Gamblor’s World

from http://www.responsiblegambling.org/staffsearch/latest_news_articles_details.cfm?intID=10329

Author: Breen, Tom
Source: Huntington Herald Dispatch
Published: Jun 18, 07

Full Document:
CHARLESTON — When the state Lottery decided it wanted more say in how its money is spent, it probably didn’t anticipate setting off tremors throughout the country.
But on July 1, when the widely emulated Problem Gamblers Help Network goes from being administered by the state Department of Health and Human Resources to being overseen by the state Lottery, the eyes of problem gambling programs in dozens of states will be fixed on West Virginia.

The change has prompted concerns about the integrity of the help network, and at the Lottery’s request, state auditors have launched a review of the Lottery’s past involvement with the program.

But the new arrangement may have little impact on how the help network operates. A look at gambling programs around the country suggests it’s difficult to make generalizations about a type of state aid that is still, in many places, in its infancy.

“Every single state does their gaming a little bit differently,” said Tim Christensen, treatment administrator with Arizona’s Office of Problem Gambling. “What works well in one state may not work at all in another.”

Christensen is the president of the Association of Problem Gambling Service Administrators, which last year surveyed the 35 states with publicly funded compulsive gamblers help programs to try and make broad conclusions about the field.

Instead, the survey found a wide range of differences, from states that spend millions of dollars on comprehensive programs including everything from education to treatment, to states that do little more than print helpline phone numbers on the backs of scratch cards.

Based on a review of materials from that group and from the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries, though, it’s possible to see some common features in the field.

At least 28 of the states with publicly funded programs rely on their respective health departments or comparative social service agencies to oversee or administer those programs. Most of the others contract directly with state affiliates of the National Council on Problem Gambling to operate their network.

The programs in general are small. On average, they employ fewer than two full-time workers, and the amount of money invested by states varies widely. States such as Delaware and Iowa rely on funding formulas setting aside a percentage of money earned from gambling for such programs, while others set specific sums.

State lotteries are the largest single revenue source for most of these programs, with states such as West Virginia, Connecticut and Minnesota requiring more than $1 million from their lotteries.

Although there are at least 35 states with publicly funded programs, every state except Utah and Hawaii has some form of legalized gambling.

For the seven years of its history, West Virginia’s program has operated under the health department model. The state Lottery provides the funding, but the health department hires a provider to run it, and is responsible for oversight.

The program — one of the largest in per capita spending — has become a national model. Its outgoing director, Mia Moran-Cooper, has served multiple stints as chairwoman of the National Problem Gambling Awareness Week.

But the Lottery says it needs more financial accountability. Director John Musgrave said that before a dime is spent on programs, 20 percent of the roughly $1.5 million budget goes to the health department and to the provider — First Choice Health Systems of Charleston — in administrative fees. In addition, Lottery officials have questions about some of the expenses incurred by employees of the help network.

Moran-Cooper, though, tells a different story. Last week, she told legislators at an informational meeting that the Lottery has tried to interfere with the help network since its beginning. Moran-Cooper said Lottery officials have vetoed specific advertisements, warned help network employees not to talk to the press and demanded the names of Lottery employees who sought treatment for gambling addictions — a request prohibited by law.

She warned lawmakers that the new arrangement could compromise the help network’s integrity. Moran-Cooper planned to resign from First Choice at the end of June, but found herself seemingly fired after her remarks to lawmakers.

First Choice, which is the only bidder on the contract to run the help network, has called her allegations misleading, and said the new arrangement will not alter the program.

National programs that have looked to West Virginia as a model, though, are uncertain. Many of Moran-Coooper’s counterparts in other states have privately expressed concern about removing the state health department from the equation.

Keith Whyte, executive director of the National Council on Problem Gambling, wouldn’t comment specifically on West Virginia, but says the national council prefers to see health or social service agencies involved with treatment programs.

“As a policy matter, we do not think it’s a good idea for a gaming group to be directly involved in treatment,” he said. “It’s very tough to both maximize profits and minimize harm.”

A bill currently before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce would go some distance toward making states’ programs more uniform. It would make $71 million in grants available to state and local governments for public awareness, research and treatment.

To read full articles go to http://www.responsiblegambling.org/staffsearch/latest_news_articles.cfmCalifornia Legislature approves huge expansion of Indian gambling

Author: Thompson, Don
Source: Press Enterprise
Published Date: Jun 29, 2007

Description:
The Legislature removed a key hurdle to passing a state budget Thursday, agreeing to allow four Indian tribes to expand casino gambling in exchange for hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue to the state. The action ended what had been a lengthy legislative logjam that pitted two special interest titans: labor groups vs. casino-operating Indian tribes. The tribes won.

2. Software to limit gambling addiction

Author:
Source: Sveriges Radio International
Published Date: Jun 29, 2007

Description:
In a bid to combat Sweden’s growing problem of gambling addiction, state-run betting giant Svenska Spel is to harness the power of artificial intelligence. The system, designed by Sweden’s ICU Intelligence, analyses how each player places bets, how much money they bet with, under which circumstances, and how often. The system is voluntary, and is currently designed to monitor online gambling, which is popular in Sweden, and bets placed by people using their personal Svenska Spel betting cards - ICU hopes to extend the system to casinos in time.

3. First limits on gambling kicking in

Author: O’Flynn, Kevin & Delany, Max
Source: Moscow Times
Published Date: Jun 29, 2007

Description:
It was one of the most famous illegal gambling dens in the Soviet Union: a small, unassuming apartment near the Taganskaya metro station that drew inveterate gamblers from across the country. “Everyone knew where it was,” said Valery Zheleznyakov, an old-school card shark known on the poker circuit by the nickname Partizan. “Even the police knew. But they never closed it because they liked to know where the criminals were.”

4. Ontario tightens security around lottery retailers, adds background checks

Author:
Source: Canadian Press
Published Date: Jun 28, 2007

Description:
Lottery retailers in Ontario will have until next January to register with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. The plan to tighten security around lottery ticket sales will also require retailers to undergo background checks and to agree to a new code of conduct. The government promised to turn control of lottery regulations to the AGCO, an arms-length regulatory agency, after the ombudsman reported too many retailers were claiming big prizes.

5. Harvard study finds fears about online gambling unsupported

Author: Harris, Martin
Source: Poker News
Published Date: Jun 28, 2007

Description:
In what is thought to be the first comprehensive, empirical study of online-gambling behaviors, Harvard Medical School’s Division of Addictions characterizes a majority of online gamblers’ behavior as “moderate,” concluding that its findings do not support previously-made claims that online gambling has “an inherent propensity” to cause problem or “excessive” gambling. The study, “Assessing the Playing Field: A Prospective Longitudinal Study of Internet Sports Gambling Behavior,” was conducted with the support of the Austrian online-betting group Bwin in order to guide the company in its efforts to implement and promote responsible gambling.

6. N.B. gov’t to relax gaming rules? Tories say new gaming policy complete; minister says not for another few months

Author: Robichaud, Jess
Source: Moncton Times and Transcript
Published Date: Jun 27, 2007

Description:
The Opposition Tories believe they have called the Liberal government’s bluff over its recently delayed Responsible Gaming Policy. The Conservatives alleged yesterday in the legislature that the Liberals are stalling the release of its now complete Responsible Gaming Policy in order to avoid facing a firestorm over its potentially unpopular recommendations while the legislature is still in session. Finance Minister Victor Boudreau responded that the delay is simply the result of an over-ambitious, new minister who didn’t realize all the implications surrounding the policy. He said New Brunswickers will have to wait at least another two months before they learn the province’s plans on casinos and racinos in Moncton and Saint John, as well as what the future holds for VLTs, Texas Hold ‘Em poker games and addiction services.

7. A son’s plea for gambling addicts

Author: Peterson, Eric
Source: Chicago Daily Herald
Published Date: Jun 27, 2007

Description:
A Schaumburg man whose mother suffered a relapse of her gambling addiction asked the Illinois Gaming Board for greater monitoring at casinos to make the state’s self-exclusion program for addicts truly work. Todd Ruder had testified in front of the board before about his mother’s success in beating her addiction. But after earning her one-year pin from Gambler’s Anonymous in May, the 67-year-old woman went to the Hollywood Casino in Aurora again on Father’s Day. “She is so disgusted with herself, like I’ve never seen before,” Ruder said.

8. Problem gambling emerges in Macao

Author:
Source: Chinarealnews
Published Date: Jun 27, 2007

Description:
With the development of the gaming industry in Macao, an increasing number of people of the city are addicted to gambling or affected by gambling issues. According to a survey released by the University of Macau in 2003, nearly 70% of Macao residents have the habit of gambling, 4.3% of whom are defined as problem gamblers.

9. Responsible gambling charity seeks funding

Author:
Source: Online-casinos
Published Date: Jun 26, 2007

Description:
The Responsibility in Gambling Trust, Britain’s largest funding body for problem gambling, is seeking to double its income to GBP 7 million by 2010…and from responses thus far it looks as if its appeal will receive sympathetic consideration from online gambling companies. The Trust, which funds treatment services, education and research into problem gambling, raised GBP 3 million from the gambling industry in 2006/07– the largest amount ever donated. In the past three years, it has spent GBP 6 million on tackling problem gambling.

10. UNLV does studies and provides assistance for problem gamblers

Author: Goodwin, Terry
Source: Casino Gambling Web
Published Date: Jun 26, 2007

Description:
UNLV is one of ten universities in the United States that has on campus help for problem gamblers. The Las Vegas Strip is a short 10 minutes from the campus and poses a unique situation for students, as many venture to the strip for excitement, concerts, nights out and yes, gambling. In August of last year, Counselor Education Secretary Larry Ashley started a program to treat problem gambling. The campus-based program is state funded and is open to all area residents, not just students.

11. EU targeting France, Greece, Sweden over sports gambling

Author:
Source: Forbes
Published Date: Jun 25, 2007

Description:
The European Commission will censure France, Greece and Sweden this week for restrictions they have placed on sports gambling, Agence France-Presse reported, citing sources close to the matter. Although the European Commission is not seeking to liberalise the sports gambling market, it has recently been leading an offensive against state monopolies in the sector, which it says keep out newcomers.

12. New report expects global gambling to increase significantly

Author:
Source: Casino Gambling Web
Published Date: Jun 25, 2007

Description:
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP has released a study that focuses on the gambling industry around the world, and its findings are that there will be increases in the industries worth over the next four years. Figures released in the report claim that in the year 2011, the global gambling industry could be worth up to $144 billion, after a compounded growth rate of 7.2%. That figure is up from the current # of $101.6 billion.

13. Youth gambling awareness

Author: Curtis, Christine
Source: Bayshore Broadcasting Corporation
Published Date: Jun 24, 2007

Description:
Legal gambling may start at 18 years of age, but in reality, actual gambling starts a lot earlier. That’s according to Sarah MacDonald who is the youth outreach worker with the YMCA Youth Gambling Awareness Program in Simcoe (Ont.) County. The program has been running for six years, and MacDonald has been part of the project over the past year. She says students as young as eight years old are already betting Pokemon and Yu-Gi-Oh cards and she says some of them are pretty serious.

14. Pa. aims to combat problem gambling

Author: Horner, Nanette L.
Source: Lebanon Daily News
Published Date: Jun 22, 2007

Description:
The director of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board’s Office of Compulsive and Problem Gambling notes that self-exclusion is just one of the tools that is being offered for use by compulsive and problem gamblers in Pennsylvania. In September 2006, the PGCB created the Office of Compulsive and Problem Gambling (OCPG) which is, among other things, developing prevention and education programs along with harm-reduction tools for gamblers, for which the Self-Exclusion list is just one tool.

15. First empirical study of online gaming behaviour

Author:
Source: Union Network International
Published Date: Jun 22, 2007

Description:
To date, only speculations have been available to guide our understanding of the scale of gaming and problematic gaming behaviour among online sports betting. Now the initial results of a unique, broad-based study investigating the gaming behaviour of online players are available, which begins to shed light on the potential for gaming related problems.

16. Lottery agency plans retailer training, testing. Program to launch by end of year

Author: Bailey, Ian
Source: Globe and Mail
Published Date: Jun 22, 2007

Description:
By the end of 2007, a passing grade in an online course will be necessary for selling a lottery ticket in B.C. The B.C. Lottery Corp., under fire since a provincial Ombudsman’s report last month said too little was being done to police retailer fraud, disclosed the plan yesterday. The training will focus on retailer policies, how lottery terminals work, responsibilities to consumers and a rundown of corporation products. The effort is a response to a call from Ombudsman Kim Carter for more retailer training, said spokesman Peter Smith, director of public affairs and corporate responsibility for the corporation.

17. Gateway adds gambling problem treatment

Author:
Source: Tecumseh Countywide News
Published Date: Jun 21, 2007

Description:
Gateway to Prevention and Recovery of Shawnee, Okla. has added treatment for compulsive and addicted gamblers to its programs. “Although legalized gambling has increased the number of addicted gamblers, we are not against the casinos. We have their (casinos) support in helping the addicted gambler,” Cindy Satterfield, Gateway’s compulsive gambling program coordinator said. The program is funded through money from casinos and the state lottery set aside by the Oklahoma Legislature and distributed through the state Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services.

18. Gambler sues casino in Australia after losing his money

Author: Jones, Tom
Source: Casino Gambling Web
Published Date: Jun 21, 2007

Description:
Many people around the world would love to have the casinos in which they gamble give their money back at the end of the night if they lose. A man in Sydney is taking that thought to the next step by suing the Star City casino for allowing him to lose his money. The sticking point to the case, is, the man, Behrouz Foroughi, voluntarily went on an exclusion list of problem gamblers, which, in turn, barred him from the casino. He claims that not only did the casino let him back in, but they gave him access to the high rollers room.

19. Average casino punter loses $68 a visit. The Christchurch Casino wins on average nearly $68 from every punter, leaked documents show

Author: Steeman, Martha
Source: Timaru Herald
Published Date: Jun 21, 2007

Description:
The Press obtained a revenue report for the Christchurch Casino for the month ending May 13 during its investigation into loan sharks at the casino. The monthly report reveals punters gambled $25.8 million in the Christchurch Casino that month. Of that, the casino’s winnings were $2.27m, or 8.8c of every dollar bet. The $2.27m winnings is an average of $67.80 from the 33,586 casino customers in the month. The gaming machines appear to be where the casino won most money. But it won the greatest cut or percentage of what punters spent on the gaming tables.

20. Loan sharks cruise casino to lure gamblers: MP

Author: Dye, Stuart
Source: New Zealand Herald
Published Date: Jun 21, 2007

Description:
Loan sharks are luring gamblers by approaching them as they ponder their losses inside the casino, Parliament was told yesterday. Green MP Sue Bradford said gamblers at the SkyCity casino in Auckland were borrowing as much as $10,000 a time to continue playing. In some cases, she said, gamblers were introduced to the loan shark by a casino dealer. The Government has ordered an investigation into allegations of loan sharking and financial irregularities at Christchurch Casino. But the Green Party wants a wider public inquiry.

21. Government to ban aggressive gambling ads

Author:
Source: Local Sweden News
Published Date: Jun 20, 2007

Description:
The Swedish government is to commission a new report regarding the rules that govern the Swedish betting market. But state-owned Svenska Spel is to retain the sole right to organize gambling activities regarded as particularly problematic from a social perspective. Finance Minister Anders Borg and Public Health Minister Maria Larsson explain that the government’s main priority is to institute a ban on aggressive marketing in the gaming industry.

22. Macau’s gaming and gambling over US$12.5 billion in 2010

Author:
Source: Macauhub
Published Date: Jun 20, 2007

Description:
Revenue from gaming and gambling activities in Macau could be over 100 billion patacas (US$12.5 billion) at the end of 2010, the director of the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (GICB) told Macau magazine Revista Macau. Manuel Neves also said that at the end of 2007 gaming revenue in Macau was expected to rise by 40 percent to 77 billion patacas. The director of the GICB also said there was a “limit to the rise that is being seen,” as “it all depends on the economic growth of China, as the vast majority of gamblers are from the interior of the country.”

23. Online gambling ban may cost U.S. billions in sanctions

Author: Associated Press
Source: Delaware Online
Published Date: Jun 20, 2007

Description:
The United States should face commercial sanctions worth more than $3.4 billion each year for its failure to comply with a World Trade Organization ruling that its Internet gambling restrictions are illegal, the Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda said today. Antigua, which won a WTO ruling last year against the U.S. restrictions, is asking the trade body for authorization to target American trademarks and copyrights if the U.S. refuses to alter its legislation. It said the sanctions would come into effect “shortly,” unless the United States requests a WTO arbitration panel on the level and scope of the sanctions.

24. Bluff Europe names London ‘number one poker city in Europe’

Author:
Source: iGamingbusiness
Published Date: Jun 20, 2007

Description:
London has been named the hottest poker destination in Europe by poker magazine Bluff Europe. The top poker publication praised London for the diversity of games available, from home games to high profile tournaments, as well as for the enthusiasm with which the capital has embraced the game.

25. Gambling Commission publishes new approach to licensing, compliance and enforcement of gambling laws

Author:
Source: ATE Online
Published Date: Jun 20, 2007

Description:
The Gambling Commission has set out how it will monitor and regulate the activities of British gambling operators, and the action it will take against those who fail to comply with its rules or who run illegal gambling operations. From September next year the Commission will have substantial new powers under the Gambling Act 2005, and its new consultation document, Licensing, Compliance and Enforcement, gives the gambling industry its first indication as to how it intends to use them. The Commission will ensure that, once licensed, operators comply with a range of new rules it has introduced designed to keep crime out and make sure gambling is socially responsible.

26. Polls eventually will embrace gambling

Author:
Source: Decatur Daily
Published Date: Jun 20, 2007

Description:
“No” means “No,” even to gambling magnate Milton McGregor who lost big-time in the U.S. Supreme Court this week. But “No” doesn’t mean “Never.” The court this week upheld an Alabama Supreme Court decision that shut down his virtual casino at his Birmingham dog track. Mr. McGregor invested heavily in taking advantage of high technology to bring electronic sweepstakes to the track, and draw far more patrons. So don’t count him out. He’ll not take this rebuff lightly. His fertile mind and campaign contributions will surely make another run at expanding gambling in Alabama.

27. House GOP seeks to ban gaming devices

Author:
Source: Akron Beacon Journal
Published Date: Jun 20, 2007

Description:
House Republicans are pursuing a statewide ban on electronic gaming devices regardless of the size of their jackpots. GOP House Speaker Jon Husted said simply outlawing all games of chance - which have been cropping up virtually unchecked around Ohio - is better than just restricting payouts, as Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland and Attorney General Marc Dann recently proposed. “I don’t want to begin that process,” Husted said. “This back-door approach to opening up gambling is unacceptable to me. It opens up the corrupt underbelly of gambling, and I’m not for that.”

28. More teens trying hand at gambling

Author:
Source: KOIN.com
Published Date: Jun 19, 2007

Description:
Oregon Health officials say they are starting to see a rise in the number of teens who gamble. For most, it’s just a way to hang out with friends. But studies also show one in every 25 teens is a problem gambler. The Oregon Department of Human Services has developed a new video to make teens aware of gambling risks.

29. ADAPT hopes program stems gambling habit

Author: Gray, Chris
Source: Oregon News
Published Date: Jun 19, 2007

Description:
ADAPT is taking a new approach to tackling the problem of gambling addiction. Starting in July, the treatment center will recruit for a program that works with the loved ones of gamblers rather than the gamblers themselves. Brian Serna, the program director for ADAPT “Teaching Effective Caring,” said gamblers are notoriously bad for dropping out of treatment as soon as they get on a lucky streak, only to return unchanged when they lose it all again.

30. Japan poised for law to allow casinos. A new programme, which would legalise gambling, aims to increase falling tax revenues

Author: Nakamoto, Von Michiyo
Source: Financial Times
Published Date: Jun 19, 2007

Description:
Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic party plans to legalise casino gambling next year. Seiko Noda, who heads an LDP study group that is drafting the legislation, said the target was to pass a bill by the end of the next ordinary Diet session in June 2008. The ruling party hopes casinos will spur tourism, help revitalise local economies and increase tax revenues. Opening up Japan to casinos is also likely to provide big opportunities for foreign operators, as few Japanese companies have the expertise necessary to develop the large-scale operations being envisioned.

31. The stakes are high for problem gamblers

Author:
Source: ABC TV
Published Date: Jun 19, 2007

Description:
It can start so innocently…so you had a little bet on the Melbourne Cup and lost, or you overspent a little on the pokies. You tell yourself, “So what, I won’t do it next time”. But the fact is that for some people what starts out as a harmless dabble in gambling can grow into an obsession. Mick, Sarah and Ian know what it’s like to lose control. They’re all reached the point when gambling began to ruin their lives. They know what it’s like to lose everything, their family and friends, money and possessions, dignity and self-esteem. But in the hope they may be able to help others, they want to encourage others to take the road to recovery.

32. Casino let me in despite ban, gambler tells court

Author: Brown, Malcolm
Source: Sydney Morning Herald
Published Date: Jun 19, 2007

Description:
A man claiming to be a compulsive gambler visited Star City casino 65 times between May 18, 2004, and January 28 last year and lost more than $600,000 despite being on a list of banned persons, the Federal Court heard yesterday. Behroub Foroughi had approached Star City management in 2004 after sustaining heavy losses at roulette and volunteered to be banned. Three weeks later, unable to resist his urge, he had returned, undetected, and kept gambling. In October 2005 he started proceedings against Star City Casino, alleging it had engaged in unconscionable conduct in allowing him to gamble and even inviting him to go to the high rollers’ room. An issue of the casino’s duty of care had arisen. The casino had either known who he was, had not known, or had been “oblivious of the exclusion order”.

33. Casino must monitor big spenders: judge

Author:
Source: Sydney Morning Herald
Published Date: Jun 19, 2007

Description:
Crown Casino should either ensure money from big spenders is legitimate or be forced to compensate victims of crime for ill-gotten gains gambled by criminals, a Victorian judge says. County Court Judge Frank Dyett made the remarks as he sentenced Heather MacNeil-Brown, 63, to six years’ jail - with a minimum non-parole period of four years - for embezzling almost $1 million from the Australian branch of global consulting and accountancy firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers. Judge Dyett said MacNeil-Brown initially spent the proceeds of crime at small pokies venues in Melbourne but from 2002, most of the money was lost at Crown Casino.

34. EU to U.S.: pay up for online gambling ban

Author: Associated Press
Source: AZ Central
Published Date: Jun 19, 2007

Description:
The European Union told the United States that it wanted compensation for a U.S. ban on foreign online gambling sites, which doesn’t comply with global trade rules. The decision closed off the most lucrative region in a market worth $15.5 billion (11.6 billion euros) last year. About half of the world’s online gamblers are based in the United States. But an EU official said the concessions Europe was looking for would likely be “commitments” to open up other trade sectors.

35. Province won’t budge on VLTs

Author: Fletcher, Robson
Source: Brandon Sun
Published Date: Jun 19, 2007

Description:
Manitoba’s newly elected NDP government will apply the same old rules when it comes to the number of VLTs allowed at the proposed Wheat City Horse Park, discouraging those who want to build the facility - but not killing the deal altogether. Former Brandon West MLA Scott Smith, who had been responsible for lotteries in Manitoba before being defeated in last month’s election, repeatedly said the province would not allow a major VLT expansion at the horse park. The province re-iterated that position yesterday, saying that the park, if built, would be restricted to a maximum of 30 machines.

36. Morality vs. money: Online gambling. Nations say they attack Internet betting for sake of the children. But they also run gambling operations

Author: Spring, Sylvia
Source: Newsweek International
Published Date: Jun 18, 2007

Description:
When the French police arrested two Austrian on-line-gambling executives on September 15, they did it in the name of protecting France from “the explosion of money games in a heedless manner.” Indeed every recent state move to crack down on online gambling, from the United States to Denmark, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands and Sweden, has followed the same moral argument: it’s all about saving our people from the sins of gambling. The problem is that all of these countries allow licensed gambling at home, and in some cases are promoting its expansion very aggressively. So what’s it really about? In recent months the EU has launched proceedings against all these nations (except of course the United States) for protecting national monopolies in violation of EU laws guaranteeing free movement for goods and services. Opponents of online gambling are exploiting a loophole in the EU laws protecting free trade, which allows member states to take measures to protect the social and moral fabric of their societies.

37. Gambling takes a toll

Author: Hughes, Kristina
Source: Petoskey News-Review
Published Date: Jun 18, 2007

Description:
As gambling becomes an accepted pastime, Paula Musilek — the counselor at Harbor Hall in Petoskey — helps combat the glamorized gaming by bringing awareness to the addiction. Musilek currently has 42 patients and has met with more than 100 clients since the programs were established in 2000. Musilek coordinates a gambling therapy group and individualized therapy. The programs use national assessments and screenings. A Gamblers Anonymous group meets in Petoskey, but help is limited. “There are no inpatient programs for gambling in the state,” Musilek said. Michigan began providing the statewide gambling program and helpline in 1999, paid by casino revenues. Virginia Pieroni, the program manager, said the helpline counselors make between 1,700 to 2,100 referrals a year.

38. Gambling problems can lead to legal issues

Author: Zucker, Steve; Hughes, Kristina
Source: Petoskey News-Review
Published Date: Jun 18, 2007

Description:
Emmet County (Mich.) Sheriff’s Office Det./Sgt. JL Sumpter said the vast majority of the financial crimes that come across his desk have an element of gambling addiction, drug abuse or a combination of the two at their roots. In fact, Sumpter said, in most embezzlement or fraud-type cases, the suspect’s gambling habits are the first thing he often investigates. After investigating numerous cases tied to gambling over the past several years, Sumpter said one defendant’s comment about his addiction has always stuck with him. “He told me, ‘When I go to bed at night, I just lie there and can hear the ringing of the slot machines in my head.’”

39. Casinos cooperating in efforts to help gaming addicts. Compulsive gamblers hard to spot

Author: Rotstein, Gary
Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Published Date: Jun 18, 2007

Description:
Of at least 50,000 slots players who entered the doors of The Meadows Racetrack & Casino in its first week, a few thousand could have been compulsive gamblers. If so, they breezed by brochures at the front desk for the Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania. They bypassed the literature at security podiums suggesting they could seek voluntary exclusion from the casino. They ignored the signs around ATM machines posting the council’s toll-free phone number for counseling. All 450 employees of The Meadows have received training on identifying and assisting people who can’t control their gambling, but such intervention will be infrequent.

40. Increase in gambling addiction likely. With four new casinos set to open, gambling counselors are preparing

Author: Eckenrode, Vicky
Source: Morris News Service
Published Date: Jun 18, 2007

Description:
State officials and treatment counselors are gearing up for a potential increase of Kansans addicted to the roll of the dice or turn of the cards should four new casinos open in the state. Lawmakers who supported legislation this year opening the door to four, new state-owned casinos approved boosting the amount of money set aside for preventing and treating gambling problems. The Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services, which oversees the money, has been getting $100,000 a year for the addiction program, largely to fund a 24-hour telephone help line for problem gamblers and their families. That fund could jump to $17 million or $18 million annually.

LaPlante, D. A., LaBrie, R. A., Nelson, S. E., Schumann, A., & Shaffer, H. J. (2007).
Scientific medical research advances in progressive stages and at a deliberate pace. This approach to knowledge development requires several stages of inquiry, analysis, and review before advocacy and action can occur. Although this structure might frustrate some (e.g., anti-gambling activists and pro-gaming corporations), it is essential to the accumulation of accurate information. Too often, well-meaning people rush ahead of scientific knowledge (e.g., despite limited evidence, policy makers worldwide are legislating Internet gaming issues). Doing so has three potential costs: (1) over-intervention for problems that are more minimal than expected or non-existent; (2) insufficient response for circumstances that require specific interventions; or (3) inappropriately applied and potentially damaging interventions for problems that require unique strategies that are not obvious from anecdotal observation. The principle of unanticipated consequences suggests that prematurely accepting information or adopting a public policy position about a phenomenon can create more confusion than it resolves.

full report at: http://www.basisonline.org/editorials.htm

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Gambling Grits deny allegations, say gaming plan not finished

Telegraph-Journal, Wednesday June 27th, 2007

A mystery source, a document that may or may not exist, and the possibility that New Brunswick’s gambling scene is set to rival that of the Las Vegas strip dominated talk at the provincial legislature Tuesday.

Gambling became an unlikely topic of debate as the Opposition Conservatives alleged to have secured the Liberal government’s as-yet-unreleased gaming plan for the province.

Woodstock MLA David Alward claimed a government source had leaked portions of the document, which he says includes a plan for 45 mini casinos - following a removal of video lottery terminals from 550 local bars.

But Finance Minister Victor Boudreau was quick to dismiss the allegations.

“This is amazing. We are truly toward the end of the (legislative) session when we see the quality of questions coming from the Opposition. This is totally fabricated information,” he retorted during the afternoon question period.

“I do not know who the Opposition member’s source is, but it is totally fabricated.”

continued …..

Jun 27, 2007 03:00 PM, Robert Benzie, Queen’s Park Bureau Chief

Ontario government agencies and ministries are still “over-promising and under-delivering” to the people who pay their salaries, says provincial Ombudsman Andre Marin.

In his annual report to the Legislature delivered this morning, Marin lamented what he called a troubling trend in government.

“Puffery is antithetical to open and transparent government, corrosive of public trust and even harmful to meaningful democracy,” said the independent watchdog.

Marin singled out for criticism the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation, the Family Responsibility Office, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board, and Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, among others.

http://news. sawf.org/Lifestyle/ 39061.aspx

Posted on Monday, 25 June 2007 (EST)

OSLO (AFP) - In a bid to combat gambling addiction, the Norwegian state
has declared a monopoly on all slot machines and has given humanitarian
organisations, volunteer groups and sporting clubs until July 1 to
remove their machines from bars, supermarkets, airports, gas stations
and other locations.

Apparently the charities, embarassed at the harm they have been
causing, have agreed to the move. The new machines, to be operated by
Norsk Tipping, the state lottery monopoly, will be less “aggressive” .

see article …

from http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070624/tc_nm/addiction_videogames_dc_1&printer=1;_ylt=AtaXCrGaowz9GvVrnObpxQJU.3QA

By Julie Steenhuysen
Sun Jun 24, 7:55 PM ET

Doctors backed away on Sunday from a controversial proposal to designate video game addiction as a mental disorder akin to alcoholism, saying psychiatrists should study the issue more.

Addiction experts also strongly opposed the idea at a debate at the American Medical Association’s annual meeting.

They said more study is needed before excessive use of video and online games — a problem that affects about 10 percent of players — could be considered a mental illness.

“There is nothing here to suggest that this is a complex physiological disease state akin to alcoholism or other substance abuse disorders, and it doesn’t get to have the word addiction attached to it,” said Dr. Stuart Gitlow of the American Society of Addiction Medicine and Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in New York.

continued ….

problem gambling info. in Chinese at www.problem-gambling. org (need to install Chinese language program to read characters)

The following blog also have relevant info for family: http://hk.myblog.yahoo.com/edkwanwk/

The Problem Gambling Community Program purpose is to strengthen the
capacity of communities to respond to the negative impacts of
gambling. The program works in collaboration with Saskatchewan Health
to assist in the delivery of the public education and community
development components of Saskatchewan’ s problem gambling program.

121st Edition: U.S., Europe and Antigua Tangle, Professional Gamblers
and NCRG Conference

1) Ohio Ban

Ohio state’s democratic governor, Ted Strickland, has asked the GOP
controlled legislature to ban cash payouts from gaming machines, which
are increasingly popping up around the state.

http://tinyurl. com/248nmf

The twists and turns of state legislatures and their dance with
lobbyists come to mind as we read the op.ed. piece on the
bucyrustelegraphfor um.com site.

http://tinyurl. com/2erv4s

2) A Touch of History from a Professional. . . Gambler not Historian

Ted Sevransky began betting on sports regularly when he held a job
managing a sports bar in 1992. He moved to Las Vegas to bet on sports
as a full time professional in 1998.

The allure of the life of a professional gambler is often glamorized.
Yes, there are those who can succeed in the `profession. ‘ However it
is important to recognize the difference between fact and fiction.
The costs of the lifestyle can be high and losses must also be cited
hand in hand with wins.

He provides his caustic perspective on the UIGEA (Unlawful Internet
Gambling Enforcement Act).

http://tinyurl. com/yuuwtg

3) 8th Annual NCRG Conference on Gambling and Addiction
Paris Las Vegas Resort Las Vegas
November 11-13, 2007

The NCRG Conference will test conventional wisdom about how to best
protect those most vulnerable from developing gambling disorders and
how to provide those who do develop problems with effective means of
recovery.

http://tinyurl. com/2fo6rw

4) EU Takes on the U.S.

The European Union told the U.S. June 19 that it wanted compensation
for a U.S. foreign online gambling sites ban that doesn’t comply with
global trade rules.

The E.U. - the world’s largest consumer market - joins the tiny
Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda in seeking compensation. The
twin-island nation argued that online gambling had provided income for
hundreds of its citizens and was helping to end its reliance on
tourism, which was hurt by a series of hurricanes in the late 1990s.

http://tinyurl. com/yp8kd7

) Antigua Tenacity Continues: Challenges U.S.

Antigua and Barbuda said June 20 that it was entitled to $3.44 billion
in compensation from the United States in a World Trade Organization
dispute over a U.S. ban on Internet gambling. The compensation demand
would be enforced as Antigua withdrew intellectual property protection
for U.S. trademarks, patents and industrial designs, the government said.
“We feel we have no other choice in the matter, we have fought long
and hard for fair access to the U.S. market and have won at every
stage of the WTO process,” Errol Cort, Antigua’s finance minister, said.
After losing the case at the WTO, Washington announced that it would
take the unprecedented legal step of changing the international
commitments it made as part of a 1994 treaty regulating trade in
services among the 150 members of the WTO. As a result, Washington
declined to challenge the WTO ruling, because it says that its legal
maneuver effectively ends the case.
Ed. Note: How convenient it is to change the rules of the game midstream.
http://tinyurl. com/yq2oj2