Nevada leaders refute Dobson gaming charges

Nevada leaders Wednesday expressed outrage over a national gambling critic's scathing attack on the state and its casino industry.

James Dobson, a member of the National Gambling Impact Study Commission and president of the conservative Focus on the Family group, lashed out at Nevada's way of life in an eight-page letter to 2.5 million followers across the country.

"If one scratches beneath the veneer of its gambling induced prosperity, it becomes apparent that a culture sown on greed and the exploitation of human weakness invariably reaps the social whirlwind," Dobson wrote.

He then went on to claim that Nevada ranks "first in the nation in suicide, first in divorce, first in high school dropouts, first in homicides against women, at the top in gambling addiction, third in bankruptcies, third in abortion, fourth in rape, fourth in out-of-wedlock births, fourth in alcohol-related deaths, fifth in crime and sixth in the number of prisoners locked up."

Dobson also alleged that the state ranks in the top one-third in child abuse and last in voter participation and that one-tenth of all Southern Nevadans are alcoholics.

"And as for the moral climate," Dobson added, "the Yellow Pages in Las Vegas lists 136 pages of advertisements for prostitution by its various names. No wonder they call it Sin City."

Gov. Kenny Guinn, in his first week in office, led the barrage of public officials condemning Dobson.

"The gaming industry is successful in Nevada because it is responsibly regulated," Guinn said. "It is ridiculous to draw a correlation between every imaginable ill in society and an industry that has provided a better way of life for so many."

Nevada Gaming Commission Chairman Bill Curran, reached in Washington where he was attending a reception for Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., suggested Dobson's statements have harmed the credibility of the Gambling Impact Study Commission, which is preparing to deliver its report to Congress in June.

"The man is entitled to his views," Curran said. "But to try and sell those views on flat out false assertions of fact does a disservice to the work of the federal commission. He's become so blinded by his preconceptions that he just can't see, or won't see, reality."

Las Vegas Mayor Jan Laverty Jones accused Dobson of "preaching to the choir.

"Anytime you have a voice that's distorting the truth, that's a dangerous precedent and it's irresponsible," Jones said. "I believe the gaming industry has done wonderful things for this state. It has shown real leadership in taking care of its problems."

Dobson, who visited Las Vegas in November with the federal gambling commission, told his followers that the intent of the letter was not to "vilify the working people" of Nevada. He spent time with numerous Culinary Union members while here.

"I was drawn to these humble people and I stated publicly that I would not do anything to disparage them," Dobson wrote. "But the fact remains that the business interest they serve does great harm to others. On balance, gambling produces not prosperity and security, but various forms of decay."

Dobson was highly critical of the casino industry's stepped-up presence in politics.

He pointed to Mirage Resorts Chairman Steve Wynn, whom he called "Mr. Las Vegas," as the industry's biggest Washington influence peddler. Wynn, he said, has sent his "plush jet to the capitol" to bring powerful politicians to Las Vegas for fundraisers.

Every major political player in Washington, including President Clinton and the leaders of the House and Senate, have come to Las Vegas to receive campaign contributions, Dobson said.

"It is not surprising, given this history, that Congress rarely opposes anything desired by the gambling industry," he added.

Sen. Richard Bryan, D-Nev., a frequent critic of the federal gambling commission, said Dobson is off base by singling out gaming's role in politics.

"Gaming is a legitimate industry in America," Bryan said. "(Dobson) may not agree or accept that, but gaming has a right to participate in the political process.

"From Mr. Dobson's point of view, anyone who is involved in gaming is a political leper. I don't think that's a view shared by many Americans."

Rep, Jim Gibbons, R-Nev., criticized Dobson for ignoring the positive social and economic impact of the casino industry.

"He refuses to acknowledge the most highly regulated and successful industry in America," Gibbons said.

Gibbons also defended Wynn's role in Washington politics.

"Steve Wynn has every right to protect the jobs of thousands of hard-working families from those who want to put casinos out of business," he said.

Rep. Shelley Berkley, D-Nev., said Dobson's letter shows he has no desire to be evenhanded with the industry during the two-year gambling study.

"Mr. Dobson was supposed to be part of a panel that was to take an objective look at gaming in this country," Berkley said. "It was apparent from the start that he had his own political agenda and wasn't in the least bit interested in obtaining a fair and accurate understanding of the gaming industry.

"I would hope that the other members of the commission are more cognizant of their role and responsibility and don't follow the lead of a man who is obviously pandering to a very small segment of the population."

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