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State Revenues from Predatory Gambling are Totally Dependent on Problem Gamblers

If anyone doubts how much the government program of predatory gambling depends on victims, this study will provide convincing proof. Nova Scotia provides one of many opportunities to determine how much money comes from problem gamblers. Study results vary widely with location and “mix” of available gambling. This study from the Nova Scotia Department of Health is one of the best on the topic. 5.7% of adults in Nova Scotia are involved in regular continuous play of video lottery gambling. These adults account for approximately 25% of all those who play video lottery terminals (VLTs) each year in the province and contribute approximately 96% of the annual provincial net revenue for video lottery gambling. Problem gamblers are likely to comprise half of the gamblers seated at VLTs at any given time.

Nova Scotia Problem Gambling Study

LesState Revenues from Predatory Gambling are Totally Dependent on Problem Gamblers
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Fair Game: Producing Gambling Research

This extensive and important report by the UK’s Rebecca Cassidy details the ways in which gambling research is presently conducted and funded. It also identifies a need for more unbiased reporting. It examines the state of gambling research and how it can be tainted by the influence of money and/or lawmakers who are supported by the gambling industry.

2014 Fair Game Producing Gambling Research

LesFair Game: Producing Gambling Research
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Researchers Bet Casino Data Can Identify Gambling Addicts

Researchers now believe that the very data casinos use to track customers betting habits can be used as a tool to reduce the problem of gambling addiction.  Addiction scientists can use customer tracking information to create computerized models to spot and warn people with high risk profiles. But the reality is, it is merely window dressing, with casinos having little incentive to intervene with their most lucrative customers.

2013 Researchers Bet Casino Data Can Identify Gambling Addicts

LesResearchers Bet Casino Data Can Identify Gambling Addicts
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He Who Pays the Piper Calls the Tune with Gambling Research

A key study found academic research into gambling heavily biased, controlled by industry and government. Gambling researchers maintain funding by producing research that is safe, uncritical and reliably delivered.  What is lacking is the asking of the uncomfortable questions and hearing even more uncomfortable answers, something the government nor gambling industry are inclined to do.

2014 He who pays the piper calls the tune- gambling with research

LesHe Who Pays the Piper Calls the Tune with Gambling Research
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Tough Luck for Seniors in Casino Land

Casinos spend tens millions on marketing incentives for the over-55 crowd, from buffets and wheelchairs to having a supply of adult diapers on hand and even an in-house pharmacy.  As casino gambling continues to spread, we face a future of more addicted, broke, lifeless seniors. Amy Ziettlow examines whether the casino environment for these seniors is a mindful connection or mindless escape.

2013 Seniors and Casinos by Amy Ziettlow

 

LesTough Luck for Seniors in Casino Land
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Big Problems with Gambling Research

With state legislatures across the country considering legalized gambling expansion, the need for unbiased research is crucial.  While other fields, such as alcohol or tobacco rely on academia for fact-based evidence, many gambling researchers remain beholden to industry funding, resulting in flawed and influenced findings. The research produced by independent studies, while likely more valid, may be perceived as incomplete or inferior due to lack of funds and access to data.

2014 The problem with gambling research

LesBig Problems with Gambling Research
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How Casinos Get You to Spend the Most Money

How casinos are layed out, from the positioning of the tables, down to the lighting and carpet patterns, is no accident.  But nothing is more directly related to end-of-the day profits than the strategy of the carefully placed slot machine. With slot revenue now accounting for 85% of profits, the slot machines of today are continuous and uninterrupted, allowing for minimal effort on the players part resulting in maximum financial loss.

2014 Slot-machine science How casinos get you to spend more money

LesHow Casinos Get You to Spend the Most Money
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Gambling machines research hijacked by gambling interests

Gambling Watch UK confirmed that recent research, focusing on problem play and problem players rather than on problem products, was conducted by companies having a history of contracts with the gambling industry.  Research conclusions were purposely complicated and muddled, resulting in lack of any corrective action and sustaining the status quo.

2015 Gambling machines research hijacked by the industry

LesGambling machines research hijacked by gambling interests
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Cash from Casinos Make Native Americans Poorer

For more than 25 years, the casino lobby has told the American people that casinos are the engine to help Native American tribes prosper. Now The Economist, the world’s leading international magazine, spotlights how casinos have actually made tribal members poorer.

2015 How cash from casinos makes Native Americans poorer

 

LesCash from Casinos Make Native Americans Poorer
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