Compulsive gambling gets short shrift in big debate
March 25, 2014
The Spectrum Gaming Group's report was limited due to the areas requested for examination by the Florida Legislature. As such, there are aspects relating to problem and compulsive gambling that were either not addressed or were reviewed on a limited basis.
Although research is fairly consistent in supporting the position that when gambling opportunities are nearby, gambling-related problems are likely to be evident, Spectrum concluded that new gambling venues would be related to a temporary increase in prevalence and the effect could be minimal in areas that have existing gambling venues.
There is considerable research available in Florida and elsewhere, including a 1999 national study, which documents that accessibility to gambling venues results in a rise in gambling participation, problem gambling prevalence, and related impacts. And that the presence of a gambling facility within 50 miles roughly doubles the prevalence of problem and pathological gambling. Other prevalence research has also confirmed this finding.
Spectrum concluded that given the best available evidence, it seems unlikely that the existence of casinos causes an increase in crime rates. Further, while there may be a relationship between casinos and crime, according to Spectrum, there is a lack of good evidence, as yet, to support such claims.
Nevertheless, the literature seems to confirm that problem gamblers are more likely to engage in crimes than non-problem gamblers.
Without question, independent research conducted in Florida and elsewhere, as well as FCCG HelpLine data compiled for well over a decade, has firmly documented the relationship between problem gambling and crime.
In fact, 35 percent of all HelpLine callers admit that the gambler has committed illegal acts to fund their gambling addiction. As for nationally, the most recent national prevalence study also confirmed that pathological gamblers had higher arrest and imprisonment rates than their non-problem gambling counterparts.
In particular, one-third of problem and pathological gamblers reported to have been previously arrested, and 23 percent of pathological gamblers, and 10 percent of problem gamblers, acknowledged being incarcerated.
Similarly, a 2004 study by the National Institute of Justice explored the link between gambling and crime and found significantly more problem gambling among arrestees than in the general population. The percentage of problem gamblers was two to five times higher than in the general population.
Keep in mind that characteristic crimes also include leaving children at home or in cars without supervision while gambling, handling or receiving stolen goods, participating in donation and insurance scams, among other unlawful acts. Yet, crime rates over the past decade have not examined these areas. Perhaps the best way to measure the true social impacts of gambling would be by first conducting an independent social impact study as some other states are doing.
Presently, gambling addiction is costing Florida money in many forms, including public and financial assistance, unemployment, homelessness, mental health and addiction services, and criminal justice supports.
Regardless of whether the Legislature ultimately approves to expand gambling does not negate the fact that increased venues will have an impact on gambling participation and problem gambling prevalence.
That said, any additional efforts to expand gambling options would need to be accompanied by provisions to assure appropriate usage of responsible gaming program options, funding and related program supports.
Pat Fowler is the executive director of the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling, Inc.
Editor's Note: Broward County remains Florida's epicenter for gaming. To learn more and see other views on the topic, go to http://www.SunSentinel.com/Floridasgamble
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/opinion/fl-gambling-oped-jennifer-campbell-20140325,0,4911763.story
Although research is fairly consistent in supporting the position that when gambling opportunities are nearby, gambling-related problems are likely to be evident, Spectrum concluded that new gambling venues would be related to a temporary increase in prevalence and the effect could be minimal in areas that have existing gambling venues.
There is considerable research available in Florida and elsewhere, including a 1999 national study, which documents that accessibility to gambling venues results in a rise in gambling participation, problem gambling prevalence, and related impacts. And that the presence of a gambling facility within 50 miles roughly doubles the prevalence of problem and pathological gambling. Other prevalence research has also confirmed this finding.
Nevertheless, the literature seems to confirm that problem gamblers are more likely to engage in crimes than non-problem gamblers.
Without question, independent research conducted in Florida and elsewhere, as well as FCCG HelpLine data compiled for well over a decade, has firmly documented the relationship between problem gambling and crime.
In fact, 35 percent of all HelpLine callers admit that the gambler has committed illegal acts to fund their gambling addiction. As for nationally, the most recent national prevalence study also confirmed that pathological gamblers had higher arrest and imprisonment rates than their non-problem gambling counterparts.
In particular, one-third of problem and pathological gamblers reported to have been previously arrested, and 23 percent of pathological gamblers, and 10 percent of problem gamblers, acknowledged being incarcerated.
Similarly, a 2004 study by the National Institute of Justice explored the link between gambling and crime and found significantly more problem gambling among arrestees than in the general population. The percentage of problem gamblers was two to five times higher than in the general population.
Keep in mind that characteristic crimes also include leaving children at home or in cars without supervision while gambling, handling or receiving stolen goods, participating in donation and insurance scams, among other unlawful acts. Yet, crime rates over the past decade have not examined these areas. Perhaps the best way to measure the true social impacts of gambling would be by first conducting an independent social impact study as some other states are doing.
Presently, gambling addiction is costing Florida money in many forms, including public and financial assistance, unemployment, homelessness, mental health and addiction services, and criminal justice supports.
Regardless of whether the Legislature ultimately approves to expand gambling does not negate the fact that increased venues will have an impact on gambling participation and problem gambling prevalence.
That said, any additional efforts to expand gambling options would need to be accompanied by provisions to assure appropriate usage of responsible gaming program options, funding and related program supports.
Pat Fowler is the executive director of the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling, Inc.
Editor's Note: Broward County remains Florida's epicenter for gaming. To learn more and see other views on the topic, go to http://www.SunSentinel.com/Floridasgamble
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/opinion/fl-gambling-oped-jennifer-campbell-20140325,0,4911763.story
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