Economy/Gambling Failed General Election
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PEAPAC Recommends: NO

While gambling isn’t prohibited, the Bible discourages it; this measure is flawed because it doesn’t give private casinos equal footing (high taxes).

Summary

Amends the constitution to allow privately-owned casinos.

Biblical Reasoning

While the Bible does not call all gambling sin, it does generally discourage the sorts of motivations that lead to habitual gambling. It warns against quickly obtaining wealth (Prov. 20:21 ) and positively encourages contentment with what God has provided by means of our labor ( 1 Tim. 6:6-11). Wealth obtained through labor endures, but wealth obtained by means such as gambling is transitory ( Prov. 13:11) .

In addition to expanding gambling in Oregon, this Measure doesn’t actually give private casinos equal footing with state-run gambling and Indian casinos, violating the spirit of the one-law texts cited in Ex. 12:49, etc.

Proverbs 20:21 — “It warns against quickly obtaining wealth”
1 Timothy 6:6-11 — “positively encourages contentment with what God has provided by means of our labor”
Proverbs 13:11 — “Wealth obtained through labor endures, but wealth obtained by means such as gambling is transitory”
Exodus 12:49 — “violating the spirit of the one-law texts cited in Ex. 12:49”

Election Results

28%
72%
YesNo

Voters rejected privately-owned casinos (72% No).

Full PEAPAC Analysis

PEAPAC Explanation: Measure 82 allows private gambling casinos under certain conditions. While the Bible does not call all gambling sin, it does generally discourage the sorts of motivations that lead to habitual gambling. It warns against quickly obtaining wealth (Prov. 20:21 ) and positively encourages contentment with what God has provided by means of our labor ( 1 Tim. 6:6-11). Wealth obtained through labor endures, but wealth obtained by means such as gambling is transitory ( Prov. 13:11) . In addition to expanding gambling in Oregon, this Measure doesn’t actually give private casinos equal footing with state-run gambling and Indian casinos, violating the spirit of the one-law texts cited in Ex. 12:49, etc. It would enshrine in our Constitution a requirement that private casinos give 25% of all their adjusted gross revenues to the State, as well as a provision that no private casino could be operated within 60 miles of an existing Indian casino. We do not see a strong biblical case for prohibiting all forms of gambling. But this Measure is fatally flawed by the unjust provisions it puts into our Constitution. We therefore oppose Measure 82 and urge your No vote.

Related Measures

Measure 83 (2012) — Companion measure authorizing a specific casino. View →

← PreviousMeasure 81 (2012)