Gambling News by Gambling Headquarters

It's been a little over two weeks since the first legal slot parlor in Pennsylvania opened at the Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs racetrack. Three more slots parlors are expected to open at other racetracks within the next three months. Ultimately, 14 parlors are expected to open in Pennsylvania, bringing in what is hoped will be sufficient additional revenue to school districts throughout the commonwealth, and at the same time easing the burden on local taxpayers. But in all the hoopla the state has put into the establishment of casino gambling in Pennsylvania, one disquieting little side fact has sprung up. Despite the fact that one casino is now drawing in gamblers, and others will soon be up and running, Pennsylvania does not yet have a gambling addiction program in place to handle the expected increase in compulsive gamblers seeking treatment. When the legislation for the slots program was approved, one of the provisions was that Pennsylvania set aside at least $1.5 million per year for programs to provide compulsive gamblers with assistance and treatment for their addiction. By law, casinos must advertise the existence of such services. But the Mohegan Sun can't advertise a state-run service because none are in place at the moment. The Pocono Downs casino is complying with the law by providing a telephone number for the Council of Compulsive Gambling, a Philadelphia-based organization. However, those calling the hotline may get a recording, because the council does not have the money necessary to staff the telephone at all times. Gene Boyle, the director of Pennsylvania's Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Programs, has indicated that a state-based program to treat compulsive gambling addictions will be established within the next several months. We certainly hope so. Because the number of people with gambling problems is definitely going to increase, given the fact that new outlets to fuel their addictions are in the process of being set up throughout the commonwealth. It also strikes us that Harrisburg could have better used the two years it took for the first slots casino to open by making certain a state-wide and state operated program for gambling addiction was up and running in that time period.

A state-wide program to treat compulsive gambling will not eliminate the addiction, but it will provide those suffering from the sickness an outlet to help them deal with the problem. Which makes it very important that such a program be put in place as soon as possible. At the moment, the state is relying on existing providers, such as the Council of Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania to fill the gap. But such a gap is wide indeed given the fact the council - and other similar organizations -- have only limited funds to provide such services. Only when the state fulfills its obligation mandated by law to provide counseling and other services for compulsive gambling will some of those suffering from the addiction have the means of obtaining treatment to prevent them from recklessly throwing their money away in the slots casinos, as well as other gambling outlets.