Disclosure urged Regarding "Gamblers begin to question Oklahoma casinos’ lack of payback rules” (McClatchy-Tribune Information Services news story, Oct. 27): It’s ridiculous that casinos don’t have to release their percentage payouts to the public. Having visited a majority of the casinos in this state, I’ve observed a lot of retirees who enjoy gambling. Some have lost their life savings. It’s only fair that they as well as everyone else should know what their chances of winning are. I’d estimate the figure to be near 13 percent and perhaps less.
The article states the percentage isn’t disclosed for competitive reasons. That’s exactly the reason it should be disclosed! This puts the competitive edge in the casino’s favor and denies the patron the right to know what the odds of winning are. Competition keeps us at our best. Why would the casinos desire to hide this information? Perhaps it’s time for the Oklahoma Tribal-State Gaming Compact to be reviewed.
Cynthia Evans, Talala
Perspective needed In response to Toni Hulin (Your Views, Oct. 31): Yes, perspective is needed. Public school teachers have sacrificed to get educated and licensed. A first-year teacher’s salary is $31,600; the scale for a 10th-year teacher with a master’s degree is $37,575. This hardly puts them in an "elite” class. Most educators could earn more in similarly educated positions in private industry. Remember these examples and, yes, put them in perspective.
Marcus Stanfill, Choctaw
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