Overall, I'd say that gambling has been very beneficial to Cripple Creek. We have experienced some growing pains, but that is to be expected with such a massive enterprise.

My housing stock is just about maxed out. There are a couple of homes that are very, very expensive, in the $200,000 to $300,000-plus range, with the balance being very old structures that need complete renovation.

We now have a year-round economy employing about 2,300 people.

We spent millions installing a modern water delivery system, sewage treatment facility and paved roads.

We are aware that gambling exists, and we do everything to distance ourselves from it.

The urge to gamble is so universal, and its practice so pleasurable that I assume it must be evil.