Stop Predatory Gambling

New report out of West Virginia offers more damning evidence about how predatory gambling is a failed government policy

by Les

West Virginia recently released some jaw-dropping data about the impact of the failed government policy of predatory gambling in that state. Here are some key findings:

1) Since the Problem Gamblers Help Network of West Virginia began operating about 10 years ago, one of every 87 Ohio County residents has called the 24-hour hotline seeking help for themselves or a loved one. What is even more troubling about that finding is only about 10% of problem gamblers seek help at all. That means 90% of the problem gamblers in Ohio County have not called the hotline.

2) “When you look at gambling addiction, you’re looking at two very different types of people – escape gamblers, and action-seeking gamblers,” said Steve Burton, also the chief executive officer of First Choice Health System, which operates the hotline. About 63 percent of callers reported using gambling as an escape from the problems of daily life or from feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety or depression. “An escape gambler is far more likely to be female, far more likely to take part in games of chance,” Burton noted. “These folks are usually gambling because they have other issues going on in life. …Gambling just offers them a very powerful escape. That’s our primary caller, right there.”

3) Women accounted for 56 percent of calls to the hotline last fiscal year, consistent with the 10-year overall figure of about 53 percent. Other demographic data show the typical caller is married, 36-55 years of age, a high school graduate with full-time employment and an annual household income of more than $50,000. Fewer than 15 percent of callers reported having a college degree.

4) Of the 7,475 callers over the past 10 years who reported some amount of gambling debt, about 35 percent reported owing $1,000 to $25,000. Fifteen percent said they owed $500,000 or more.

5) Accessibility is another reason why electronic gambling machines continue to be the primary source of gambling losses for callers, Burton said. While those living in the southeastern part of the state may be reluctant to drive multiple hours to a full-scale casino, every one of West Virginia’s 55 counties offers limited video lottery.