Expanded Colorado Casino Gaming Fails to Raise Problem Gambling
Colorado revenues saw a sharp rise from gaming sources in July and August from the implementation of looser gambling restrictions at state casinos. Meanwhile, a jump in problem gambling forecast by some gaming foes failed to materialize.Income in July at the state's three casino towns hit an all-time high of $76.2 million, after laws raising the minimum bet, adding roulette and craps, and allowing round-the-clock operation went into effect on July 1st. August numbers dipped slightly to reach $69.7 million.
At the same time representatives from the Center for Dependency, Addiction, and Rehabilitation admitted an increase they expected in problem gambling-related phone calls never happened. But somehow, the executive director of the center, Franklin Lisnow, sees the good news as not so good.
Lisnow says the lack of calls probably means people refusing to admit their problem, a position which logically followed would lead to the conclusion that problem gaming is rising, regardless of whether calls for help rise or drop.
“Addiction is stooped in denial,” Lisnow told the Denver Daily News. “By raising the stakes and increasing the hours, more people think they can gamble their way out of a hole."
Lisnow is apparently unfamiliar with positions held by the National Council on Problem Gambling and the Institute on Problem Gambling, both of which affirm modern beliefs backed by scientific study that the percentage of population subject to pathological gambling and to compulsive gaming remain constant, without response to legal changes.
