WILL ROCKAWAY BEACH BRING
BIG CITY CRIME TO BRANSON, MISSOURI?

Rockaway Beach, MO, population 275, wants a casino on Lake Taneycomo to revive their rundown former resort community. Located just 15 miles from Branson, the new casino would require changing the state constitution. [The Missouri Constitution allows gambling only on the Missouri and Mississippi River. Rockaway Beach is not located on these rivers.] Southwest Casino and Hotel Corporation is funding the $5,000,000 petition drive to put the proposed constitutional amendment on the November 2004 statewide ballot. Source of information: newstribune.com 8.23.03

Peter Herschend, co-owner of Herschend Family Entertainment Co. (Silver Dollar City), said he continues to be "unalterably opposed" to gaming anywhere near Branson. "If this became seen as a gambling area, it would destroy the visitor structure as we know it," Herschend said. "We're talking about people's expectations when they're coming down here. They know this as a family-friendly area, and there are many people who will not vacation in Las Vegas." News-Leader 6.12.03

Hells Angels & Mongols motorcycle gangs clashed during annual
visit to casinos, three dead and twelve injured from shooting

Pinnacle Casino flew in prostitutes for their hi-rollers

7-year-old girl murdered and sexually assaulted in casino

9/11 terrorists visited casinos before hijackings

Drug dealers launder money in casinos

Asian gangs frequent casinos

25 violent robberies in Biloxi casinos in the past year

Gamblers are shot and threatened with knives in casinos

Mobsters gamble in casinos

Gamblers are followed home and murdered for their winnings

Loan sharks, cheats and extortionists work casinos

Three casino workers die in a murder suicide

39 of the 81 people arrested inside a casino were fugitives

Casino workers deal drugs and participate in gang theft

Criminals rob and murder locals for money to gamble

Casinos host the Russian mafia and questionable Colombians

16 year old prostitute murdered in casino hotel

Addicted gamblers, rob banks, stores, charities, employers
and government agencies for more gambling money

"It's a loose money environment. . . It invites prostitution."
Professor Wm. Thompson, University of Nevada

Rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny and
auto theft -- increased significantly after casinos open
Professor Earl Grinols, University of Illinois