To the Editor,

I feel I must address the editorial “Video Poker Should Be Banned In State.” Though the decision will be made by the NC Supreme Court, I support this form of entertainment. These establishments not only provide jobs for the employees, they also offer a form of cheap entertainment and relaxation for their customers.

As for “fleecing individuals, some of whom have an unhealthy addiction to gaming,” each customers spends ONLY what they choose to spend. One could easily say the ABC store “fleeces alcoholics” taking their money and feeding their addiction. The same could be said of stores that sell cigarettes. The difference is that each transaction is not taxed as alcohol and tobacco is. However, the heavy tax burden cost per machine certainly contributes to the city’s revenue.

I feel it should be a free choice each individual is allowed to make without NC determining what one can and cannot do for entertainment, as it is with drinking and smoking. In my opinion there is no difference. The same arguments again video gaming can be applied to these other “evils.” I also would hate to see gaming employees join the already high unemployment rate.

The bottom line is, and always has been, this form of entertainment not being taxed per transaction, not concern for individual citizens. I feel the state has enough control over our lives as it is. And for the record, yes, I do occasionally enjoy playing video poker and have no problem knowing my spending limits.

Holly Nichols

Mount Airy