I am a lifelong Viking fan and would hate to see the team leave. HOWEVER...I really do believe that it is far past the time where communities should be financing the billion dollar playgrounds for the rich. Yes, if they don't get public financing here, they may very well move somewhere that will, but at some point we have to say "Enough is enough." The public is being held hostage by the threats of leaving, and to me, our priorities need to be put their proper perspective.

It is bad policy to change gambling law based on how much money you need. Gambling is either a good idea or it isn't, and should be allowed/prohibited on that basis.

Do the benefits (in liberty not cash) justify the costs (in terms of ruined lives and other costs)? That is the question. Gambling revenues tend to come from those who are least able to afford to part with them.

As far as the expansion of gambling is concerned, I'm somewhat inclined to not like it, but most especially because it is being put on the table to build a billion dollar playground for the rich.

If the expansion of gambling is such a great idea, why was it not being pushed so fervently to benefit things such as education, supporting the poor, etc.?

Gambling perpetuates the false notion that one can get something without requisite effort. It is a poisonous idea. Government sponsorship of gambling is foolishness in the extreme.

(How about a) casino on the other side of the security gate in AIRPORTS?