SEARCH NEWS:

 

Desperately Seeking Knowledgeable Appointee

WASHINGTON -- The National Council on Problem Gambling called upon President William Clinton to appoint someone with expertise in problem gambling issues to the National Gaming Impact Study Commission.

"Since the enabling legislation emphasizes the study of problem gambling, it appears that this mission can best be met if a member of the National Council with compulsive gambling expertise is appointed on the commission. To date, a member who has expertise in problem gambling issues has not been appointed. The National Council an Problem Gambling is the only organization in the country who has expertise and is neither for nor against gambling. We feel such objectivity could be useful in assuring the public's confidence in the work of the Commission," said Paul R. Ashe, Chairman and President of the National Council on Problem Gambling.

In a letter addressed to Bob Nash, Assistant to President Clinton and Director of Presidential Personnel, Ashe explained, "... the National Council on Problem Gambling and its thirty-four state and national affiliates and associates are gambling neutral, neither for nor against gambling nor the expansion of gambling. Our mission statement and purpose includes the education, awareness, prevention, and treatment of problem and pathological gambling. As a result of our neutral position, the Council's recommendation is supported by both Reverend Thomas A. Grey, Executive Director of the National Coalition Against Legalized Gambling as well as Frank J. Fahrenkopf, President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Gaming Association ... and has also generated the support of both sides of the political aisle ... numerous state governors ... state legislators and senators throughout the United States ... gambling and treatment communities ... and members of the International Association of Gaming Attorneys.

"The value of this two (2) year National Gambling Impact Study Commission will be greatly enhanced if there is at least one (1) member of the commission with both expertise in problem gambling and an unbiased neutral viewpoint on gaming. We urge President Clinton to include such people on this important commission," Ashe stated.

< Gaming News