I am back in Washington state again this week visiting a customer I have not seen in a while. It has been 6 years since I have been here and I almost forgot how beautiful the area around Olympia and Tacoma is.
One thing I did not remember noticing the last time I was here was the outrageous number of casinos that dot the area. And not just big over the top flashing neon ones. I have never seen so many rinky-dink converted restaurants that call themselves gambling establishments. One map I found showed 148 casinos throughout the state.
I am sure the economy is contributing to the escapist attitude forcing many people top seek refuge from stress. Myself, I would much rather be outside enjoying Mt. Rainer or Olympic National Park then hold up in a dark, smoky, depressing building. Nothing clears the head like a long hike up a mountain. I’m sure the casinos bring in lots of revenue for the state but at what social human cost.