TheDenverChannel.com










Politics

Pro-Video Lottery Ad Drawing Criticism

Proponents Say Amendment 33 Would Boost Dollars For Tourism

POSTED: 8:40 a.m. MDT September 9, 2003
UPDATED: 9:37 a.m. MDT September 9, 2003

Some opponents say the new television ad for Amendment 33 is deceptive because it is missing the main point of the amendment -- amd that could affect the way people vote. Amendment 33 would place video lottery terminals at racetracks and gaming establishments in Colorado, allocating some of the proceeds to, among other things, the promotion of tourism.

But you won't find any mention of gambling or video lottery machines in a new ad that features a man rafting happily down a Colorado river with a family, enjoying the sun-drenched day with other outdoor lovers. In the commercial, the man said he is the owner of a rafting business and his company and tourism is suffering and voting yes on Amendment 33 would help.

7NEWS showed the pro-Amendment 33 spot to some potential voters, who like the idea of promoting tourism.

"That's a big part of our economy," said voter Allison Miller. But Miller was suprised to learn that the ad was for the video lottery amendment.

Some people felt misled.

"That would annoy me, it feels like false advertising. People on a raft, enjoying the environment of Colorado and it's all about gambling?" said Boulder business owner Pat Laudisio.

Rick Sterling does marketing work for clients such as Frontier Airlines and DiGiorno Pizza. He said the ad is not misleading -- it's effective.

"I think it was very well done ... I don't think it's misleading at all. It talks about what proponents believe the benefit to be," said Sterling. "If I were doing it, I would do it exactly the same way."

Sterling said there's only so much you can cover in a 30-second TV commercial and ultimately, it is up to the voter to educate themselves on the issues before the upcoming election on Nov 4.

Links We Like
Sponsored Content
It is estimated that between 3 and 5 percent of American children have ADHD. Find out more about the causes and symptoms of ADHD. More

The kitchen is often the focal point of a great home. Find out how you can turn your cluttered kitchen into a place the whole family will love. More

If you have aspirations of becoming a millionaire, check out these five habits that may be worth emulating. More

Having a tough time selling you home? Check out the five reasons why you may be having trouble and find professionals who can help. More

Sponsored Links

Refinance

With mortgage rates still near historic lows, now may be a good time to refinance. Fixed rates as low as 6.0%. *See terms. More

Desktop Alert

Colorado's Geographic Regions
Questions come in all the time about where the different regions of Colorado are. Here, you can learn where to find the foothills verses the plains and the different mountain areas. More