The headline in the Baltimore Sun says “Maryland Live Casino makes big money during first month of operation.” Of course, a more accurate headline could read: “Maryland casino empties gamblers’ pockets.”

Because that is what really happened. But too often the media’s gambling coverage is more breathless than probing of what is really going on inside the casinos. Such cheerleading leaves the impression the casinos are all fun and games, and no one gets hurt.

But the reality is gamblers lost almost $1 million a day at the Maryland Live Casino. That is $1 million that didn’t get invested or saved. That is $1 million that didn’t spent in restaurants, movies or theaters. Or worse, that is $1 million that didn’t get spent for medication, food, rent or child support. Not to mention, local casinos are essentially a regressive tax that make the bulk of their money from the poor, elderly and minority gamblers who can least afford to lose.

Studies show casinos make anywhere from 30 to 60 percent of their revenue off of problem and repeat gamblers. Local casinos in the Philadelphia area have said their customers come an average of three to five times a week. Casino like Maryland Live – located in a mall – feed off of locals. The money spent in the casino is money that didn’t get spent in the local economy. In short, that is $1 million a day in wealth stripped from the community.

Lawmakers in Annapolis may be happy because they tax the casinos at a much higher rate than other businesses. But the Maryland residents those lawmakers are elected to serve and protect are $1 million a day poorer. How Gov. Martin O’Malley or other elected officials can argue that is a smart economic policy requires a major leap of faith. Just like rolling dice.