On Dec 31, 2008, at 4:28 AM, R C Macaulay wrote:
Compulsive gambling is one of the most insidious forms of addiction.
So true. And the addiction is compounded by free drinks and
environments and games specifically designed for psychological
impact. However, according to Wiki [see Strickland reference below],
70% of the gambling profits come from people who are not "problem"
gamblers.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slot_machine
"It is estimated that thirty percent or more of the profits from
gambling machines come from problem gamblers." [Strickland, Eliza
(2008-06-16). "Gambling with science: Determined to defeat lawsuits
over addiction, the casino industry is funding research at a Harvard-
affiliated lab". Salon. See: http://www.salon.com/news/feature/
2008/06/16/gambling_science/]
I think there is a serious need to scientifically determine just how
many problem gamblers would not have been exposed to their problem if
they knew the full truth about gambling machines, and to determine
how effective proper training in this regard can be in assisting
treatment of existing patients.
It is also clearly important to determine what means is effective for
training the other 70% of people as well.
Best regards,
Horace Heffner
http://www.mtaonline.net/~hheffner/
