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| How did you become one of the key
individuals in the promotion of responsible gaming in
the U.S.? |
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"This is an area where
we can make a difference."
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I have been interested in responsible gaming and public
policy issues raised by problem gambling for several
years. I believe that by working together, the gaming
industry, government and charitable organizations like
the NCPG can meaningfully improve the lives of problem
gamblers and their families. This is an area where we
can make a difference.
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| How do you define the term "responsible
gaming?" |
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| The American Gaming Association's Responsible
Gaming Resource Guide defines it as: any strategy, policy
or program instituted by a gaming entity to proactively
address problem gambling and/or underage gambling issues.
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| Since the National Council on Problem
Gambling is supposed to maintain a "neutral stance" on
gambling, does your organization acknowledge gambling
as a popular and relatively safe form of entertainment
for most people? |
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| Yes, but we need to learn much more
about why some people are unable to control their gambling,
and how we can spot these problems early on, before they
spiral out of control. If gambling is legal in a community,
it is inexcusable not to have prevention programs aimed
at youth, just as we do with alcohol, drugs, etc. The
NCPG has affiliates in 34 states, and on the state level
we work to provide these resources. On the national level
we advocate for legislation and programs to help problem
gamblers, sponsor conferences and academic journals and
support research. |
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| Do you gamble in any form yourself?
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| Yes. For example, I have investments
in the stock market. I also work every day with individuals
who have been devastated by pathological gambling, and
their strength and courage in dealing with this overwhelming
disease are an inspiration to me. |
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| How prevalent is problem gambling
as an affliction in the U.S.? |
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| Approximately 1% of adults would meet
criteria for pathological gambling in the past year. Another
2-3% could probably be classified as problem gamblers.
Youth consistently show double the rate of adult problems.
Seniors and minorities also have elevated rates. By comparison,
the past year rate of anti-social personality disorder
is just over 1%, drug abuse/dependence is 2.5%, and alcohol
abuse/dependence is roughly 6%. |
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| Has the growth in the number of
land-based gambling venues across the U.S. had a marked
affect on the number of problem gamblers in America? |
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| This is a very difficult question to
answer without research. Only 2 prevalence studies have
ever been done on a national level. Most states have similarly
failed to study this issue. With greater awareness of
problem gambling, and a decline in stigma about seeking
treatment for mental health disorders, the number of individuals
calling helplines and seeking treatment is growing. It
is also important to note that only a few states fund
any services for problem gamblers at all. |
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| What are some of the symptoms that
may indicate that an individual has a gambling problem?
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| Repeated unsuccessful attempts to stop
or cut back, gambling until your last dollar is gone,
using savings or income to gamble while other bills go
unpaid, feeling depressed or suicidal because of your
gambling losses. |
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| Are there certain games or attractions
that seem to attract more compulsive gamblers than others?
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| In general, it doesn't matter what
type of game a person gets addicted to; the focus must
be on getting help for the problem. Just as it doesn't
matter whether the alcoholic drinks beer or wine--they
still need help for their drinking problem. |
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| When a person realizes that he or
she has a gambling problem, where can that person turn
for advice and guidance? |
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| Many problem gamblers refuse to admit
they have a problem and stay in denial until they hit
bottom. Then they may seek help, often through our confidential
24/7 nationwide helpline (800-522-4700). We then refer
them to resources in their area, which may include Gamblers
Anonymous, Gam-Anon (for family members & loved ones),
therapists, treatment centers and other self-help groups.
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| What are some of the most successful
treatments for a compulsive gambling problem? |
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| Currently, the self-help group Gamblers
Anonymous, because it is the most widely used. Remember,
few states have services for problem gamblers. Most insurance
companies will not reimburse for problem gambling, so
when a problem gambler finally seeks treatment, they are
not likely to have the money to afford private treatment.
There are several studies underway to evaluate various
treatment approaches, including behavioral and pharmacological
therapies. |
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| What are some of the most interesting
research findings that relate to problem gambling? |
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"Much like alcoholism,
it appears to run in families."
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Much like alcoholism, it appears to run in families.
Also, some problem gamblers use their gambling to escape
and withdraw from their problems, while others use it
for just the opposite, to stimulate and excite. Many
problem gamblers are highly intelligent and outwardly
hard working, well adjusted.
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| Has a relationship been found to
exist between problem gambling and alcoholism, depression,
or other psychological problems? |
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| Yes. In general, about half of problem
gamblers in treatment have or have had a substance abuse
problem. Surveys of substance abusers in treatment show
that roughly 30% have or have had a gambling problem.
A majority of problem gamblers report depression. We are
still researching how and why these complex disorders
relate to each other. |
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| Has any research been done to suggest
the relative impact of the Internet gaming industry on
problem gambling? |
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| It will likely contribute in several
ways. First, it will give current addicts yet another
avenue to continue their gambling. Second, the accessibility
and novelty may encourage new gamblers to lose control.
However, just as technology will always be applied to
gambling, the same technology can be applied to responsible
gaming. Gaming sites should be encouraged to link to our
site or other problem gambling sites. Self-quizzes can
be instantly and confidentially administered, and problem
gambling information disseminated widely. Software can
be designed to monitor and limit wagers, deposits and
withdrawals. |
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| How do you feel about the Internet
Gambling Prohibition Act, and would such a law actually
curb problem gambling? |
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| The NCPG neither supports nor opposes
the IGPA. |
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| How much weight should be given
to problem gambling as an issue when we appraise the casino
industry or propose legislation to regulate it? |
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| It is the single most important issue
facing the gaming industry. No analysis of gaming can
be complete without acknowledgement of the impact of problem
gambling. We must work together to develop adequate policies
to address problem gambling. But this is not just the
responsibility of the gaming industry. Government has
a great responsibility as well, especially in states that
promote gaming and collect the revenue, but do nothing
for problem gamblers. Finally, the gambler must take individual
responsibility for their actions. |
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| Is enough being done to tackle problem
gambling? Can you suggest any steps that the land-based
or the Internet gaming industry should take to further
promote responsible gaming? |
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"Every gaming company
should also have a self-exclusion policy."
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Although some companies have made considerable strides,
the progress is still very uneven. First, it is important
to adopt a formal responsible gaming policy, and ensure
employees and management are clear about the scope,
intent and execution. Then, implement the policy through
public and in-house signage, employee training and other
HR programs. For example, companies who conduct gaming
should ensure their human resources/EAP programs are
specifically equipped to handle employees with gambling
problems. Every gaming company should also have a self-exclusion
policy, whereby customers can request to revoke all
cash checking, credit and slot club privileges, and
removal of their names from marketing and promotional
lists. Find reputable, problem gambling-specific organizations
to provide expert advice, specific training or special
services, such as treatment or intervention.
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