![](https://www.indianz.com/IndianGaming/2013/09/09/catawbacasinonc.jpg)
Artist's rendering of proposed Catawba Nation casino in North Carolina. Image from Catawba Nation Project Brief
Columnist Brian Hicks wonders why politicians in South Carolina won't agree to a casino for the Catawba Nation even though the state could use some extra revenues:
Massachusetts recently became the 40th state to allow casinos. Yes, we are one of 10 states not cashing in. Even our brethren at the bottom of most national rankings - Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana - have them, and none of them have turned to salt yet. Although the superstitious might argue that Hurricane Katrina was some sort of divine statement on table gaming. Truth is, casinos are no panacea. They bring in some jobs and they generate tax revenue, but they don't solve everything. The aforementioned states are proof of that. But they don't destroy civilization either, especially when compulsive gamblers can just cross the state line to blow their money. Years ago, the state turned down the Catawba Indian Nation's proposal to build a casino in Santee. Now the tribe is looking at a site just across the line in North Carolina. Douglas Walker, an economics professor at the College of Charleston, is an expert on the economics of casinos. He has written books on the topic, conducted studies for several states. Walker says gambling houses are still a good bet for most states, some of which are taking a rake of more than half. Pennsylvania, for instance, makes more than $1 billion in tax revenue each year off its 11 casinos.Get the Story:
Brian Hicks: In South Carolina, piety doesn't pave roads - but casinos would (The Charleston Post & Courier 7/11)
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