Markoff Suicide May Be Teaching Tool For Problem Gamblers

Phillip Markoff may go down as a worst case scenario example when states start to educate their youth on the dangers of problem gambling. With casino gambling expanding across the US, counselors are spending much of their time working to educate future gamblers.

Phillip Markoff's name may be used in many of these educational seminars. Markoff, a former gambling addict, committed suicide on Sunday at a Massachusetts jail. Markoff is best known for being the Craigslist killer.

Prosecutors used Markoff's gambling addiction to help paint a picture of a person who had an addiction that led him down a path of criminal behavior. Markoff would lure girls from Craigslist that he felt were weak, then he would rob the women to fuel his addiction.

The criminal behavior, however, would not end there. The twenty-five year old was arrested and charged with the murder of Julissa Brisman. At first family and friends did not believe Markoff could commit the crime, but evidence was overwhelming. His fiance soon called off the wedding, and Markoff fell deeper into a depression.

On Sunday, Markoff took his own life in prison. It was the third such suicide at the Suffolk County jail in the past seven years, but for gambling counselors, the concern quickly turned to education.

"People have to know that no matter how strong the addiction, there is always an opportunity to beat the demons," said Gaming Analyst Steve Schwartz. "That is the message that many states are trying to get out to the public in light of all the gambling expansion currently taking place."

The National Council on Problem Gambling has offices set up all across the US and hotlines are available in states where gambling is prevalent. Anyone who has a loved one that they feel needs help can contact the hotlines directly, or visit the NCPG website for details on how to find treatment centers and programs.

August 16, 2010
Posted By Vincent Tapoglia III
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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