It's okay to make Gambling Addiction worse?

From Bill Kearney:

Massachusetts ‘GAMING’ Future

ASSOCIATED PRESS - October 2, 2012 - Ohio gambling survey gives pre-casino picture

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- About 250,000 Ohio adults, just less than 3 percent, are problem gamblers or at risk of gambling problems as casinos open around the state, a figure that's expected to rise as casinos and racetrack slots proliferate in the state.
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The statistic comes from a first-of-its-kind survey released Monday by the state's addiction services agency.

Read more: http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2012310029972

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Ohio gambling survey gives pre-casino picture

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Published: October 2, 2012

 

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- About 250,000 Ohio adults, just less than 3 percent, are problem gamblers or at risk of gambling problems as casinos open around the state, a figure that's expected to rise as casinos and racetrack slots proliferate in the state.

The statistic comes from a first-of-its-kind survey released Monday by the state's addiction services agency.

Casino Control Commission Chairwoman JoAnn Davidson said the poll marks a starting point for state policymakers as they begin to regulate four new casinos -- in Cleveland, Toledo, Columbus and Cincinnati -- and new slots-like video lottery terminals at seven horse racing tracks.

"So we have a clear picture of where we started in Ohio, and as these casinos come on line, then we're going to have something to measure it against," Davidson said.

The Toledo and Cleveland casinos opened in May, and a Columbus casino opens Monday. Cincinnati's casino is scheduled to open in the spring.

The review, conducted with help from Kent State University, found only 6 percent of Ohioans who gamble say their primary venue now is casinos today. Lottery and other scratch-off games are the preferred game for 72 percent of Ohioans who wager. Eleven percent play dice, craps or poker in a noncasino setting.

Results will be used in about four years to identify pockets of need around the state as they arise, and to make the best use of the 2 percent of casino proceeds that are being directed to tackle gambling addiction.