Interior and Local Government Secretary Ismael Sueno ALBERT ALCAIN/Presidential Photo

To eradicate the illegal numbers game jueteng, the government has decided to grant franchises to gambling lords so that they would shift to small-town lottery (STL) instead, Interior Secretary Ismael Sueno said on Sunday.

Sueno said the granting of STL franchises by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) was part of President Dutertes efforts to stamp out jueteng and replace it with STL.

He wants everyone to shift to STL because the government gets a percentage from its earnings. I think [PCSO] earned around P400 million monthly last year from STL, Sueno said in a radio interview.

The PCSO was able to find a way to give a franchise to these gambling lords. There should be no more jueteng only STL, he said.

Sueno said the monthly government income from STL was expected to rise this year to around P2.2 billion a month.

Sueno said it was from these funds that the President obtained the money to help Filipinos in need of medicine or food.

Actually, he has already released P1 billion I think either to (the Department of) Health or to DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) to buy medicines, he said.

Sueno earlier vowed to fight illegal gambling after reports surfaced that certain individuals were allegedly using his name to collect bribe money from illegal gambling operators.

I dont want to receive anything from illegal gambling. So, for the local government units and the Philippine National Police, expect that we will be strict in the implementation of anti-illegal gambling policies, Sueno said.

He said there should be a stop to the proliferation of illegal gambling if local government units and the PNP work hand in hand with a clear mandate of combating illegal gambling.

The LGUs and the PNP should be working doubly hard to eradicate illegal gambling, because if they help each other, there is no way it will persist, Sueno said.

He also released information relating to his statement and admission of being bribed by undisclosed illegal gambling protectors during a Senate hearing for games and amusement early this week.

Even before I became [Interior] Secretary, someone from Manila was already going to me asking if I want to accept [a bribe]. I said, I dont want to accept, I dont even want to entertain you, he said.

Sueno said the bribery attempts continued as early as his first week as chief of the Department of the Interior and Local Government but he added that he did not to accept any money.

He said he was stunned when he heard reports that someone collected money on his behalf.

I have asked somebody to investigate on this matter. They say a police officer collects P12 million a month in Central Luzon. Here in Metro Manila, its P400,000. That does not include the other regions, he said.

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Gambling lords get STL franchises - Inquirer.net

TELFAIR COUNTY, ga. - Since Wednesday, a short piece of plywood stood propped up in the front of a Telfair County home with a simple message spray-painted on it: "Pill House is Closed -- Telfair County Sheriff."

In this case, a suspected major supplier of dangerous prescription drugs is now out of business and if convicted, will likely spend the rest of his life in a prison cell where he will never attribute to the death or demise of another person suffering from an addiction to prescription pills, Telfair County Sheriff Chris Steverson wrote on the agencys Facebook page this week.

Wednesday, deputies raided Lumber City home. Investigators said they seized thousands of prescription pills, illegal drugs, numerous firearms, more than a dozen slot machines, and cash in excess of $12,000. The sheriffs office said this is the culmination of a 4-month investigation which began a tip from a citizen and ended with the execution of a search warrant and the arrest of two people.

This investigation began after concerned citizens alerted me to unusual and suspicious activity in the area of the Sirmans residence near Lumber City Ga. Our deputies patrolling the area quickly developed the necessary information that assisted sheriffs investigators in building a rock solid case against the suspects, Sheriff Steverson wrote.

Arthur Alex Sirmans, 69, of Lumber City, who owns the home, and Bethany Dawn Thompson, 25, of a Brunswick, were taken into custody on multiple felony charges.

If not for the actions taken by these private citizens and our law enforcement, untold thousands of pills would without a doubt continue flowing through this network, wrote Sheriff Steverson.

Sirmans is being charged with multiple counts of sale, possession and intent to distribute Schedule II, Schedule III, Schedule IV, and Schedule V drugs. He is also charged with multiple counts of possession of a gambling device and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.

Thompson is being charged with conspiracy to commit a crime. Investigators said both are likely to face more charges once they have fully processed the evidence and completed the investigation into their operation.

We can be proud of those Concerned Citizens for getting involved, as well as our exceptionally hard working and determined Deputies and Investigators who worked this investigation tirelessly from start to finish, Sheriff Steverson wrote.

Investigators will be busy going over hours of home security video footage and interviewing possible witnesses. They expect to arrest more individuals as the investigation progresses.

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Sheriff: Massive 'pill house' and gambling operation busted - FOX 5 Atlanta

There have been lessons learned in how best to help those in need, but otherwise, only incremental gains have been made in responding to what many term the "silent addiction,'' according to today's team at the Vanguard program.

In terms of access to care for compulsive gambling, the country today is where it was in the early 1970s with treating chemical dependency, according to Mike Schiks, executive director and CEO of Project Turnabout, which also offers alcohol and drug recovery.

The Vanguard Center for Gambling Recovery in Granite Falls, an independent program within Project Turnabout, remains the only residential treatment program for compulsive gamblers in the state, and one of only a handful in the country, he said.

Most of those who arrive for care discover insurance companies do not cover their treatment costs, unlike the case for chemical dependency. Vanguard "stretches'' the funds made available by the state of Minnesota from unclaimed lottery prizes and its own fundraising efforts to make possible much of the care it offers, according to Schiks and Mark Sannerud, communications director for Project Turnabout.

Many other things remain the same as 25 years ago too. Only 1 to 10 percent of those who need help for compulsive gambling will obtain it, according to Sheryl Anderson, coordinator for Vanguard.

Their lives may be in a mess, but they put off getting help in the belief that it can all be solved with one big win.

"Just maybe I can get myself out of this,'' said Sherry Parker, director of residential services, of the thought pattern.

There's another, equally disturbing pattern with this disease: "It is pretty standard that people that have a gambling problem are seeking help for lots of other things way before they ever seek help for gambling specifically,'' Anderson said.

Anxiety; thoughts and attempts at suicide; financial, marital and family stress; and criminal behavior are among the issues that many will report as their problems. And yet, unless the question is directly asked, few will disclose that compulsive gambling is at the root of their troubles. "So much shame and stigma is associated with it,'' Anderson said.

The secret about this addiction that remains the most difficult to expose yet today is the toll that compulsive gambling takes on families and communities, according to Sannerud. Arrests of formerly law-abiding citizens. Divorces and broken families. Suicide attempts, ER visits. Bankruptcies.

Schiks believes more should be done to identify and steer those with gambling problems to the help they need. Every county has a designated professional whose job it is to assess people who may need chemical dependency treatment. Far harder to find are those trained to recognize problem gamblers.

"Most physicians, most social workers, most psychologists, most chaplains, get almost zero training in this area,'' Schiks said.

And in many ways, Minnesota is far ahead of other states. Some of those coming to Vanguard are from states where "zero" help is offered for this addiction, he said.

The Vanguard residential facility on the Project Turnabout campus in Granite Falls can care for 20 people at a time. There are usually 12 to 18 receiving treatment in any given week, Anderson said. Most patients remain for 30 days. Outpatient treatment and participation in Gamblers Anonymous or other programs is critical for recovery.

Obtaining continued care can be a challenge for those with this addiction, Schiks said. While virtually every small community has an Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous group, Gamblers Anonymous groups are far fewer.

Men and women seem equally vulnerable to compulsive gambling. At Vanguard, it's been roughly a 53 percent to 47 percent split in terms of men and women receiving care, respectively.

Statistically, men are more likely to start gambling earlier in life, but they progress to the problem stage at a slower pace, Anderson said.

Women tend to start at a later age, but make up for the lost time quickly, she said. More so than men, they tend to gravitate toward video gaming machines, where the onset of compulsive gambling appears to have a faster progression.

Opportunities for gambling are never more than a smartphone away. The venues in Minnesota for gambling, whether it's sports betting, charitable gambling, or Indian casinos, have expanded greatly since Vanguard opened its doors.

Last year in the U.S., more than $9 billion was wagered during the "March Madness'' NCAA college basketball tournament, according to the NorthStar Gambling Alliance.

Schiks is quick to point out that there are many in the state's gaming industry who recognize the need to help compulsive gamblers. There is a certain portion of the population vulnerable to the addiction, while the majority of people can treat gaming as recreation without the adverse consequences, he explained.

"This isn't about good guys and bad guys. This is about certain folks desperately in need of help and they deserve it,'' he said.

Schiks said Vanguard's mission today remains exactly what it was 25 years ago: Giving those with the courage to walk through its doors hope to carry with them as they walk out.

Vanguard has met many challenges in its 25 years, including the need to rebuild after a tornado tore apart its then newly built facilities in 2000.

Schiks said the Project Turnabout board of directors remains committed to providing care for compulsive gamblers even though in many ways, the financial and societal challenges remain as daunting today as 25 years ago.

"At the bottom of it all is people are worth it,'' he said. "This population is worth it.''

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Minnesota's first residential gambling treatment center remains only one - Hastings Star Gazette

March 11, 2017 6:00 AM by Robert Mann

The Iowa Supreme Court has ruled that the state's gambling regulators may consider the impact of proposed casinos on existing ones when deciding new casino license applications.

The Friday decision upholds a district court judge's ruling in a Cedar Rapids attorney's challenge to the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission.

Attorney Eugene Kopecky had sued the commission in 2015 claiming Iowa's gambling law doesn't allow the commission to base its licensing decisions on how much money a new casino might take away from those already operating.

The commission denied a Cedar Rapids casino license after Linn County voters in March 2013 approved a gambling referendum by a 22-percentage-point margin. However, the commission said it would take too much business from other operators.

The court's ruling Friday affirms that using such criteria is within the commission's authority.

Originally posted here:

Iowa gambling regulators may consider impact of casinos when deciding on new licenses - GamingTodaySlotsToday

For the 13th year, the Missouri Alliance to Curb Problem Gambling and its members are joining the National Problem Gambling Awareness Month campaign in March. The national campaign, recognized by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), aims to increase the publics awareness of problem gambling while encouraging anyone who knows someone that might be suffering from gambling addiction to Have the Conversation.

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Missouri problem gambling alliance members join national awareness effort - Buffalo Reflex (subscription)

Welcome MMA bettors, speculators, and gambling lurkers! Were back at it again for another week of comprehensive gambling analysis from your friends at MMAFighting.com. This weekend is a sneaky good card headlined by some legends potentially getting put out to pasture in violent and depressing ways.

For those of you who are new here or those who have forgotten, this aims to be an exhaustive preview of the fights, the odds, and my own personal breakdown of where you can find betting value. The number after the odds on each fighter is the probability of victory that those odds imply (so Belfort at +315 means he should win the fight 24 percent of the time). If you think he wins more often than the odds say, you should bet it because there's value in the line.

All stats come from FightMetric and all the odds are from Best Fight Odds. Net Value means how much money you would have made if you bet $100 on that fighter in every one of his/her fights that odds could be found for. Doubly as always, I'm trying to provide the most thorough guide I can for those who want to legally bet or who just enjoy following along. If you are a person who chooses to gamble, only do so legally, responsibly, and at your own risk.

Now with all that out of the way, lets get to it.

Breakdown

For what may be his final fight, former UFC champion Vitor Belfort takes on one of the best young fighters in the game in what appears to be a changing of the guard moment for Kelvin Gastelum.

Belfort is the last remaining relic of the early days of the UFC, having made his debut at UFC 12. Though hes closing in on 40, Belfort is still, somehow, one of the better athletes in the middleweight division, when hes on point. He still maintains speed and power to make him dangerous at least, but lately that danger is only present for the first four minutes before he either tires or loses confidence (its hard to tell which is the culprit, really). He doesnt throw in volume but his single strikes are enough to end a fight if they land. Other than that though, Belfort doesnt bring much to the table anymore. A veteran of 20 years, he can, theoretically, do everything and present danger, but lately that just hasnt been the case. Hes pretty much all-in on the knockout.

Gastelum is one of the best welterweights in the world and, by virtue of middleweight being a thin division and his own inability to properly manage his weight, hes become one of the top 185 pounders as well. Aggression and pace are the basis of Gastelums game and, at only 25, he is only getting better. Gastelum comes forward from the jump and rarely relents, throwing jabs and hooks to corral opponents up against the cage, where he can unload with flurries or shoot in on the hips. As a wrestler, he favors an explosive double-leg, and on top he is ferocious with his striking. Hes also proven adept at scrambling to the back when the option is presented to him.

This fight is one-way traffic for Gastelum. One of the biggest weaknesses of a prime Belfort was being a bit of a front-runner who breaks under pressure; a substantially diminished Belfort doesnt figure to fair very well against the unrelenting pressure Gastelum brings. Outside of one last Hail Mary (possible considering this is Belforts likely retirement and its in Brazil), Belfort is in for a world of hurt. The pick is Gastelum by first-round stoppage and Gastelum is a fine inclusion into a parlay.

Breakdown

Former light heavyweight champion Mauricio Rua returns to the cage against Chris Weidmans training partner, Gian Villante, in a bout with low stakes but potentially fun action. Neither man is close to contention, nor figures to ever be (or be again in Shoguns case) but this could be a good, old-fashioned slobber-knocker for as long as the chins hold up.

Rua is a former UFC champion and he got there on the back of lethality in all phases. On the feet, Rua has thudding kicks and some of the hardest pure punching in the division. Recently, hes developed into more of a counterpuncher, relying on expert timing and shot selection to brutalize his opponents. Rua is also dangerous in the clinch, where he has some of the most vicious knees in the history of the sport. While hes a poor defensive wrestler, on the floor, Shogun is a dynamic grappler with an excellent array of sweeps.

Villante is a bit of a brawler, robust for the division and packing a wallop. While he can work jabs and kicks on the outside, more often than not Villante finds himself getting into pocket exchanges. His power and volume make this a solid proposition for him, but he also lacks defense and gets hit a lot in these exchanges. Outside of that, Villante is a good defensive wrestler and competent, if unexciting on the mat.

Its hard for me to envision Shogun as a favorite over anyone these days considering how shopworn he has look of late, but I understand why he is here; despite his decline, Shogun is still a potent offensive force and Villante is far too prone to getting hit. If Villante cracks him early or Shogun shows up out of shape, Villante could easily win this fight, but the more likely scenario is Shogun bides his time and lands a big counter that shuts the lights off on Villante. The pick is Rua by KO in the second round, but I wouldnt feel confident with money on this one.

Breakdown

Two top-10 lightweights meet in a bout that, under normal circumstances, would put them a win or two away from a title shot. However, in todays current back-logged lightweight division, the winner here needs to really show out to make enough of an impression to get themselves into true title contention.

Edson Barboza is one of the best pure strikers in the UFC. An absurd athlete, Barboza is an out fighter, pure and simple, and he blends power and speed together in a lethal combination on the feet. Barboza prefers to operate at range where his devastating kicks can be most effective, but hes also developed a strong interior game as well, working combinations in the pocket and attacking all levels of his opposition. Footwork, pace, and a bulletproof takedown defense are all skills which Barboza excels at and make him a handful for anyone in the division.

Beneil Dariush is the opposite of Barboza, a pressure fighter who does his best work as a submission grappler. A Rafael Cordeiro product, Dariush excels at coming forward behind his jab and left body kick. Once he has his opponents back against the fence, he enters into the clinch where he is adept at mixing knees and elbows to create openings for trip takedowns. On the floor, Dariush is one of the best grapplers in the division, if not the UFC. A multiple-time BJJ world champion at lower belt rankings, Dariush is a slick control-and-pass grappler with lethal finishing skills.

This is a classic matchup between a pressure fighter and an out fighter. Historically, Barboza has struggled with consistent pressure and Dariush is nothing if not persistent in that regard. However, lately Barboza has become much better at maintaining his preferred range and the development of a pocket boxing attack has allowed him to thrive even when his opponents dont choose to give him the space to uncork his vicious kicks. Since it seems unlikely that Dariush will be able to take down Barboza, this fight figures to be mostly a striking bout, and in that, I favor Barbozas speed, power, technique, and volume to bust up Dariush. The pick is Barboza by decision, but the odds are good so I dont advise a bet.

Breakdown

This is a gangbusters flyweight matchup that would position the winner on the shortlist for next flyweight title challenger. Jussier Formiga is the one-time flyweight kingpin and since joining the UFC has been just a hairs breadth away from challenging for the belt. Ray Borg is the young up-and-comer looking to establish himself as a real threat to the upper echelon of the division.

Formiga is a Nova Uniao product and one who has grown tremendously in the last few years. Previously, Formiga made his bones as a slick grappler, particularly adept at finding the back against even elite competition. To make this happen, hes a fair wrestler and smothering control artist. However, Formiga is no longer a one-trick pony, having developed a competent counter-striking game to back up his lethal grappling.

Borg is also a grappler by nature, but one more reliant on scrambles than Formiga. He excels at leaving room for his opponents to move and then beating them around the turn to snake to the back. As a striker though, Borg is still developing. His punches are mainly used as a diversion for his takedowns and he has yet to prove himself dangerous on the feet.

A couple of years from now, this would be Borgs fight to lose. Hes much younger and a better pure athlete, but at this juncture, his game doesnt matchup all that well against the savvy grappling of Formiga. Borg needs takedowns to win this fight and Formiga is an exceptional counter wrestler. Moreover, when Borg attempts to wrestle with Formiga, he is creating the openings for Formiga to get to the back a skill he is one of the very best in the world at. Plus, while hes not Jose Aldo on the feet, Formiga is a more polished striker at this point and enjoys a fairly substantial reach advantage. If Borg has made great strides (possible at his age, working at Jackson-Wink) then perhaps he outboxes Formiga, but the more likely scenario is Borg suffers a classic prospect loss to one of the best in the division. The pick is Formiga, and if you can get him at plus money, I suggest a bet.

Breakdown

Bethe Correia is a former title challenger, oft derided for her performances thus far in the UFC. But Correia has made serious improvements in the last couple of years and figures to be a tough out for Mario Reneau, who has underwhelmed considering her physical tools.

Correia plies her trade on the feet, cutting angles and burying her opponents under a high output of punches. What she lacks in power she makes up for with volume, and she can both pressure and fight on the counter. Aside from that, Correias doesnt offer much else though. She is a solid defensive wrestler, but she rarely looks to shoot takedowns of her own or play on the ground.

Reneau is a well-rounded fighter whos competent in all phases and is still a plus athlete despite nearing 40. On the feet, shes quick with her punches but often throws single strikes. On the ground, shes a BJJ black belt but she rarely shoots for takedowns. Once there though, she has excellent passing skills and she is also a threat off her back. Reneaus best area is probably the clinch, where she can overwhelm less physical opponents like she did with Milana Dudieva.

Reneau has the tools to win this bout but the style matchup doesnt favor her. Correia may not be the most skilled fighter in the division, but she is tough and scrappy and makes the most out of her talents. She also has good enough footwork and defensive wrestling to make this a striking matchup, and though Reneau may be slightly more technical, Correias volume should win the day. The pick is Correia by decision and betting Correia at plus money isnt bad.

Breakdown

You may remember Tim Means and Alex Oliveira fought just a few months ago at UFC 207, a debacle of a fight where Means illegally kneed Oliveira in the head multiple times and Joe Rogan and Marc Ratner got confused about the legality of the knees. In the end, Means was lucky to escape with a No Contest instead of a DQ, and now the two welterweights meet again to settle up.

Oliveira is an athlete, pure and simple. He throws strikes in single shots and most carry serious power and speed. His wrestling is also good, relying on explosion to force the issue rather than a depth of technique, and on the ground he is very competent. Oliveiras big weaknesses are his cardio, which is questionable at times, and his over-reliance on his athletic gifts instead of steady fundamentals.

Means is a pressure fighter with a long frame for the division, who drowns opponents under a barrage of straight punches on the outside, that turn into knees and elbows as Means moves to the clinch, his preferred range. Inside, hes a handful with his strikes, but he also has a solid wrestling game he can use in tie-ups, and hes excellent at passing and punishing on top.

We saw this fight just a few months ago and it was pretty clearly heading towards a Means victory. I see no reason why this time would be any different. In their first fight, Oliveiras success was short lived and almost entirely based on the fact that hes a better athlete. He certainly could uncork another spinning back kick and body Means (he always the potential to do that), but the much more likely scenario is Means chips him down with elbows and punches before getting a stoppage in the second round. I like Means to win, but the odds are too long to warrant any plays.

Francisco Trinaldo (+150/40%) vs. Kevin Lee (-175/64%)

This fight is hot fire. Trinaldo is an athletic (but aging) southpaw with big power and sharp technique and distance management to back it up. Lee is also an explosive athlete, but his best success comes as a result of his wrestling. Lee is competent on the feet but where he excels is with his shot double leg takedowns and top control. Trinaldo is certainly dangerous, but Lee is 12 years younger, has seven inches of reach, and can exploit Trinaldos weak takedown defense. This is close to a pick em fight, but ultimately Ive gotta go with the younger grappler to win a close decision. That said, there may be a touch of value on Trinaldo here, and if you wanted to take that, I wouldnt fault you for it.

Sergio Moraes (-235/70%) vs. Davi Ramos (+195/34%)

This is a super interesting fight between two very accomplished grapplers. Moraes is a multiple-time world champion in BJJ and Ramos has an ADCC title to his name. Moraes is a better striker at this point (though not by leaps) and has better footwork, whereas Ramos is less reckless than Moraes with a touch more power and a much better wrestling game. Ramos is also a lightweight moving up here and coming in on short notice, which gives me pause. Still, Moraes isnt a great defensive wrestler and his propensity for wild swings on the feet will open him up for takedowns. Against a lot of guys that might be okay, but Ramos is probably better on top than Moraes is on his back. Thus I like Ramos to win a decision, and I like a small bet on him since the odds are so far apart.

Rani Yahya (-180/64%) vs. Joe Soto (+155/39%)

Yahya is a grappler by trade with a deep background in competition jiu-jitsu, and his game looks like that. He almost exclusively looks to take opponents down, and though hes not a great wrestler, hes dogged in his pursuit of them. Soto is also best as a grappler, but he has a deeper striking game reliant on pressure, although hes not a good defensive wrestler. That will be his undoing, as Yahya is relentless enough with takedowns that he should secure them, and Soto, while good on the ground, will be a step behind. Yayha wins a decision, but truth be told, the odds are a bit long on him here so Id pass on a bet.

Michel Prazeres (-245/71%) vs. Josh Burkman (+205/33%)

Prazeres is a former BJJ player of some accomplishment who is built like a pile of bricks and can wing punches with power, but does his best work on top. Burkman is a savvy veteran, well-versed in all areas and possessing his own power and a solid two-way wrestling game. This is a tough fight to call. Burkman has a clear size advantage (four inches of height and five inches of reach) and also has an edge in style (Trator wants to work from on top and Burkman is the better wrestler). That being said, Burkman has been on a major skid, hasnt looked great since dropping to lightweight, and may well be done as a fighter. The pick is Prazeres, but thats mostly a fade of Burkman and I wouldnt suggest you put money on Burkman despite the odds being off here.

Rony Jason (-110/52%) vs. Jeremy Kennedy (-110/52%)

Jason is an archetype were seeing more and more in MMA: a great athlete who can threaten anywhere but lacks the fundamental sinew that stitches a full game together. He could win in a flash or he could stand idly on the feet or allow himself to be taken down and chase submissions fruitlessly off his back. Kennedy is the opposite of Jason. Hes not a phenomenal athlete and he employs a hard-nosed, grinding style backed by solid top position grappling and durability to win rounds and fights. Kennedy is younger, bigger, more likely to improve, and has a big stylistic advantage here, thus, he wins this fight more often than not. As stated, Jason is always a threat, but considering Kennedys edges, I like him to win and I like him for a bet if the odds stay here.

Garreth McLellan (+220/31%) vs. Paulo Henrique Costa (-265/73%)

McLellan is an everyman, competent at most phases but nothing stands out. His biggest strengths are his toughness and his willingness to attack the body with kicks and punches at range. Borrachinha is a TUF: Brazil 3 castoff who has put together wins on the regional circuit on the back of his natural athleticism and power. This looks to be favorable for the Brazilian, who is the much more threatening fighter; however, on TUF, Borrachinhas cardio was a concern and since then he hasnt had to fight past the first round, so it possible McLellan weathers the early storm and takes over late with body work. But still, the more likely scenario is Borrachinha finishes McLellan. Bet-wise, the line is off and McLellan has value, but I wouldnt advise it.

That's all folks. Enjoy the fights everyone and good luck to those who need it. If you've got any questions, feel free to hit me up on Twitter @JedKMeshew

(Editor's note: All of this advice is for entertainment purposes only.)

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UFC Fight Night 106 odds, gambling guide - MMA Fighting

Members of the Racing and Gaming Commission at a recent meeting.

The Iowa Supreme Court says state regulators can consider the economic impact when awarding new gambling licenses, and theres no automatic requirement for issuing a license to a county that wants one.

Cedar Rapids lawyer Eugene Kopecky sued the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission after they voted against awarding a gambling license to Cedar Rapids in 2014. Kopecky argued the IRGC must approve a license once a county gambling referendum passes, and said the commission should not have made its decision based on the economic impact on existing casinos.

The Iowa Supreme Court ruling says the Racing and Gaming Commission is not required to issue a license just because a gambling referendum passes. The ruling considered the language used by lawmakers, which says the IRGC may issue a license in a county that approves a referendum. The ruling says that is key because: If the legislature intended to impose a duty on the commission to issue a license following an affirmative referendum, it would have used the word shall, as it did to impose a duty on the commission to not issue a license to conduct gambling games in a county in which the majority of voters disapprove a referendum for gambling games.

The Supreme Court also ruled against Kopecky on the second point as well. The ruling says the legislatures requirement that nonprofit license holders give at least three percent of gross profits back to the communities is evidence lawmakers deem the economic impact of casinos is an important function of legalized gambling. It says

in order to insure the continued economic development of our state, the legislature and the commission deem it important to make sure an existing gambling facility remains viable when the commission issues a new license. A closed gambling facility, together with a loss of jobs, has an adverse effect on economic development in our state.

The ruling settles the question in the 2014 action by the IRGC and could have an impact on upcoming action as well. Three new proposals for casinos in Cedar Rapids have been presented in to the commission and the regulators are reviewing proposals from 6 companies to conduct another market study on gambling that focuses on the impact of a new casino in Cedar Rapids.

Heres the full ruling: IRGC ruling PDF

Here are some related stories:State regulators approve statement on Cedar Rapids casino Gaming Commission hears challenge of Cedar Rapids casino decision

Continue reading here:

Supreme Court rules economic impact part of awarding new gambling licenses - Radio Iowa

LAS VEGAS When the Pac-12 Tournament relocated here from Los Angeles four years ago, Larry Scott, the conference commissioner, stressed a desire for a more rabid atmosphere.

Since the conference tournament was re-introduced in 2002, it had been played at Staples Center and the crowds had dwindled, dropping below 60,000 over the four days for the first time in 2011. In the last season at the downtown venue, it rose above the 60,000 mark, though only slightly. The arena often remained half empty.

The solution? A new location after a decade-plus, offering fans a reason to travel to the host site, along with a smaller venue. That began in 2013.

For the past four seasons, the MGM Grand, a casino and hotel on the Las Vegas strip, housed the event, with a seating capacity at 12,000. Attendance increased in the following years, but the move especially elicited praise for the more intimate setting compared to its cavernous predecessor.

It worked.

But there was a venue change this season, the first of at least three at T-Mobile Arena, an 18,000-seat arena that opened last year and will be used for the citys new NHL expansion team.

The change carried some risk for the Pac-12. Could theleague fill it?

Asked if he had concernsthis week, Scott said he did not.

We believed that Pac-12 mens basketball was going to continue to get stronger, Scott said, explaining the reasoning for the move, and the way the fan base had been reacting, we felt that we could grow it.

For this March, Scotts reasoning was grounded. When third-seeded UCLA faced sixth-seeded rival USC in the quarterfinals on Thursday night, it saw an announced crowd of 18,153. The semifinals and championship game today/on Saturday have sold out as well, buoyed by three top-10 teams in UCLA, Arizona and Oregon, putting the four-day tournament on pace to draw more than 84,000. It could eclipse the 2007 record of 84,477 and willfinish well above last seasons mark (77,496).

Its a great start in the new venue, Scott said. So we dont have great concerns about the future.

Fultz moves on

Two days after its season ended with a first-round loss to USC, Washington officially lost star freshman guard Markelle Fultz, who declared for the NBA Draft.

Fultz, the projected top pick who was always expected to be a one-and-done prospect, led the conference in scoring with 23.2 points per game. He missed the final four games of the seasonwith a sore knee, school officials said. The Huskies, who finished 9-22 overall, were second to last in the conference.

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Although the season hasnt gone as planned, its really truly been a blessing to be here, Fultz said in a video posted on Twitter. Ive learned a lot of lessons on and off the court.

Bracketology update

The latest ESPN bracketology released on Friday morning had USC, which lost to UCLA the previous night, as the second-to-last team in the 68-team field for the NCAA Tournament.

The aggregate Bracket Matrix had the Trojans, at 24-9 overall, as a No. 11 seed.

Before ending up as a No. 8 seed last season, USC was 21-12.

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Gambling on Las Vegas has worked out for Pac-12 - LA Daily News

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8:06 a.m. ET March 10, 2017

New Jersey officials have failed to address the gambling addiction problem.(Photo: Getty Images/Hemera)

I am a compulsive gambler who has abstained from gambling for more than 50 years. Compulsive gambling is an insidious disease, and many people who have it are in denial of how destructive it can be. Slowly but surely it is infiltrating our society, and it is detrimental to us and our children.

I have been fighting the governors and politicians for 15 years for programs that can help warn people about addiction, but nothing has been done. We will never stop gambling because the state makes billions of dollars every year from it. And none of the revenue is being used to address gambling addiction.

From my own experience and speaking to hundreds of people about gambling, I am aware of the pain and suffering gambling can cause bankruptcy, home foreclosures, embezzlement crimes and suicide.

Some of the revenue generated for the state from gambling should be allotted for rehabilitation, and insurance companies should recognize compulsive gambling as a disease. Its no different than alcohol or drugs. Money should be appropriated to have the state invest in billboards throughout New Jersey to let people know that there is help.

It is nice for Gov. Chris Christie to go on TV to reach out to people with drug addiction, but there is nothing about gambling addiction. Please call your representatives and the governors office and ask them to help combat this insidious disease.

Dominick Magliaro

Toms River

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LETTER: Christie shouldn't ignore gambling addiction - Asbury Park Press

With news that Connecticut may be getting a third casino, UConn Today discussed with addiction expert Thomas Babor of UConn School of Medicine the growing gambling epidemic and its potentially negative impact on our society and our health.

Q. Is gambling a modern-day phenomenon or problem?

A. By the late 20th century, gambling had assumed global dimensions, and the trend has accelerated since the new millennium. From a variety of small gaming sites in local communities, gambling has become an industry intertwined with tourism, entertainment, professional sports, and the media. This expansion has occurred in close connection with a relaxation of government regulations in the interest of creating jobs and tax revenues for the national and local economy. Trends over the past 20 years indicate a growing concentration of many gambling activities into large transnational corporations and state/provincial governments, the development of new and more addictive gambling technologies, and globalization of the market through the internet.

Q. How prevalent are gambling behavior and gambling problems?

A. General population surveys show that gambling is prevalent in many high-income countries. In most surveys, more than half of the respondents report gambling at least once in the preceding year. However, the proportion varies considerably by country. Prevalence rates of problem gambling range from 0.5 percent to 7.6 percent across countries, with an average of 2.3 percent. These rates do not reveal that every problem gambler affects other people. Problem gamblers may have betrayed trust in relationships using money jointly held by the couple, or money from an employer or client for which the gambler had a fiduciary responsibility. Financial consequences of problematic gambling, as well as substance use and health issues, affect between 5 and 17 other people in addition to the individual gambler, according to some estimates.

Q. What are gamblings personal, social, and societal costs?

A. Substantial evidence links gambling with hardships in health, substance use, poverty, social relationships, and crime. In most cases, however, causality cannot be proven. Gambling is most often a co-occurring problem among people who are already in vulnerable life situations, aggravating their difficulties and obstructing their attempts to improve their situation. Gambling inevitably results in financial losses for most people who engage in games of chance. This can result in increased stress, bankruptcy, and even suicide in some cases. Problem gambling co-occurs with mental health problems and substance use. The most frequently co-occurring mental health problems are mood disorders (depression) and anxiety disorders. Survey research conducted in many countries indicates that gambling problems tend to be concentrated, though not exclusively, in the most vulnerable and disadvantaged groups, including ethnic minorities, the homeless, the unemployed, the mentally ill, alcohol and drug users, and those who have lower incomes and socioeconomic status. Although cause and effect are difficult to establish, the personal and social costs for individuals and families are often severe for people who gamble regularly. Societal costs are borne by employers (who suffer from embezzlement), social welfare agencies, and the health care system.

Q. Do the costs outweigh the benefits?

Gambling provides various kinds of satisfaction to players, and it probably has similar functions in society as sports and other games. As an economic activity, it contributes to the circulation of money, providing employment, profits, and revenues to governments. Many of these benefits cannot be objectively measured, and those that can bear opportunity costs as they absorb resources from other economic activities. It is difficult to say whether the costs outweigh the benefits, but it is likely that the former have been underestimated and the latter overestimated. With the recent expansion of gambling opportunities, it is becoming clear that most of the benefits go to governments and the gambling industry, and most of the costs are borne by the poor, the unemployed, and other vulnerable groups, whose problems then need to be addressed by the social welfare and health care systems.

Q. What does the latest scientific research tell us about gambling?

A. Electronic gambling machines generate much, if not most of the profit for the gambling industry, and most of the harm caused by it. Casinos are supposedly designed to cater to high rollers interested in table games, but in reality most of their profit is derived from electronic gambling machines. Other research indicates that gambling is one of several behavioral addictions that are difficult to treat once the habit has been developed.

Research also indicates that gambling regulations, such as restrictions on electronic gambling machines and bans on internet gambling, can reduce the harm associated with pathological gambling.

Q. What are the warning signs of a gambling problem?

A. The warning signs include gambling to escape worry, rather than for fun, gambling longer than intended, being unable to quit after losses, chasing losses with more gambling, being criticized by friends and family for gambling too much, losing time from work or school because of gambling, spending the rent, mortgage, or food money at the casino, borrowing money to finance gambling, and continuing to gamble despite all of these problems.

Q. If someone develops a gambling problem, what sort of help is available?

A. Cognitive-behavioral therapy for gambling addiction focuses on changing unhealthy gambling behaviors and thoughts, such as rationalizations and false beliefs. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can provide tools for coping with gambling addiction. Inpatient treatment programs are an expensive option for those with severe gambling problems, and often outpatient treatment and self-help groups can be just as effective. Marriage and credit counseling are also often critical in the resolution of issues created by problem gambling.

If you or a loved one have a problem with gambling, call the free, confidential 24-hour State Problem Gambling Services hotline at: 888-789-7777.

Read more:

Gambling on a Third Casino - UConn Today

ATLANTIC CITY The Casino Control Commission approved a resolution Wednesday recognizing March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month.

Matthew B. Levinson, chairman and CEO of the commission, presented Neva Pryor, executive director of the Council on Compulsive Gambling, with the resolution following its approval.

We are neither for nor against gambling, Pryor said, adding she wants people to know the group is there for anyone having problems with gambling.

According to the council, one in 20 American adults will have some type of difficulty with gambling in their lifetime.

For 13 years, the National Council on Problem Gambling has designated March Problem Gambling Awareness Month. The NCPG is a nonprofit advocate for programs to help problem gamblers and their families.

ATLANTIC CITY When Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort closed in October, the future of the Sout

Problem Gambling Awareness Month is a grassroots effort that brings together public-health organizations, advocacy groups and gambling operators who work to let people know hope and help exist.

Problem gambling is a disease that affects over 7 million Americans, yet few talk about it, said Keith Whyte, executive director of the National Council on Problem Gambling. Thats why we created the Have The Conversation campaign, to raise awareness of prevention, treatment and recovery services available for those adversely affected by gambling.

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Casino Control Commission recognizes Problem Gambling Awareness Month - Press of Atlantic City

Thursday, March 09, 2017 8:38 a.m. EST by John McNeill

On line gambling up for a vote in the Michigan State Senate. (file photo)

LANSING (WKZO AM/FM) -- Bills that would legalize internet gambling in Michigan have cleared a Senate Committee and are headed to the full Senate.

The proposal would leave it up to the States current Detroit and Tribal owned casinos to set up and operate the websites, with the state taxing the operations.

Opponents say its like giving every child with a cell phone, access to a slot machine.

Supporters say there is already on-line gambling, what is at stake is whether its regulated and controlled within the state.

The Gun Lake and Pokagon Potawatomi tribes oppose the legislation.

They already have compacts with the state that require they pay a percentage of their slot revenue to Lansing and local governments.

Continue reading here:

Online gambling could be coming to Michigan - WTVB

A fierce debate over the expansion of casino gambling in Connecticut began Thursday morning as dozens packed a hearing room at the state Capitol, forcing the public safety committee to open up another room with a television monitor.

Rodney Butler, chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe, testified that Connecticut cannot afford to ignore the expansion of casino gambling in other states, as it has in the past, in both Rhode Island and New York.

"We had no idea of the magnitude of the impact on the Connecticut gaming market," Butler said.

Several committee members challenged Butler and Kevin Brown, chairman of the Mohegan Tribe, on why the state shouldn't seek other proposals to ensure the state get the best deal for the state.

"I'm not sure how to come up with a value of a license without a competitive process," said Rep. Joe Verrengia, D-West Hartford and a committee co-chair. "I feel it is my duty to determine the best value for a gaming license."

Butler pointed the longstanding partnership between the state of Connecticut, the tribes and the southeastern Connecticut casinos.

"We've been in this partnership for 25 years, and we continue under the guise of that partnership," Butler said.

In the audience, some wore red t-shirts with the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation emblem on it. Richard Velky, the chief of the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation is expected to testify later in the hearing, pushing for the bill that would open up possible casino expansion to more proposals. Velky has said the Schaghticokes are interested in developing a casino in southwestern Connecticut.

Others wore neon green t-shirts emblazoned with #CTJobsMatter, the hashtag of the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan campaign promoting the casino.

The tribes drew support for its plans from several committee members during the hearing. They pointed out that the Mashantucket Pequots and Mohegans provided jobs in Connecticut when employment in the defense industry. Now, there is the threat of more job loss in the gaming industry in neighboring states, particularly Springfield.

"I can't imagine what Southeastern Connecticut will look like if we lose more jobs," said rep. Kevin Skulczyck, R-Griswold. "The fact speak for themselves."

East Windsor town officials, which recently signed a development agreement to locate the state's third casino in their town, also are expected to testify. Opponents against the expansion of casino gambling in the state also are in the audience.

The public safety and security committee will hear testimony on two casino expansion bills. One would allow the operators of Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun to jointly establish the state's first commercial casino one off a Native American reservation with its preferred site in East Windsor.

The competing bill would open up the expansion process to more operators and proposals that could be compared with what the Mashantucket Pequots and Mohegans the state's two casino operators are planning.

A Hartford-area gambling venue is aimed at competing with a $950 million casino and entertainment complex now being built by MGM Resorts International in Springfield. Supporters say the casino would help keep gambling dollars in the state, thereby preserving Connecticut jobs tied to the gaming industry and the state's monthly cut of slot revenue.

"The main message has not changed. From the beginning, this has been about protecting Connecticut jobs, Connecticut revenue,'' said Kevin Brown, chairman of the Mohegan Tribe, who spoke before Thursday's hearing began. "The pros outweigh the cons and it's just a way to obfuscate from the fact that if we do nothing in the state of Connecticut we stand to lose upward of 9,000 jobs."

Opponents of the bill, particularly MGM, say the state should consider a full range of proposals and have already challenged in court the state's arrangement with the Mashantucket Pequots and Mohegans. In 2015, the state gave the tribes the go-ahead to search for a location, but they now must get the legislature's approval to take the step.

MGM has consistently said a casino would be better suited for and more lucrative in southwestern Connecticut and has expressed interest in possibly establishing a casino there. MGM's critics say the casino giant is pushing that option because it would locate the casino away from Springfield.

The "satellite" casino envisioned for East Windsor would be far smaller that either of state's flagship, southeastern Connecticut casinos. At 200,000 square feet roughly the size of a Walmart the East Windsor gambling venue would have 2,000 slot machines and 50 to 150 table games. Half of the complex would be devoted to restaurants, shops and entertainment.

One sticking point in the expansion is the affect on decades-old agreements with the Mashantucket Pequots and Mohegans that give the state a 25-percent cut of monthly slot revenue, projected to add $267 million to state coffers this year.

The agreements known as the compact provides those payments as long as a casino is not established on private property elsewhere in the state. Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and others are raising the question, even if the expansion is by the tribes themselves.

MMCT the partnership of the Mashantucket Pequots and Mohegans obtained a letter from the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs, which must approve any changes to the compact, saying the expansion shouldn't pose a problem. But the letter was non-binding and still needs final approval.

Thursday's hearing is expected to draw anti-gambling advocates, including some from East Windsor. East Windsor has signed a development agreement with MMCT but local opponents are still pushing for a non-binding referendum.

Continued here:

Casino Supporters and Opponents Jam Capitol as Legislature Considers Expanded Gambling - Hartford Courant

Many who live in the Sauk Valley area might have read the column written by Austin Berg. Austinpointed out how our real estate taxesare spent oops, er, wasted.

Austin informs us of lavish salaries paid to some local government employees, courtesy of real estate taxes being assessed property owners. (The tax is also paid by those who rent, with property assessments passed on.)

Some workers, depending on thejob description, are earning as much as 60 percent more (often six figures) than those who are paying the taxes.

Other news: Lawmakers bank on bets to break a deadlock and help bail out the budget. Gambling? Soundcrazy? I agree with Anita Bedell, the director of Illinois Church Action on Alcohol and Addiction Problems; gambling will create more problems than it will solve.

Chicagosactionsusually have an effect on those of us living outside the city. So when Mayor Emanual comments that President Trumps stand on immigration is un-American and doesnt represent Americasvalues, well, having a bankrupt city and state is also un-American!

And, to make matters worse, the mayor and others of like mind are fine with having the city designated as a sanctuary city for illegals. That ought to helpeveryones bottom line!

Im attempting to figure this all out. The city of Chicago and the state are underwater financially, real estate taxes are near unsustainable, and now, more gambling? The questionable horses of gambling and property taxes arent going to cross the line as the winner or to place, unless, of course, its a race to the bottom; Illinois has already won that race.

Illinois would be a good state to be from. Would the last person to leave please turn out the lights?

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Gambling will not fix state's many problems - SaukValley.com

PUTNAM COUNTY, N.Y. -- The National Council on Alcoholism and Other Drug Dependencies/Putnam (NCADD) has joined forces with the New York Council on Problem Gambling to carry out the YOU(th) Decide Program in Putnam County.

2017 marks the sixth year that the New York Council on Problem Gambling has worked with local providers in an effort to prevent underage and problem gambling.

YOU(th) Decide Program is designed to be a multi-dimensional prevention effort aimed at reducing underage gambling. Local providers participating in the YOU(th) Decide Project will educate youth, work with local community leaders to decrease the availability of gambling at family and youth-focused events, and will conduct media and outreach campaigns, according to a release from NCADD.

The most recent research indicates that among United States youth between the ages of 14 and 21, 68 percent have gambled in the past year, and 11 percent have gambled twice a week or more. Of those youth, 6.5 percent are at-risk for or have already developed a gambling problem (Welte, 2007).

Underage gambling brings with it a number of negative consequences, many of which are serious, and can be devastating to the youth as well as his/her family and friends. The younger an adolescent begins gambling, the more likely he/she is to develop a gambling addiction. Underage gamblers are at an increased risk of delinquency and crime, damaged relationships and poor academic performance (Wynne et al., 1996).

There is not just one person, nor just one group of people, affected by underage gambling; and there is not just one risk factor or protective factor that plays a role in underage gambling, according to the release.

Additionally, there is not just one strategy that will, alone, prevent underage gambling. A variety of strategies targeted at all levels of impact is the only effective way to prevent and de-normalize underage gambling, the release said.

Parents or their children who would like to learn more about YOU(th) Decide, or would like to get involved can contact Juliette Doyle at (845) 225-4646.

The New York Council on Problem Gambling is a not-for-profit independent corporation dedicated to increasing public awareness about problem and compulsive gambling and advocating for support services and treatment for persons adversely affected by gambling.

The Council maintains a neutral stance on gambling and is governed by a Board of Directors.

Find out more about the program at YOUthDecideNY.org.

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Program Aims To Reduce Underage Gambling At Family/Youth Events - Putnam Daily Voice

(source)

Fannie Mae (OTCQB:FNMA) and Freddie Mac (OTCQB:FMCC) are low-probability binary bets, and the market's steep discounts to the stocks reflects the tiny likelihood of a shareholder favorable outcome.

Regarding the bullish coverage of Fannie and Freddie, one would be justified assuming the long thesis a slam dunk before the recent court decision proved it otherwise. For almost two years, a narrative suggesting the U.S government 'unfairly' stole private property prevailed. And while the analysis has been sound - it has been undeniably colored by bias.

Free market efficiency exists in everything, and when counterbalance is impeded, securities (or any other variable affected by dissenting factors) become mispriced. In the case of the GSEs, there is a lack of bearish voices to counterbalance the bullish thesis that has mislead investors for so long - not because it was a bad thesis, but because it was allowed to run without opposition.

The GSE court case argument to go long Frannie was based on a biased interpretation of a binary event just as the current bullish thesis rests on an even more unlikely binary event.

The Weak Case for Government Intervention

The bullish legal case for the GSEs has failed, and now investors turn to the Trump administration's Steve Mnuchin for salvation - analyzing every word he says for clues about his intentions. Regardless of the speculation, there is quantifiable evidence that the likelihood of a shareholder-favorable outcome to the GSE situation is a low-probability binary event.

As per the efficient markets theory, the likelihood of GSE privatization can be estimated by the valuations of the stocks themselves. For this example, we can use Fannie Mae:

Fannie Mae posts TTM revenue of almost $20 billion on a market cap of $3.38 billion. This translates to a P/S ratio of 0.16. The average industry P/S ratio is around 3-5, and if Fannie Mae were valued at its 2005 P/S of 3.75, the market cap would be around $75 billion - over 2000% upside from the current price.

FNMA Market Cap data by YCharts

We could say the market is discounting the stocks by 95.5% due to doubts about the possibility of privatization and other concerns - put another way, their risk-adjusted value is only 4.5% of fair value. This suggest the market assigns an extremely low probability of privatization in the GSEs. If the efficient market believed there was a substantial chance of GSE cash eventually going to investors, it would afford the GSEs a higher multiple on sales.

The Efficient Market

(Source)

Remember, the market is more rational than any specific investor or analyst, and so 5% should be assumed to be the likelihood of privatization in light of all the available evidence. Investors who are still not convinced should take a look at the financial situations of Fanny and Freddie: Giving these firms to private investors represents a serious economic risk because of their capital structure.

Fannie Mae, for example, is expected to pay $5.5 billion to the treasury this month. The size of this dividend is determined by taking the company's net worth (total assets less liabilities) of $6.1 billion and subtracting this number by the capital reserve of $600 million. This will be done for every quarter of 2017, and in 2018 the capital reserve will drop to zero as per the requirements stipulated in the amended conservatorship agreement.

With a capital reserve requirement of $600 million, Fannie is already very risky (without government support) considering the fact that it provided $635 billion in mortgages financing in 2016 and is the largest risk holder in the sector. Now, and especially when the capital reserve drops to zero, the viability of giving the GSEs to private investors represents a serious risk to the American economy. The firms still need government support because their capital reserves are too small to survive serious economic challenges without tax payer money.

What is the Trump administrations incentive to give the GSEs to private investors? Altruism?

Conclusion

The investing community has an incorrect perception about the nature of investing in the GSEs. Fannie and Freddie are not traditional investments but rather low-probability binary speculations that will likely end in disappointment. Investing in Fannie and Freddie is like gambling.

The low probability of success is reflected in the market's pessimistic valuation of these stocks. With a RAV of only 4.5% fair value - as determined by a P/S multiple of 3.75 - this is much like betting; the lower the probability of success, the greater the potential payout. Frannie's deep discount is not a bullish factor; it should be seen as a grave warning. Investors should only invest in Fannie and Freddie with money they are willing to lose.

Disclosure: I/we have no positions in any stocks mentioned, and no plans to initiate any positions within the next 72 hours.

I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Editor's Note: This article discusses one or more securities that do not trade on a major U.S. exchange. Please be aware of the risks associated with these stocks.

Originally posted here:

Fannie And Freddie: Low-Probability, Speculative Gambling - Seeking Alpha

LAS VEGAS (KSNV NEWS3LV)

The casino industry is calling on lawmakers to retain treatment coverage for gambling addicts as Congress considers repealing and replacing Obamacare.

According to some studies, roughly six percent of Nevadans suffer some sort of gambling addiction.

Las Vegas attorney Doug Crawford is a recovering addict of almost 10 years.

I burned through $2.5 million of my money in the last year and a half before I lost my law license ... then started in my trust account which of course is a felony that's illegal that money belonged to them and I took it and gambled it away, recalled Crawford.

It was a life of drugs and gambling binges, some of which lasted 40 hours. Eventually, Crawford hit rock bottom.

So I took my shotgun out of my closet and laid it down on my living room floor and I was going to end it, said Crawford.

Crawford credits life-saving treatment for his comeback to the courtroom. Its the same type of weekly treatment that was covered for the first time under Obamacare but as Congress looks to make cuts to the current health care law, the casino industry is calling on lawmakers to keep gambling treatment intact.

The nations top casino lobbies sending a letter to Congress saying, in part: "We urge you to ensure that any ACA replacement policy continues to recognize gambling disorders as a public health issue and is included as an essential benefit."

While Crawford has a new lease on life and has paid back his clients, hes now worried about the number of lives at stake if treatment for gambling addiction disappears.

The moment that this goes away I'm predicting half of the treatment facilities in Las Vegas will go belly up, said Crawford.

Nevada Council on Problem Gambling

Knowing the Signs of Problem Gambling

24-Hour Problem Gamblers Helpline: 1-800-522-4700

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Casino industry calls on Congress to keep coverage for gambling addiction treatment - News3LV

The casino industry asked Congress on Tuesday to retain gambling disorders as a serious public health matter in any changes it makes to President Obama's signature health care law.

Industry representatives in a letter urged congressional leaders and U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price to recognize gambling disorders as an issue that merits inclusion in any replacement to the Affordable Care Act.

The letter came a day after House Republicans released their long-awaited plan to unravel the law.

"Today, gambling disorders are recognized under the ACA's essential health benefits," the representatives wrote. "We believe this recognition, which did not exist prior to the passage of ACA, is critical not only to enable adequate funding for research, but also to ensure necessary resources and treatment facilities are available."

The letter was signed by the leaders of the American Gaming Association the U.S. casino industry's main lobbying group National Indian Gaming Association, National Council on Problem Gambling and Association of Gaming Equipment Manufactures.

The Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, established 10 categories of essential health benefits, which include mental health and substance use disorder services. The American Psychiatric Association's in 2013 updated its key reference book for mental health professionals, replacing as an addiction what was previously called pathological gambling as an impulse-control disorder.

Problem gambling now takes its place among substance-related and addictive disorders.

The plan released by House Republicans would scale back the government's role in helping people afford coverage and could leave more Americans uninsured.

The plan would repeal the statute's unpopular fines on people who don't carry health insurance. It would replace income-based subsidies provided to help millions of Americans pay premiums with age-based tax credits that may be skimpier for people with low incomes. Those payments would phase out for higher-earning people.

U.S. Rep. Dina Titus, a Democrat whose district includes the Las Vegas Strip, strongly criticized the Republicans' proposed plan.

"I oppose the Republicans' disastrous health care plan and will fight any effort to roll back or eliminate coverage for behavioral health, mental health, preventive care, women's health, and other programs that insurance companies must now cover thanks to the ACA," she said.

Follow Regina Garcia Cano on Twitter at https://twitter.com/reginagarciakNO / More of her work can be found at https://www.apnews.com/search/ReginaGarciaCano .

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Casino industry to Congress: Uphold gambling disorders - ABC News

Brian Ohorilko

State regulators heard pitches from six companies Tuesday to do a market survey of the gambling industry and a review of proposals for a casino in Cedar Rapids.

Iowa Racing and Gaming administrator, Brian Ohorilko says they will review the plans and likely select a firm at next months meeting.

He says they could select one or more of the companies as they have selected more than one company in the past to get a read on the market. There are three casino proposals for Cedar Rapids and Ohorilko says they are in the process of setting up times to hear presentations on each one.

I think those will be announced in April,Ohorilko says, there still some dates and locations being worked out with respect to meetings dates for the next fiscal year. But I anticipate that the decision will be made in April as to what the process will look like, with the final decision coming late fall.

The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission voted 4-1 to deny a gambling license for a Cedar Rapids casino back in 2014 in part because of concerns about the impact on existing casinos. Ohorilko isnt sure if a new gambling market study will impact any decision on the latest attempt to bring a casino to the city.

Its hard to say, its up to each of the individual commission members. There are a number of criteria that play into whether or not a decision to approve or deny a gambling license should occur, he says. The studies have become commonplace as the IRGC is faced with the decision on adding new casinos to the mix.

Those market studies have played a more significant impact the past few instances where applications have been considered, Ohorilko says, but it truly is up to the individual commission members to determine what weight they would play. Not only on that factor but other factors. The commission approved a casino for Greene County in June of 2014 after denying the license to Cedar Rapids. Studies at the time showed the Greene County casino would have the least impact on the other casinos.

The firms include several which have done previous studies of Iowas gambling industry. All have headquarters out of state, except for one from Cedar Rapids.

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IRGC hears from companies hoping to conduct new gambling study - Radio Iowa

Wests Tigers centre Tim Simona is at the centre of a current NRL investigation into gambling. Photograph: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Since the NRL integrity unit revealed it was investigating allegations the Wests Tigers Tim Simona bet on a game in which he was playing in 2016 NRL CEO Todd Greenberg has been forced to defend the codes commercial links to gambling more times than he would have liked. Despite all the practice he has been getting, he has been far from convincing.

The NRL, Greenberg has emphasised, has a campaign against in-house gambling and corruption a campaign, dont you know, that includes accepting$60m sponsorship from Sportsbet(not including a percentage of turnover) and allowing advertising of the online bookmakers branding, odds and betting options on NRL broadcasts, websites and social media.

Its a strange kind of campaign against something that embraces that something so wholeheartedly.

That roaring, stamping, defecating elephant in the room aside, Greenberg has previously warned that players caught betting on games or match-fixing face life bans from the sport, and it has been revealed that late last yearthe NRL prohibited bookmakers from offering bets on Under-20s matches, and that integrity unit boss Nick Weeks visited all 16 NRL clubs and urged players to delete betting apps on their phones in order to distance themselves from temptation.

More recently the NRL has prohibited a number of exotic betting options as they are ripe for exploitation, including head-to-head player bets, most runs, most metres, most tackles, and the number of 40-20s kicked in matches.

The NRL likes to think that such actions show how serious they are about stamping out corruption and protecting the integrity of their code, but dont they also emphasise how slippery and multi-headed a threat gambling is to sport, and how demented it was for the NRL like the AFL, ARU, Cricket Australia and Football Federation Australia to have invited the gambling industry into its bed? Its like asking Freddy Krueger in to see your etchings one night and thinking youll be safe as long as you put corks on the ends of the glinting blades attached to his bespoke right glove.

Ah, but its all about striking a balance, Greenberg says, between the sports integrity and catering to all those punters who, were meant to believe, without the NRLs partnership with Sportsbet, would struggle to place a wager on rugby league.

And having a punt, were constantly reminded particularly by those with most to gain from the stereotype; those like James Packer, the TAB and Tattersalls is as Australian a pastime as shooing flies, taking sickies, crushing tinnies and driving a mob of wild brumbies down a flaming precipice; standard activities for most Australians. People, particularly in this country, they love to have a bet, Greenberg told ABC News 24 recently. And were not going to get away from that. So whether or not we have branding, people are still going to be looking to have a wager on the game.

Thats true enough, but why should the NRL have anything to do with it, apart from the money that is? Greenberg overlooks the fact that the NRL is not simply catering to a particular want, it is actively promoting it which, the gambling industry no doubt hopes, willcreate further want.

Yes, the situation has improved since recent times when NRL viewers had to regularly endure Channel Nine commentators crossing mid-call to bookmaker Tom Waterhouse. But sport is still wallowing in the mud. By partnering with gambling bodies, by stringing up gambling bunting around sporting broadcasts which, it seems to me, fans all but unanimously loathe our leading sporting codes are not only putting themselves in a compromising position the next time one of their players has a bet and the result of a game is called into question (and there will always be a next time), theyre also glamourising and normalising a potentially damaging pastime.

Gambling ads famously conclude with the throw-away warning bet responsibly a warning that, if turned into a meme, would look like a cheeky, knowing wink but gambling, like smoking and drug taking, can be difficult to do in moderation for many people and it will continue to cause damage to individuals, families and communities, never mind damage the integrity of sport and our relationship with it.

As anti-gambling crusader Tim Costello told the Monthly magazine in 2011, While gambling is a part of life, theres a vice dimension that drops, compromises and changes what should be family and childrens passions. To literally hand it over to gambling organisations is a profound shift in what sport has previously been about.

In the debate about gambling sponsorship or sport there are, as has been pointed out, parallels with the tobacco industrys former sponsorship of sport. It took a long battle, and legislation, to end that troubling association. It may take a similar battle to end the one between sport and their gambling sponsors.

Unless, of course, our leading sporting bodies one day decide for themselves that the costs outweigh the benefits. I wouldnt advise betting on that but if you do, as always, bet responsibly.

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NRL's message on gambling remains confused and hardly surprising - The Guardian