The Exponent's Jan. 26 editorial in favor of legalizing dockside gambling does establish a few legitimate reasons why dockside gambling should be legalized. However, I feel that there are significant issues that are being overlooked. A majority of those in favor cite the fact that these casinos, because they are taxed by the state, bring in a lot of revenue to the state. That's true, but where are these casinos getting all their money? In too many cases, it comes from people who can't afford to lose money at these casinos in the first place. In extreme cases, the people that lose this money abuse other family members or steal in order to make up for debt. In fact, in some places, it costs local law enforcement more to deal with these problems than it rakes in from casino revenue. Furthermore, casinos tend to take away business from surrounding companies because tourists will spend all their money at the casinos instead. This results in lost revenue for those businesses and lost jobs for their workers. It's ironic that the editorial points out that with the threat of recession we should legalize more casinos. On the contrary, I think their proliferation should be halted during such a time. So, in answer to the question, "Why shouldn't those with some of the more acceptable vices pay more for the privilege," the answer is because they don't just pay financially.