Letter: Nader's view of gambling industry right on the mark

Contrary to what letter writer Jan Storm ( June 16) thinks, Ralph Nader's assessment of the gambling industry is right on.

The issue is not freedom of choice, it's deceptive practices and psychological manipulation. Cocktail waitresses are told to clear away empty glasses and cigarette butts not to make the place neater, but to stop "the mark" -- the slang term casino employees use for customers -- from knowing how much he's drank or smoked. If the only way your business can profit is psychological manipulation, then there is something wrong with your "product."

The gambling industry spends a tremendous amount of money researching the most expedient way to part "the mark" from his money. Nothing is left to chance. Manipulation is wrong, and the gambling industry has made manipulation an art form.

Another thing we object to is the tremendous amount of money the gambling industry spends to influence our politicians. I've been fighting casino-style gambling in Maryland for a few years now.

During our last legislative session, the industry spent more than $800,000 lobbying my legislators. I can't even imagine what they'll spend in campaign contributions this election year to try to oust our anti-casino governor.

I grew up in the Las Vegas area, and I can tell you that you will never realize how vile the industry is until you move away from it.

Kim Roman,

Glen Burnie, Md.

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