The key element of taxation is the extraction of resources from the private sector by force or threat of force. The force involved here is the criminal prosecution of lottery competitors. Indeed, the lottery is a tax. If so, profit-seeking investors ignore opportunities that are clearly recognized by bureaucrats. That may happen on occasion, but not regularly by any means.
Further discussion appears in the next section.
Economic development also consists of activities other than helping specific businesses. Certainly jobs were created in the construction of the center, in the operations of the center, and at nearby restaurants and hotels. Indeed, all of the spending associated with the convention center could have occurred elsewhere. However, in the name of economic development we have shifted resources from serving existing businesses to chasing after new businesses. We must ask what is gained if the climate for existing businesses is sacrificed in the name of economic development.