August 27, 2007

Dear Editor:

Re: “Help for problem gambling” in 8/27/07 Philadelphia Inquirer

This may be the least responsible piece on the state of gaming I’ve seen yet. The former CEO of Harrah’s Entertainment is the chairman of the National Center for Responsible Gaming? Isn’t that like the former CEO of Jack Daniels heading Alcoholics Anonymous with a cocktail in one hand?

Phil’s article suggests that the solution to lack of government funding is private funding. The corporations that stand to benefit the most from gambling are researching the roots of problem gambling? Don’t you think they have some incentive to skew the results in a way that benefits their bottom line? Oh, well, their own research shows that the most serious form of gambling is confined to 1.14 and 1.60 percent. That’s a relief.

Phil then refers to “the unprecedented growth of research on gambling disorders has also made it possible to translate this knowledge into practical tools..” The only tool he offers to is “self-exclusion.” Since when do addicts have the self control to ask to be excluded from their drug?

I have no problem with legalized gaming. However, common sense dictates that research on gambling disorders should be done by an independent, outside party with untainted funds. The gaming industry should be regulated by government or independent entity, not the gaming industry itself.

This article is just another gambling industry insider assuring us that the industry is self regulating and there’s no need for outside scrutiny. It sounds like the fox watching the hen house to me.

Morgan Jones
Fishtown Resident
FAST (Fishtown Against Sugarhouse Takeover)