"Perhaps it's a coincidence that the Catawba Indian Nation renewed its efforts to force our state to authorize high-stakes gambling just as the Cherokees started trying to build political support for a casino in Jasper County. But there's much the same about the two efforts, and the Catawbas' latest lawsuit should remind us that while the battle is over gambling, and we're right to oppose those efforts, there's a much larger issue at play, and our state is on the wrong side.

Gambling interests are in the hunt for suckers. To come throw away their money. To welcome casinos into their communities.

Recently, Hardeeville Mayor Bronco Bostick argued that the Cherokee Indians' proposal to build a casino and hotel, with a promise of 3,800 jobs and a $156 million annual payroll, is just what his struggling town needs to get back on its feet. "Other parts of South Carolina have gotten their share of major economic development announcements," he writes. "Now it's our turn."

My heart goes out to his community. But we don't make policy decisions with our hearts. At least we shouldn't. We make them with our heads."

Get the Story:
Cindi Ross Scoppe: When gambling looks like the best option (The Aiken Standard 2/5)

Another Opinion:
Warren Peper: Should we roll dice on casino? (The Charleston Post and Courier 2/6)

Related Stories:
Editorial: Tribal gaming projects not good for South Carolina (2/1)
Opinion: UKB casino in South Carolina a win for the economy (1/30)
Republican lawmakers vow to kill Catawba Nation casino bid (1/27)
Catawba Nation proposes big gaming facility on reservation (1/26)
Catawba Nation sues state for gaming rights on reservation (1/25)
United Keetoowah Band confirms South Carolina casino plan (1/18)
United Keetoowah Band looking at a casino in South Carolina (1/16)