Stop Predatory Gambling

New Jersey gives casinos even more political power

by spgadmin

The New York Times recently reported that New Jersey lawmakers have passed a bill that would allow state officials to get jobs working for firms that work for casinos immediately after leaving office.

Currently, state employees and board members must wait two years before accepting jobs with firms that represent casino interests. The only exception is former judges can immediately go to work for law firms that represent casinos.

Under the bill, officials could do a wide range of jobs for casino contractors — including planning, accounting and lobbying. But the individuals could not work on the casino accounts.

The predatory gambling trade needs stricter oversight yet this bill weakens it. Why would the New Jersey legislature further increase the political power of casinos at a time when more and more people are raising serious questions about their business model, their “products” and their predatory marketing practices?

The path to fixing our economy and our democracy starts at the front door of the almost 800-plus casinos in America today.