If the government wants to stimulate the economy, it should outlaw gambling, a legal policy expert told a gathering of antigambling activists. "Gambling is a catalyst for economic downturn," said John Kindt, professor of commerce and legal policy at the University of Illinois. "If you want your 401(k) to come back, recriminalize gambling." Kindt, who holds four graduate degrees in business and law, said a ban on gambling would boost the economy by freeing up dollars for consumer spending that now go to the gaming industry. He addressed the annual meeting of the National Coalition Against Legalized Gambling and National Coalition Against Gambling Expansion, September 27-29 in Arlington, Texas. Kindt cited a 1999 report of the U.S. Gambling Commission linking the rise of legalized gambling with increased addiction, bankruptcies and crime. The commission urged a moratorium on gambling expansion and a ban on "convenience gambling" such as video-gambling machines in stores.

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