Ruling out casino resorts

Sir, – With regard to the current debate on the proposed casino in Tipperary, I would like to share my experience of gambling…

Sir, – With regard to the current debate on the proposed casino in Tipperary, I would like to share my experience of gambling.  As a 27-year old, I emigrated to Canada and the US in 1958, and took jobs here and there.  One job was as a waiter in a restaurant attached to a casino on the Nevada state side of Lake Tahoe.

For a while I ignored the gambling scene until one day I received a $5 tip.  As I had to pass one of the gaming tables on leaving the restaurant I nonchalantly gambled the €5  at a 21 table.

An hour later my $5 had increased to $75.  From then on I was hooked.  Morning, noon and night my mind was filled with gambling.  Needless to say, my daily wages were lost.

In desperation I quit my job and fled the state of Nevada.

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The only people who made money were the criminal element who owned Lake Tahoe and Las Vegas.

A final word, a close relative of mine was obsessed with horse betting and was in danger of losing the family farm.  Thanks to an understanding bank manager he transferred his farm to a son, and so saved the day.

Gambling is a curse on this nation. – Yours, etc,

PHILIP LUMLEY,

Charleville Road,

Tullamore,

Co Offaly.