High Flying Casino Economics - Without a Net

Updates from the fight to stop slots.

Last week our City Council gave a unanimous vote to relocate the purposed Foxwoods Casino to the former Strawbridge & Clothier site at 8th and Market. With this vote our City Council at the lead of Councilman Frank DiCicco has approved a development plan with no plan in front of them. But this is not the finish line for Foxwoods, and there are a number of points left in this process to stop the slots.

We know this industry is not only predatory, but manipulative - of our city and state government, and democratic processes. In a few days we will have more details on how connected this industry is when pushing its political needs. Common Cause, a non-profit organization that lobbies for transparent and accountable government will soon release a report about the connection between casinos, campaign contributions and political support. To follow the money trail, Casino Free Philadelphia will be delivering "money" to the planning commission on Wednesday @ 1pm - Ben Franklin Parkway and 19th Street.

The absurdity of the decisions that brought about plans to build two casinos in our city is clear. In an act of theater to show this absurdity the Anti-Casino Circus is coming to town. The No Casino in the Heart of Our City Coalition along with Casino Free Philly are setting up shop across the street from the site City Council just approved for Foxwoods. The grand opening is this Thursday at noon, and there will be performers, Daring Feats of Doublespeak, City Council Contortions, High-Flying Casino Economics - without a net, along with cotton candy and ways to get involved at the No Slots Spot (718 Market Street).

And if you didn't hear, over a hundred Philadelphian's told the casino industry "you won't prey on us" standing together on the casino floor. On June 6th, at Harrah's casino in Chester the message was delivered against predatory gambling. See photos and read more.

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