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Experts: New Casinos Lead to More Problem Gambling

FLORIDA – As reported by the Miami Herald: "Every time a new casino opens, so does the rate of people seeking help from gambling addiction.

"'There has been a particular increase in calls over the past few years due to Indian reservation gambling,' said Pat Fowler, executive director of the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling.

"Fowler and other advocates for gambling addicts say they expect a spike with today's opening of the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood.

"And the No. 1 game that causes gamblers to bet over their head instead of with it?

"Electronic gaming machines -- the armless cousin of the one-armed bandit.

"…Last year, the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling generated 6,623 calls -- a 63 percent increase from the prior year figure of 4,053. Most of the calls came from Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties. And many were from people hooked on no-arm bandits.

"…According to James Allen, chief executive of the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, 70 percent of a modern casino's floor space is made up of electronic machines. Table games make up the rest.

"Allen, who said compulsive gamblers comprise less than 3 percent of those who play, pointed out that his casino does not issue credit to players. It actively distributes brochures on how to address gambling problems. And it provides emergency contact numbers in its advertising campaigns…"

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