Tuesday, March 06, 2007

ACalifornia Senate committee recently learned that while many of us love to
gamble, quite a few suffer from addiction as casinos empty their pockets.
The state's legal gambling operations make $13 billion a year - and rising -
yet such operations put no money into assisting those with gambling
problems, including addiction. The committee also learned some disturbing
facts - there are 1.5 million problem gamblers and much of the state's
efforts in this area center on a hot line number. Experts say there are only
15 state counselors certified to deal with pathological gambling. The state
spends a paltry $3 million on the problem - to say this is inadequate is an
understatement. The Senate Governmental Organization Committee vows to get
to the bottom of this problem. A statewide plan was introduced in February
by the Office of Problem Gambling that would center on public awareness,
prevention services and building a better treatment infrastructure at a cost
of $150 million annually. Thirty states have such programs. A national
organization is pushing for federal legislation to help with the problem. We
would like to offer our own suggestion. Instead of figuring out how to fold
this problem into the state budget and creating more bureaucracy, why can't
we shift the cost to the casinos and gambling establishments that are raking
in billions from gamblers and - quite frankly - we're not talking about a
huge chunk of their profits. Casinos do not contribute much toward the
treatment of gambling addiction, other than cases with their own employees.
The state of California hasn't been a big help, either. We have too few
qualified professionals to deal with gambling addicts, who often end up
resorting to crime or committing suicide. And, lawmakers were so brilliant
that they gave back $3 million donated by Indian casinos years ago to
address problem gambling because it was never used. In 2002, U.S. legal
gaming revenue amounted to $68.7 billion. The National Council of Problem
Gambling says up to 9 million Americans have a problem. California is a
pacesetter in many areas, here's another where we could be. Gambling
establishments in this state should voluntarily come together and make major
donations toward centers and programs to help those with gambling problems.
It could be a model for the rest of the nation. If the establishments hedge
their bets, perhaps the state should levy a tax on these businesses, maybe
draw funds from state-commissioned operations like horse racing to help
those in need. Gambling establishments have received numerous breaks on
taxes and land acquisition, among other things; now it's time to show that
Californians are more than just paying customers.