcome any steps towards reducing gambling.
Another purpose of the web page is for all supporters to discuss gambling. This discussion should include what we should attempt to change, who would support which ideas and how to go about it. Chuck will know how to use the web site to lead this discussion.
Tom Shellenberg
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FROM: Bonnie Arno
TO: Tom & Chuck,
It is probably useless to try to restrict ALL gambling. Many people including Steve and I who signed and worked to get signatures on the last initiative don't want to restrict nonprofit groups, schools, etc. from holding raffles to raise money which I believe prohibiting ALL gambling would do. There are probably other activities like raffles that are popular too but don't have the addictive aspect to them or bring pain and financial
loss to families. /s/ Bonnie J. Arno
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FROM: Tom Shellenberg:
TO: Dear Bonnie
I agree with you, raffles are not gambling. Just because Montana calls something gambling doesn't make it so. Yet some charitable gambling is gambling. The 50/50 they do at many high school and college sporting events is gambling to me. Further, why are we doing it in front of the kids. If the first initiative had passed, the legislature could have solved the problem you
have noted.
Tom Shellenberg