Problem Gambling Centers The Key To Casino Expansion In US

A new study has revealed that the lack of problem gambling treatment centers in areas where casinos are being built is a cause for concern. The same study indicates it is not the casino expansion that is the problem, but the lack of governmental run treatment centers.

Many states around the country are expanding their gambling laws with every passing election. Casinos are being opened up in record numbers and it is causing concern among groups who fear the casinos will cause an increase in problem gamblers.

A new study reveals, however, that it is the governments in these states that are at fault, not the casinos themselves. Dr. Peter Newberry has released a study that was done of ten states that recently added new casinos.

Newberry found in the study that of the areas where additional gaming options were added, only a couple of the states also increased their problem gambling treatment centers. It is a trend that Newberry believes should be corrected.

"If these states were serious about helping their problem gamblers, they would give them outlets when they add new casinos. That is not being done and it is causing anti-gambling groups to blame the casinos. It is not as much the casinos fault as it is the state governments," he said.

Newberry's solution to the problem is simple. He believes a state should be required to have a certain amount of treatment centers for every casino within the state. While he believes that would help the problem, he knows the individual states will have the ultimate say in whether it gets done.

December 21, 2008
Posted By April Gardner
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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