Tuesday, December 05, 2006

It's been a little over two weeks since the first legal slot parlor in
Pennsylvania opened at the Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs racetrack. Three more
slots parlors are expected to open at other racetracks within the next three
months. Ultimately, 14 parlors are expected to open in Pennsylvania,
bringing in what is hoped will be sufficient additional revenue to school
districts throughout the commonwealth, and at the same time easing the
burden on local taxpayers. But in all the hoopla the state has put into the
establishment of casino gambling in Pennsylvania, one disquieting little
side fact has sprung up. Despite the fact that one casino is now drawing in
gamblers, and others will soon be up and running, Pennsylvania does not yet
have a gambling addiction program in place to handle the expected increase
in compulsive gamblers seeking treatment. When the legislation for the slots
program was approved, one of the provisions was that Pennsylvania set aside
at least $1.5 million per year for programs to provide compulsive gamblers
with assistance and treatment for their addiction. By law, casinos must
advertise the existence of such services. But the Mohegan Sun can't
advertise a state-run service because none are in place at the moment. The
Pocono Downs casino is complying with the law by providing a telephone
number for the Council of Compulsive Gambling, a Philadelphia-based
organization. However, those calling the hotline may get a recording,
because the council does not have the money necessary to staff the telephone
at all times. Gene Boyle, the director of Pennsylvania's Bureau of Drug and
Alcohol Programs, has indicated that a state-based program to treat
compulsive gambling addictions will be established within the next several
months. We certainly hope so. Because the number of people with gambling
problems is definitely going to increase, given the fact that new outlets to
fuel their addictions are in the process of being set up throughout the
commonwealth. It also strikes us that Harrisburg could have better used the
two years it took for the first slots casino to open by making certain a
state-wide and state operated program for gambling addiction was up and
running in that time period.

A state-wide program to treat compulsive gambling will not eliminate the
addiction, but it will provide those suffering from the sickness an outlet
to help them deal with the problem. Which makes it very important that such
a program be put in place as soon as possible. At the moment, the state is
relying on existing providers, such as the Council of Compulsive Gambling of
Pennsylvania to fill the gap. But such a gap is wide indeed given the fact
the council - and other similar organizations -- have only limited funds to
provide such services. Only when the state fulfills its obligation mandated
by law to provide counseling and other services for compulsive gambling will
some of those suffering from the addiction have the means of obtaining
treatment to prevent them from recklessly throwing their money away in the
slots casinos, as well as other gambling outlets.