Problem Gambling In Wisconsin Not Growing, Despite Reports

People and groups who want to achieve a certain political status will often fabricate the truth in order to prove their point. That may be the case in a recent report on postcrescent.com.

The site offered up the idea that problem gambling in the state of Wisconsin was growing. There is, however, no statistical evidence to support this claim. What is documented, is that gambling options have increased in the past several years.

While the unemployment rate has climbed in the US because of the economic recession, some people have turned to gambling as a way to cope with their financial struggles. The exact figures are unknown, but some believe the figures, especially in Wisconsin, are overblown.

"The reason there has been an increase in problem gambling calls in the past few years in Wisconsin is because there are more casinos in the state," said observer Henry Brasky, "obviously with more gambling options there is going to come more gambling problems then before."

When asked whether the economy is the reason for the accelerated problem gambling calls, Keith Whyte, Executive Director of the National Council on Problem Gambling in Washington D.C., was noncommittal.

"It's likely, but I can't say with certainty," said Whyte, as reported on postcrescent.com, "There is no tracking or monitoring of this."

No tracking or monitoring is just the out that anti-gambling groups need to spread whatever rumors they believe the public will buy. The statistical evidence is slim when it comes to showing increases in problem gambling cases.

Indeed, problem gambling presents a delicate situation that must be dealt with. Counselors must be trained and be made available to people who do develop gambling addictions, but simply offering up a dilemma where there is none becomes a bad practice.

With over 20 million visitors to their casinos, Wisconsin claims to have only five to seven percent of the population that are problem gamblers. That number is similar to the national average.

"Wisconsin is not experiencing any bigger increase in problem gambling than in any other state," said Brasky, "These are tough economic times, and everybody is looking for a reason for their misfortune."

May 11, 2009
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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