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 ... - Duluth News Tribune

For nearly two years, conservative and liberty-oriented organizations have warned congressional leaders about the danger of passing legislation known as Restore Americas Wire Act. The bill was written by lobbyists for Las Vegas casino owner Sheldon Adelson and is designed to overturn state laws that create competition for his brick and mortar casino empire.

This month, however, conservatives across the nation sent a clear message to Adelson and his cohorts that they will not tolerate such an egregious example of political cronyism.

An incredible nine in ten participants said they would oppose efforts to have the federal government overturn state laws regarding online gaming. In addition, 88 percent said they see RAWA as an example of cronyism. In an age of political division and factionalism, the results are staggering.

Despitemillions of dollars in Astroturf spending and political contributions, it is clear that conservatives see the bill for what it is one of the worst forms of crony capitalism in Congress today. RAWA is nothing short of an effort by one of the richest men in the world to ban a form of competition for his brick and mortar casino empire and everyone knows it. Worse yet, he is even willing to trample on the Constitution to do it.

RAWA wasintroduced by Sen. Lindsey GrahamLindsey GrahamTrump makes key changes to travel ban Senate panel to probe Trump's wiretap claim Iraqs lobbyists mobilized after travel ban, documents reveal MORE (R-SC) in the Senate and by Rep. Jason ChaffetzJason ChaffetzWhite House on the defensive over wiretapping allegation Overnight Cybersecurity: Comey, Trump at odds on wiretapping | Obama advisers press Trump to act on cyber Republicans shrug off Trump wiretap claims MORE (R-Utah) in the House of Representatives. The bill has been sold as a means of stopping the proliferation of online gambling, but in reality it only targets states like New Jersey and Delaware that have legalized online gaming for their residents. The legislation also prohibits states like Georgia and Illinois from selling lottery tickets online.

During a congressional hearing on the bill, Rep. Jody Hice (R-Ga.)noted that the bill would short-change half a dozen states that allow for the sale of online lottery tickets. Then, Rep. Mick Mulvaney (R-S.C.)pointed out that by regulating online intrastate commerce, the bill would open the door legislation sought by gun control advocates to bar the sale of online ammunition.

A diverse number of organizations ranging from the Institute for Liberty, Competitive Enterprise Institute, and the American Conservative Union to the organization representing state lotteries all oppose RAWA.

To Sheldon Adelsons credit, he didnt get to where he is without being tenacious. Despite running into a brick wall of opposition, he is again trying to impose his will via Congress. RAWA has been re-introduced. Perhaps most troubling this time around were comments by then-Sen. Jeff SessionsJeff SessionsLiberals threaten to primary over Gorsuch Trump makes key changes to travel ban Grassley: 'Too soon' for decision on special prosecutor in Trump-Russia probe MORE, who at his confirmation hearingsinsinuatedthat he was willing to reopen the issue at the Department of Justice. This would be a grave error.

A core component of federalism is the right of states to govern themselves. Gambling has always fallen under that rubric. Some states allow for liberal gaming laws while others, like Utah and Hawaii, bar gambling all together. That is how things are supposed to be.

The federal government should not trample on states rights, and certainly not to satisfy the parochial whims of one of the GOP's largest donors. As Justice O'Connor said in 1992, "The Constitution protects us from our own best intentions: It divides power among sovereigns and among branches of government precisely so that we may resist the temptation to concentrate power in one location as an expedient solution to the crisis of the day.

That is a guiding principle that has served our nation well for more than two centuries. It would be foolhardy to violate it in this case.

Andrew Langer is president of the Institute for Liberty,a conservative public policy advocacy organization.

The views expressed by contributors are their own and are not the views of The Hill.

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Conservatives oppose Adelson's federal gambling ban - The Hill (blog)

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. For years, politicians in the Sunshine State have struggled over whether they want to let glitzy Las-Vegas style casinos sprout beside Floridas sugar-white beaches.

The Republican-controlled Legislature, split among factions including those worried that more gambling would harm Floridas family-friendly brand, has never reached consensus.

But this year GOP leaders insist they may achieve a breakthrough, prompted by ongoing court battles and fatigue with a seemingly never-ending gambling debate.

Inaction is not a choice, said Sen. Bill Galvano, R-ful Bradenton, who is sponsoring a major gambling bill.

But the promise of a breakthrough to end years of impasse would require major compromises in the 60-day session opening this week.

Galvano and his fellow senators are advancing a proposal that would expand gambling far beyond its current locations, while House Republicans are backing a plan to freeze gambling as it now exists in the state.

Gambling is supposed to be illegal in Florida, but it really isnt. There is plenty of it around the state, often tucked away from theme parks and beaches in locations known mostly to locals and retirees who flock to Florida each winter.

While the state lacks high-end casinos like Las Vegas, the Seminole Tribe operates several casinos, including Hard Rock hotels and casinos in Tampa and Hollywood. Dog and horse tracks are scattered statewide, but only those in south Florida have been permitted to install slot machines, while only the tribe is authorized to offer blackjack.

Any attempt to change the states byzantine gambling laws will face a gantlet of competing interests. They range from animal rights activists who want dog tracks to drop greyhound racing to the owners of existing tracks fearful that the Seminole Tribe and out-of-state corporations will squeeze them out of business unless they are granted concessions similar to those given the tribe.

There are long-term gaming operators in this state in the need of a fair, modern business model in order to compete and grow, said Dan Adkins, vice president of Mardi Gras Casino in Hallandale Beach.

Then there are state business groups worried that expanding gambling will harm Disney World and other family friendly theme parks in a state that welcomes more than 100 million visitors annually. And others are opposed to expanding gambling on moral and ethical grounds.

David Tarbert, a Tallahassee attorney who notes he was addicted to gambling for 36 years, said lawmakers should again this year reject any proposals to make gambling more widespread. He said politicians interested in expanding gambling want to raise more money without raising taxes.

I think it is essentially getting government revenue on the backs of peoples addiction, he said. I think its morally reprehensible.

There is no question that Floridas government takes in money due to gambling. The current deal with the Seminole Tribe has taken in nearly $2 billion since 2010.

But the push this year isnt just about money. Part of it is due to court battles that could alter Floridas gambling landscape unless legislators act.

In one pending case, the Florida Supreme Court could allow dog and horse tracks in eight counties to add slot machines.

Another legal battle pits the Seminoles against the state. Seven years ago, the state reached an exclusive deal to let the tribe offer blackjack at many of its Florida casinos, but that provision expired in 2015.

Republican leaders say they want to resolve the court battles and constant turmoil with some sort of comprehensive overhaul. But the Senate and House have to reconcile their major differences.

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Decision time in Florida: Sun, fun and ... nonstop gambling? - Waco Tribune-Herald

Barrister Lloyd Rayney has been grilled during his multimillion dollar defamation trial about his gambling habits and told a Perth court his wife bullied him before her murder.

Mr Rayney is suing the West Australian government for being named by Detective Senior Sergeant Jack Lee in September 2007 as the prime and only suspect in the murder of Supreme Court registrar Corryn Rayney one month earlier.

Mr Rayney was questioned on Tuesday about an email his wife sent in October 2003 in which she accused him of a "flagrant breach of trust".

She also referred to "darkening the door of the place" and a "continuing habit".

Mr Rayney said his wife was exaggerating and using hyperbole.

He could not recall the email, but thought it was about gambling.

The WA Supreme Court heard he told his wife in 2000 he would cut back on gambling.

Queens Counsel for the state Terence Tobin suggested Mr Rayney lost more than $68,000 between July 1997 and November 2000, but he rejected that claim.

Asked if he was a habitual gambler, Mr Rayney replied: "I bet frequently sometimes, infrequently at others and sometimes not at all."

Mr Rayney testified he never said anything disparaging about his wife to his daughters, but was critical of her in his statement.

"I never dwelled on the bad things that happened, only the good," he said.

Mr Rayney said as their relationship neared its end and he asked why she wanted to separate, she yelled: "To have my freedom!"

He said that was when he knew "this is really going to happen".

The court also heard Ms Rayney was dominant and sometimes bullied her husband.

An example of her "dramatic and threatening" manner was when she told him to pay some tradesmen she referred to as "big rugby blokes", which Mr Rayney took to mean they would harm him if he did not pay - but he never believed it was a real threat.

"She didn't say 'these blokes will beat you up, Lloyd'," he said.

The court heard there were also claims of infidelity between the couple.

Mr Rayney also testified he once thought about becoming a judge.

"It's something I thought I would consider much later in my career," he said.

Mr Rayney said he had been involved in 300 jury trials up to 2007 but only a dozen since.

Mr Tobin took Mr Rayney through his career, including time in Bermuda where he unsuccessfully sought to become the director of public prosecutions.

Mr Rayney said his wife was worried about his income dropping if he left the WA DPP, but when Gina Rinehart offered to give him work that was the "turning point".

It is only the second time Mr Rayney has publicly testified - the other being in 2015 during a failed attempt to end his career.

Ms Rayney's body was found buried head-first at Kings Park in August 2007, about 10 days after she was last seen at a bootscooting class.

Her husband was found not guilty of murdering the mother-of-two in 2012 and a subsequent appeal was also dismissed in 2013.

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Rayney talks of gambling, wife's bullying - The West Australian

State lawmakers who face a $3 billion budget deficit likely will look again to expanded state-sanctioned gambling to increase state government revenue. Possibilities include slot machines at six airports, casino-based internet gambling and online sports fantasy gambling.

Before the legislative croupiers base even more of the state budget on vice to get around tough budgetary and taxation decisions, they finally should seriously consider the negative aspects of gambling.

State law now funnels a small share of gambling proceeds to programs that fight gambling addiction, but the lawmakers clearly consider gambling-caused social dysfunction to be incidental damage. They rarely have hesitated to expand gambling in search of new classes and generations of gamblers.

About 7 million Americans are addicted gamblers, according to the National Council on Problem Gambling.

Whereas casinos exclude known gambling addicts and the state offers treatment, the states relentless gambling expansion inevitably creates more addicts. That likely will become even more of a problem if the state facilitates internet and sports fantasy gambling.

March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month, and it would be a good time for lawmakers and Gov. Tom Wolf to consider that gambling expansion is about much more than state revenue.

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Consider effects of more gambling - Standard Speaker

Once the Florida Legislature kicks off its 60-day session Tuesday, legislators are expected to pass, or kill, dozens of measures dealing with everything from abortion to gambling and the environment.

TALLAHASSEE Once the Florida Legislature kicks off its 60-day session Tuesday, legislators are expected to pass, or kill, dozens of measures dealing with everything from abortion to gambling and the environment.

So far, more than 2,000 bills have been filed, but in the end, legislators usually pass fewer than 300 pieces of legislation each year.

Here's a look at some of the top issues this session:

DEATH PENALTY: Florida legislators are expected to quickly pass a measure that would require a unanimous jury recommendation before the death penalty can be imposed. Last year, the state Supreme Court declared a new law requiring a 10-2 jury vote to impose the death penalty unconstitutional.

MEDICAL MARIJUANA: Voters last November overwhelmingly approved Amendment 2, which allows higher-strength marijuana to be used for a wider list of medical ailments than had been allowed under state law. Legislators will consider bills to implement the amendment, including possibly expanding who can grow and sell medical marijuana.

GUNS: There are about two dozen gun-related bills that already have been filed and the vast majority would expand gun rights so they can be carried in places that they are now not allowed including university campuses and non-secure areas of airports. Democrats have proposed more restrictions, but they have virtually no chance of passing.

GAMBLING: Top legislative leaders say they would like to come up with a comprehensive overhaul of gambling laws. But so far, the House and Senate are divided on what should be done.

The Senate is considering a bill that would allow slot machines at dog and horse tracks in eight counties outside South Florida. The Senate gambling bill would also allow the Seminole Tribe to offer craps and roulette at its casinos.

The House version would allow the Seminoles to keep blackjack and slot machines at its casinos for 20 years. But it would not allow gambling to expand to other parts of the state.

WATER: Senate President Joe Negron wants to borrow up to $1.2 billion to acquire 60,000 acres of land and build a reservoir south of Lake Okeechobee to reduce discharges to the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee estuaries that have been blamed for toxic algae blooms.

JUDICIAL TERM LIMITS: House Speaker Richard Corcoran wants to impose a 12-year term limit on Supreme Court justices and appeals court judges. The House is backing a constitutional amendment for the 2018 ballot that would ask voters to make the change. But it's unclear if the Senate will consider the proposal.

BUDGET: Florida legislators are required to annually pass a new budget. Gov. Rick Scott has recommended an $83.5 billion budget that includes money for tax cuts, steep reductions for hospitals and uses local tax dollars to boost school spending.

House Republicans are opposed to Scott's use of local property taxes and they are expected to call for large budget cuts while also increasing spending on education. Senate President Joe Negron wants to eliminate a tax break for the insurance industry and use the money to cut taxes charged on cellphone service and cable television. Negron also wants to boost spending on universities and colleges.

EDUCATION: Legislators are considering several bills dealing with schools, including one that would require elementary schools to set aside 20 minutes each day for "free-play recess." Another bill would allow high school students to earn foreign language credits if they take courses in computer coding. Legislators are also considering changes to Florida's high-stakes standardized tests, including pushing back the testing date to the end of the school year.

HIGHER EDUCATION: Negron has called for an overhaul of the state's colleges and universities that requires the state to cover 100 percent of tuition costs for top performing high school students who attend a university or college. The Senate plan also calls for boosting efforts to recruit and retain university faculty.

ABORTION: Several abortion bills have been filed including one that would make it easier for women to sue physicians for physical or emotional injuries stemming from abortions.

ECONOMIC INCENTIVES: Corcoran wants to scuttle the state's economic development agency and trim back spending at the state's tourism marketing outfit. The move is strongly opposed by Gov. Scott who says they help the economy, but Corcoran has criticized the efforts as a form of "corporate welfare."

HEALTH CARE: Legislators are considering several proposals that would eliminate limits on certain types of health care facilities. They may also overhaul the state worker health insurance program and expand the use of direct primary care agreements between physicians and patients.

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Guns, gambling and taxes: Florida legislators return to work - The Ledger

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Florida gambling bill spurs debate on ADW regulations | Daily ... - Daily Racing Form

For many, a flutter on the Melbourne Cup once a year is the extent of their donation to the gambling industry. The Melbourne Cup sweep and the race that stops the nation sits below the Australian flag as an institution, a monument to Phar Lap, a giant amid his kind and Kingston Rule that has run the three thousand two hundred metres faster than any other. These horses have gained the respect of the nation as battlers that got a fair go.

Gambling has been associated with horse racing since I can first remember, in fact as a child I thought that horse racing was the only sport that a wager on the outcome against offered odds of return existed. The slot machines that graced the sea front amusement arcades of the British south-east coast never occurred to me as gambling; my father was vehemently opposed to me going near them. I played them to the point of losing my busfare home as the pennies disappeared into the slot yielding nothing but disappointment, but I was entertained by the lights and spinning emblems.

The day of receiving my first wage for a weeks work and having to pay bills quickly reinforced my fathers demands, that the use of such entertainment would yield only disappointment and despair. A nice shiny Triumph Bonneville or Norton Commando was far more appealing than a TAB ticket worth no more than the paper it was printed on. What if I had been educated to believe gambling on horses, playing poker machines, or betting was not only normal behaviour but a must? Would this be an attribute to society that helps build a nation or would this be a threat that could for many completely break it down and ruin lives?

The Lotto, is this gambling, or an Australian institution that uses its income to finance nation building? The debate widens. I remember the faces of hard-working gold miners around the two-up ring in Broad Arrow near Kalgoorlie WA, the oldest, longest running and the only two-up game still operating on a regular basis in Australia. I remember the faces of broken men who had lost thousands. Underground contract stope miners who earned four thousand dollars a shift, paid on Friday would be back to their employer for a sub on Monday, hardly a recommendation for democratic nation building or secure family social structure. Homage is paid to this game on Anzac day permitted to be played all over the country, now the debate of gambling takes on a more important direction.

The digger playing two-up in the trenches of the Somme in the First World War and Phar Lap carrying the respect of a nation as a horse that showed everyone the value of a fair go are institutional values that built and continue to remind this nation of its history. Brainwashing our young into building the coffers of gambling consortiums and their wallet expanding founders, many from overseas, is far from a noble institution that equates respect. Mentioning Phar Lap and Two up in the same paragraph as betting on who will take the first leak in an NRL game is comparatively sickening.

Political intervention is necessary before many of our sporting institutions rely on the revenue of public-busting cancer to the extent there is no return. The Australian public has more pride than the online gambling syndicates would give them credit for. I enjoyed watching Black Caviar win another race and retire to the history books along side Phar Lap. I respect the right to play two-up on Anzac Day along with every other Australian as they pay homage to the fallen. I have zero tolerance and respect for the brainwashing of our children to wager on things way outside acceptable standards of Australian tolerance.

Online gambling requires political intervention to maintain a viable balance via legislation and regulation. Our young should be protected from socially-destructive habits that do not build nations during the years they are most vulnerable, and in this case, the internet is bypassing calls for responsibility and is giving undue social acceptance.

To write for Starts at 60 and potentially win a $20 voucher, send your articles to our Community Editor here.

This article was written by Brian Cain

Brian Cain was born in the South London UK in 1953, one of six boys to a military family and migrated to Australia in 1969 at the age of 15. His forty years in the mining industry began as a kitchen hand in a remote Australian mine in 1970. He worked his way up on plant and heavy equipment to supervisor, superintendant and management roles. He has travelled in Australia touching places few get to see. He plays drums, guitar and is an accomplished blues harmonica player. He is also a vocalist and songwriter, recording and releasing his own songs. He is a husband, father, grandfather and lives in the central highlands of New South Wales Australia with his wife and family. He also writes and publishes novels on a variety of topics drawing from his colourful life and is currently active in the Australian political scene

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Online gambling: harmful or harmless? - Starts at 60

By Gary Fineout, The Associated Press

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. For years, politicians in the Sunshine State have struggled over whether they want to let glitzy Las-Vegas style casinos sprout beside Floridas sugar-white beaches.

The Republican-controlled Legislature, split among factions including those worried that more gambling would harm Floridas family-friendly brand, has never reached consensus. But this year GOP leaders insist they may achieve a breakthrough prompted by ongoing court battles and fatigue with a seemingly never-ending gambling debate.

Inaction is not a choice, said Sen. Bill Galvano, a powerful Bradenton Republican who is sponsoring a major gambling bill this year.

The promise of a breakthrough to end years of impasse, however, would require major compromises in the 60-day session opening next week.

Galvano and his fellow senators are advancing a proposal that would expand gambling far beyond its current locations, while House Republicans are backing a plan to freeze gambling as it now exists in the state.

Gambling is supposed to be illegal in Florida, but really isnt. Theres plenty of it around the state, often tucked away from theme parks and beaches in locations known mostly to locals and retirees who flock to Florida each winter.

While the state lacks high-end casinos like Las Vegas, the Seminole Tribe operates several casinos, including Hard Rock hotels and casinos in Tampa and Hollywood. Dog and horse tracks are scattered statewide, but only those in south Florida have been permitted to install slot machines, while only the tribe is authorized to offer blackjack.

Any attempt to change the states byzantine gambling laws will face a gauntlet of competing interests. They range from animal rights activists who want dog tracks to drop greyhound racing to the owners of existing tracks fearful that the Seminole Tribe and out-of-state corporations will squeeze them out of business unless they are granted concessions similar to those given the tribe.

There are long-term gaming operators in this state in the need of a fair modern business model in order to compete and grow, said Dan Adkins, vice president of Mardi Gras Casino in Hallandale Beach.

Then there are state business groups worried that expanding gambling will harm Disney World and other family friendly theme parks in a state that welcomes more than 100 million visitors annually. And others are opposed to expanding gambling on moral and ethical grounds.

David Tarbert, a Tallahassee attorney who notes he was addicted to gambling for 36 years, said lawmakers should again this year reject any proposals to make gambling more widespread. He said politicians interested in expanding gambling want to raise more money without raising taxes.

I think it is essentially getting government revenue on the backs of peoples addiction, said Tarbert, who helped establish a Gamblers Anonymous chapter in the state capital two years ago. I think its morally reprehensible.

Theres no question that Floridas government takes in money due to gambling. The current deal with the Seminole Tribe has resulted in nearly $2 billion since 2010.

But the push this year isnt just about money. Part of it is due to court battles that could alter Floridas gambling landscape unless legislators act.

In one pending case, the Florida Supreme Court could allow dog and horse tracks in eight counties to add slot machines.

Another legal battle pits the Seminoles against the state. Seven years ago the state reached an exclusive deal to let the tribe offer blackjack at many of its Florida casinos, but that provision expired in 2015.

Republican leaders say they want to resolve the court battles and constant turmoil with some sort of comprehensive overhaul. But the Senate and House have to reconcile their major differences.

The Senate bill would allow slot machines at tracks in several counties outside of South Florida. It also would allow the Seminole Tribe to add craps and roulette at its casinos and let track owners keep their gambling operations even if they drop live racing.

But the House proposal would block any additional gambling and instead just let the Seminoles keep blackjack and slot machines at its casinos for 20 years. While saying the House is open to negotiations, the sponsor of that legislation declared that the Senate proposal was a non-starter in the House.

This is a long term deal, said Rep. Mike La Rosa, a St. Cloud Republican. So we cant be afraid to step away from the table if we ultimately have to.

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Decision time in Florida: Sun, fun and nonstop gambling? - The Denver Post

Bruce Kinsman says he caught the bug playing poker in Vietnam.

Before he was confronted by his anguished wife, Bruce Kinsman was losing about $1,000 a week on the state lottery in frenetic pursuit of a jackpot. Realizing his gambling had spiraled out of control, he quit completely a decade ago and began attending Gamblers Anonymous meetings.

Today, Kinsman, 67, traces his compulsive gambling, an addiction that ravaged his life for decades, to his military service in Vietnam, when he said he caught the bug playing high-stakes poker to help relieve the stress and boredom of war.

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All those years, I was either gambling or planning to gamble, Kinsman recalled. I needed help. I just didnt know where to turn.

Its a struggle shared by many veterans, specialists say, and the problem is drawing attention, nationally and in Massachusetts. A new report by the General Accounting Office recommends that the military begin screening service members for potential gambling problems, and the states Gaming Commission and Department of Public Health are planning an in-depth study on the prevalence of problem gambling among Massachusetts veterans.

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Problem gambling counselors say veterans, particularly those who served in combat, develop gambling disorders at a substantially higher rate than the general public.

Were trying to figure out a way to look at this and decide what can be done for a population we are very concerned about, said Stephen Crosby, chairman of the Gaming Commission.

Lori Rugle, a psychologist and program director at the University of Maryland Medical Schools Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling who has spent more than 30 years focusing on problem gambling among active duty military personnel and veterans, including 18 years with the Veterans Health Administration, said some veterans feel emotionally numb from trauma theyve experienced in war zones. Gambling becomes a coping mechanism, she said.

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For some veterans, taking risks by gambling makes them feel alive again, she said.

In 2015, University of Massachusetts researchers conducted a statewide survey on gambling and found that respondents in military service since Sept. 11, 2001, reported a particularly high rate of problem gambling.

Although the survey received nearly 10,000 responses, it was not considered extensive enough to establish a direct correlation between veterans and problem gambling. But officials said it raised enough concerns to warrant a more comprehensive study that will be financed by profits from the states nascent casino industry.

Its a problem that definitely needs attention, said Marlene Warner, executive director of the Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling.

The states first casino, Plainridge Park, opened in 2015, and resort casinos are being built in Springfield and Everett.

Keith Whyte, executive director of the National Council on Problem Gambling, said studies suggest that military veterans are twice as likely to experience problem gambling in their lifetime.

Risk factors for gambling addiction include individuals who are male, young, prone to risk-taking, use and abuse alcohol and drugs, and experience stress, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder all factors known to be more likely among military personnel, he said.

Lane Turner/Globe Staff

Vietnam veteran Bruce Kinsman, who lost about $1,000 a week, stopped gambling in 2006. He attends Gamblers Anonymous meetings to maintain his recovery and encourage others.

In a 2016 government survey of more than 700 veterans, about 4 percent reported problem gambling, twice the generally accepted prevalence among the general population, Whyte said.

The GAO report, released in January, found that only a few hundred active-duty and reserve service members were diagnosed with a gambling disorder or counseled for problem gambling between 2011 and 2015, a tiny fraction of all personnel. Yet the report found that the military isnt doing enough to identify gambling problems and recommended that it incorporate gambling disorder questions in a systematic screening process.

Without proactively asking gambling disorder questions, the military misses the opportunity to identify problem gamblers and provide them with counseling, the report concluded.

The Department of Defense, however, rejected the recommendation due to the disorders low prevalence, according to the report.

A spokeswoman for the Department of Defense said the military can often identify behaviors early through other mental health assessments and provides support to those with gambling addictions.

The Department of Defense operates more than 3,000 slot machines around the world, but not on domestic bases, according to the GAO report. About one-third of the slot machines are in Japan, with hundreds more in Germany and Korea. Profits from the machines almost $100 million a year finance recreational activities, the GAO said.

The machines on military installations and posts overseas provide a controlled alternative to unmonitored online or host-nation gambling venues, and offer a higher payment percentage, thus making them more entertainment-oriented than those found at typical casinos, a spokesman for the Department of Defense said.

Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, who in 2015 introduced an amendment to a defense spending bill that called for the study, said the report marked an important step to helping members of the military get the right kind of prevention, treatment, and financial counseling for gambling disorders.

With thousands of slot machines on overseas bases generating millions of dollars in revenue, the military needs to tackle problem gambling head-on the men and women who serve our country deserve nothing less, Warren said in a statement.

Rugle said she has lobbied for decades for more extensive screening in the military, with little success.

The military says, We dont hear people talking about it, therefore it cant be too bad, Rugle said. But what questions are they asking?

Kinsman, who lives in Ashland, can name the date in 2006 when he bought his last lottery ticket, his final gambling loss. He said he still attends Gamblers Anonymous meetings to maintain his recovery and encourage others.

Younger veterans dont usually show up, but he knows many are out there, battling the same addiction he did.

They need help, he said.

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State plans study on the prevalence of problem gambling among ... - The Boston Globe

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Online gambling | Miami Herald Miami Herald During the 2016 campaign, candidate Donald Trump was never asked what he thought of online gambling, which is currently banned in most states. Perhaps ... Online gambling won't cure Pennsylvania's budget hangover | Editoriallehighvalleylive.com Online Gambling Hearings On Tap This Week in Michigan And ...OnlinePokerReport.com all 3 news articles »

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LITTLE ROCK (KATV)

Little Rock officers say a man was critically injured in a shooting that apparently stemmed from a gambling disagreement.

Officers responded to the 3300 block of South Polk Street around 8:25 p.m. Saturday for a shooting just occurred.

Police say no one was at the scene but they did find a glass door of the home shattered, empty shell casings inside and a hand gun.

Officers were then notified that a victim was taken to UAMS for his injuries.

Witnesses at the hospital told police they were inside the home gambling when the suspect lost, got mad and shot at the victim.

The suspect ran from the house in an unknown direction. Authorities are not sure if he was also injured.

According to the police report, investigating officers also found another crime scene in a nearby parking lot in the 5300 block of Asher Avenue.

At this time, it is not clear whether the two cases are related.

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Man injured in shooting following gambling argument | KATV - KATV

Monday, March 06, 2017 12:01 a.m. CST

Powerball ticket printed from machine. (Photo from: FOX 11/YouTube).

APPLETON, WI (WSAU-WXPR) -- This week, Governor Scott Walker proposed spending more money to advertise the Wisconsin Lottery, which has drawn a sharp reaction from a group opposed to more gambling.

The state lottery's proceeds go to property tax relief. Walker has proposed a 40 percent jump in advertising to $10.5 million dollars to encourage more play.

Lorri Pickens from the group Citizens Against Expanded Gambling says the spending more for people to gamble more is a questionable action.

Pickens says, "People in the poorest zip codes are playing the lottery and that is where the majority of advertising dollars are spent. All for a property tax credit on average of $107 per property owner who actually applies for the tax credit. When you look at the cost of gambling to Wisconsin families, it's a pretty big trade off for a small return."

Pickens says gambling is a zero sum game that creates no new wealth, rather a redistribution system.

"It's a conflict of interest for government to engage in state-sponsored gambling.It's duty is to protect the citizens, not be involved in entertainment," said Pickens.

The lottery has had record ticket sales in each of the last five years -- but the tax relief given to Wisconsin homeowners only netted nine percent more since 2007. A similar ad push one decade ago caused lower ticket sales as the Great Recession hit, and lawmakers of both parties have expressed doubts that the new plan would work.

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Anti-Gambling Group Speaks Against Advertising - WHBL Sheboygan

Gambling in the UK is now enjoyed by almost half of the population according to a study published on February 28 by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC).

UKGC statistics show that almost of half of the UK now gamble and more females than ever are anteing up. (Image: brashgames.co.uk)

Continuing its mission to review, refine and regulate the betting industry, the UKGCs study took into account all forms of gambling a found 48 percent of respondents had gambled in the past four weeks. In addition to being a 3 percent increase on 2015s total, the report identified an upswing in the number of people betting via their mobile devices.

In line with the mobile gaming industry as a whole topping more than $36.9 billion in revenue last year according to Newzoo, iGaming participation increased from 33 percent to 43 percent.

Additionally, people who gamble online are now likely to have an average of three accounts, which suggests players are willing to take advantage of increased betting options.

As well as collecting data regarding players betting habits, the UKGC study also looked at the publics perception of gambling and gamblers.

Although 78 percent of respondents felt that there are too many gambling opportunities, 67 percent believe that people should have the right to gamble whenever they want.

Commenting on the result, the UKGC said that access to this data was a vital part of its quest to improve the gambling economy in the UK and, moreover, make its services an example for the industry at large.

Effective protections come from strong evidence. Our research puts us in a powerful position to better understand the needs of gambling consumers, said UKGC program director James Green in an official press release.

Perhaps one of the most interesting findings from the report is that more females are now placing bets. Although participation statistics across the board drops when the National Lottery is removed from the analysis (overall figure drops to 33 percent), 44 percent of women gambled within the last 12 months.

In poker, there has been a study increase in female players over the last decade and this seems to be translating into betting activity as a whole. Female pros such as Liv Boeree and 2017 American Poker Awards Female Player of the Year Award Cate Hall have helped inspire more women to ante-up.

Extending this idea to the gambling industry as a whole, the influence of women in poker could be helping raise participation in other forms of betting.

As operators like PokerStars continue to merge poker with casino and sports betting, many of their marketing efforts are now aimed as casual consumers.

Seeing women playing poker and then seeing the games links to other forms of gambling could be a reason why were now seeing more women in the UK anteing up.

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UK Gambling Now Reaches Almost 50 Percent of the Population - CardsChat.com

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 little less exciting without Nurmagomedov vs. Ferguson, but we will valiantly trudge forward regardless.

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 Woodley at +150 means he should win the fight 40 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 go.

Breakdown

Tyron Woodley is a hyper-athletic wrestle boxer who focuses on a stripped down power punching game. The power punching is a legitimate strategy as Woodley is one of the hardest hitters in the division and quicker than just about everyone, allowing him to close distance and unexpectedly land his money shot, the right hand. Woodley also has a right kick equally as thudding as his right hand and he mixes the two effectively. Beyond that though, Woodley doesn't have much to speak of on the feet as far as variety, rarely using his left side at all. Being extremely reliant on his power side hasn't stopped him from being effective though as he has a myriad of feints which allow him to sneak in punches and he also does a good job of mixing up his speeds.

Woodleys secondary offense, and arguably his most potent, is his explosive wrestling game. On the feet, he pressures forward which allows him to work into the clinch where his physicality and head control allow him to grind with great effect. A former two-time All-American, Woodley still has the instincts and skill of a high level wrestler as well as a solid power double leg, but he isn't an especially great shot takedown threat. He is however, a phenomenal defensive wrestler and when he does secure takedowns, he's ferocious with his ground striking.

Stephen Thompson is an elite level striker whose game revolves around distance management and timing. He prefers to operate at the very end of striking ranging where he can land a variety of kicks and he uses excellent footwork and movement to maintain that range. When a fighter closes the distance on him, he lands punishing straight counter punches and then angles out well to reset.

The rest of Thompson's game is built to keep him in the zone he wants to operate in. He's a strong clinch fighter with good footwork and leverage and the ability to disengage quickly. He's also a very strong defensive wrestler as his distance management and angles make it really difficult to get a clean look at taking him down. Thompson is a better version of Lyoto Machida: a high level karateka and kickboxer, but one who isn't as single-minded in his desire to counterstrike which allows him to throw at a good pace and win rounds much more decisively.

When these two first fought, Thompson was lucky to walk away with a draw, winning the tight rounds but suffering the force of Woodleys predatory offense in the others and that dynamic likely remains the same here. Thompsons offense is built to score points and win rounds much more effectively than Woodleys. Woodleys offense is built to win fights in violent fashion.

The question for this fight is who will make the biggest adjustments from their first contest? Woodley barely used his wrestling at all in their first encounter and the one time he did take Thompson down, he delivered serious punishment. On the other hand, Thompson threw much less volume than he normally does and, if he can be more aware of the power punching of Woodley, looks to have an edge here. Ultimately, this fight is razor close one. Im picking Thompson to win because, in the aggregate, I think he will win more fights by virtue of consistent offense. That being said, Woodley is the more dangerous finisher and hes being undervalued at the books right now. I suggest betting Woodley at any plus number. Also, Woodley-Thompson ends in a draw is +5500 which implies a less than 2% probability of occurring. Considering the dynamic of the fight (Woodley having more potent offense, Thompson winning more rounds) that seems like it is far more likely to occur and thus I also think a small bet on Fight Goes to a Draw is decent value.

Breakdown

Lando Vannata is the new darling of UFC fans and with good reason. He is a legitimate prospect with a funky, forward thinking game backed up by a lot of talent. Hes the product of years of Brandon Gibson training and hes the purest example of that lineage of fighter. He has excellent footwork and timing for a guy so young in his career and he operates a flashy, off kilter attack that causes a lot of problems for his opponents. Hes got serious power and operates at an extremely high pace. That pace also makes him hittable but his defense is pretty solid and mitigates a lot of the worst of it. Vannata is also is a decent wrestler when the occasion calls for it but mostly he prefers his fluid striking offense.

David Teymur is also a hot shot prospect with a striking background, being very accomplished on the European Muay Thai circuit. He prefers to work at long range, firing off a sharp jab and thudding kicks. He follows these up with a powerful straight left hand that can turn off the lights his opponents. He is also an excellent defensive wrestler, sporting a perfect takedown defense so far in the UFC. When opponents fail to take him down, they often wind up in the clinch where he frames well and throws good elbows. His biggest weakness is his defense though and his hittability is cause for concern against a banger like Vannata.

This is a banger of a fight between a clean, traditional striker and a dervish of creativity. The question becomes who can impose their game plan on the other. I dont expect either fighter to be able to run away with this one, but ultimately I do think Vannatas range of offense is the difference here. He can compete (and win) against Teymur at range and his unpredictability gives him a slight edge there and his wrestling and timing give him a viable secondary option to win the fight. The pick is Vannata by KO late in the fight, but that being said, the odds here are a mile off and Teymur is worth a bet at this rate.

Breakdown

Rashad Evans hasnt fought in almost a year due to medical problems but now hes back and making his middleweight debut against. Dan Kelly. Evans is an explosive athlete, light on his feet, with accurate, powerful combinations when he chooses to throw. That caveat is important though because Evans often will sit back doing nothing, losing rounds to inferior fighters strictly on the basis of not putting actual offense together.

Evans best skill set is his wrestling. A former D-1 collegiate wrestler, Evans can finish a variety of takedowns with authority but he does his best work off a blast double leg. Once on top, he has excellent control and can pound opponents out with aggression. Hes also an excellent defensive wrestler but hes not much a submission artist, having attempted none despite his many years in the promotion.

Dan Kelly is a judoka by trade and a good one, having competed in the Olympics four separate times. Hes also an acceptable striker, especially on the counter. Hes slow and plodding though and his body is shop worn from years as a high-level athlete.

Evans is a former champion and a guy who, when at his best, could be competitive against almost anyone in the world. The problem is, Evans hasnt looked anything close to his best in years and at this point it seems like hes on his way out of the fight game. Kelly is surging but hes also almost 40 and not close to the level of competitor Evans was. Honestly, I have no idea whats going to happen here. Im picking Evans by decision, but theres no confidence in anything and thus no bet.

Breakdown

Alistair Overeem is looking to rebound from his loss to current heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic by taking on Mark Hunt in a matchup between former K-1 World Grand Prix champions. Overeem is still one of the most athletic heavyweights on the planet and that athleticism is backed by a deep well of knowledge and technique. Lately, he has opted to use a stick and move game plan where he can employ power strikes at opportunities of his choosing. His grappling is a fall back option for him and a very dangerous one at that. Hes punishing from top position and a sneaky good submission threat.

Mark Hunt is old for the division at 42, but despite his age and physique, hes still a fairly good athlete. Hunt is almost entirely a striker and hes one of the best in the division. He has an excellent understanding rhythm and he uses that to set up his power punches, particularly his left hand which can end anyones night in a hurry. Outside of striking, Hunt is a good defensive wrestler and surprisingly good on top when he winds up there. Hes also shored up a lot of his submission defense liabilities.

This is a close fight between two very high-level strikers past their primes. Overeem has more tools in the box, but Hunts focused striking game figures to give Overeem and his suspect chin a lot of problems. If Overeem can maintain a focused game plan of staying either all the way out or clinching, he should win. But thats a tough task against a crafty striker like Hunt. I think Hunt eventually lands the left hand that puts Overeem in a bad spot and from there its academic. The pick is Hunt by KO, and I like a bet on him as well.

Amanda Cooper (+100/50%) vs. Cynthia Calvillo (-120/55%)

Cooper is a quick paced striker with good footwork who also has an active submission game off of her back. Calvillo is a good athlete with strong wrestling and excellent positional control on the ground. This is a two outcome fight: either Cooper keeps it standing and wins with volume or Calvillo takes her down and wins through grappling. Calvillo is coming in on short notice here but she is the more physical, powerful fighter and she can likely get the fight to the floor, take the back, and finish it. The pick is Calvillo but she is making her UFC debut so you should pass on betting this.

Marcin Tybura (-160/62%) vs. Luis Henrique (+140/42%)

Tybura is a well-rounded fighter who keeps a high pace on the feet, throwing powerful punches and kicks. Hes even better as a top position grappler and hes a good enough wrestler to get the fight to the ground more often than not. Henrique is a jiu-jitsu player at heart but one with power and an explosive takedown game to back it up. On top, he is punishing and a solid submission hunter. Henrique is the youngest fighter in the heavyweight division and hes athletic enough to expect big improvements between fights for him. This fight is tougher to call than usual, but I think Tyburas more advanced, voluminous striking will carry the day. The pick is Tybura by late TKO.

Mirsad Bektic (-800/89%) vs. Darren Elkins (+550/15%)

Bektic is probably the best prospect in MMA at the moment. He is a blend of athleticism, power, and skill that portends greatness and future title contention. He is sharp on the feet and works in combination but he really excels in explosive takedowns and vicious ground and pound. Elkins is one of the best examples of a grinder in MMA. He can do everything but what he wants to do is stifle his opponents offense with clinches, takedowns, and control. Straight up, the odds are off here. Bektic is going to win but Elkins is the kind of durable, rugged fighter than can upend the rise of overconfident prospects in a hurry. I wont suggest betting on Elkins because its likely a losing bet but there is some value in his line. All that said, I think Bektic marches on, winning a dominant decision and betting Bektic by decision at -105 is actually a very attractive option.

Iuri Alcantara (-105/51%) vs. Luke Sanders (-115/53%)

Alcantara is a well-rounded fighter who is super dynamic. He has power on the feet but his best skill is grappling where he has strong takedowns and excellent transitions into submissions. Sanders is a hot prospect who can also do a bit of everything, excels in transition, and is a dynamic finisher. Alcantara has a size advantage but Sanders is a bit more technical on the feet and five years younger. Also, Alcantara is known for cardio issues and Sanders is tough enough to survive any early onslaught and take the later rounds. The pick is Sanders by decision and I like him for a bet so long as he stays under -120.

Mark Godbeer (-150/60%) vs. Daniel Spitz (+130/43%)

Godbeer is a striker by trade who mixes punches and kicks but doesnt have much else to fall back on. Spitz is a large heavyweight who likes to operate at range behind his jab but does his best work as a grappler. That should be enough to win the day here against Godbeer who has shown an unfortunate combination of being both willing to grapple and not exceedingly good at it. The pick is Spitz by submission and while the first rule of MMA betting (dont gamble on low level heavyweight fights) would normally apply here, the idea that Godbeer is a 60% favorite almost makes me want to throw the rule book out the window.

Tyson Pedro (-145/59%) vs. Paul Craig (+125/44%)

Pedro is a big light heavyweight with some athletic promise. He throws sharp punches but mostly hes a grappler with good takedowns and heavy control and submissions. Craig is an aggressive, come forward fighter who fires off punch-kick combinations and isnt afraid to pull guard where he uses his long limbs to snake in submissions from his back. On the feet, Craigs volume might give him the edge but I expect Pedros physicality and wrestling to keep this fight on the ground. Craig is slick there but likely not slick enough to catch Pedro who excels with top pressure. The pick is Pedro by TKO late in the second round but I would pass on betting this.

Albert Morales (-130/57%) vs. Andre Soukhamthath (+110/48%)

Morales is young, athletic fighter, equal parts skill and aggression. He can counter slickly but is also prone to bursts of wild offense. He can also scramble well but his cardio is questionable. Soukhamthath is a striker who fights well at range behind his jab or in close with knees. This probably plays out as a striking match and in that case Morales power, speed, and volume will likely carry the day over the somewhat tepid Soukhamthath. The pick is Morales by KO in the middle of the fight, and if you want to bet this, I wouldnt do so but I also wouldnt blame you.

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 209 odds, gambling guide - MMA Fighting

3 gambling suspects face raps | SunStar Sun.Star Noya was arrested for collecting bets in Barangay Mintal in Tugbok District, while Oribea and Aasco were arrested in two separate operations against illegal gambling at Kilometer 12 in Panacan. The three suspects were found in possession of cash in ...

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3 gambling suspects face raps | SunStar - Sun.Star

A man who won $10,000 on a slot machine in a casino was told he couldn't take his winnings home - because he had 'self-excluded' himself 17 years ago.

John Marando won the jackpot - the equivalent of around 6,000 - on a slots machine at the Mohawk racetrack and casino in Ontario, Canada, last week.

After staff were alerted to the win, however, the 82-year-old gambler was recognised and was told 'we can't pay you, you signed yourself out 17 years ago'.

Gamblers can 'self-exclude' themselves from casinos and betting shops if they want to stop gambling - usually handing over a photo and a letter of self-exclusion.

Mr Marando, however, says he had a brain operation in the intervening period and can't remember self-excusing himself - and is demanding the casino pay up.

Speaking this week, he said he had hired a lawyer to fight his case, adding: "I can't remember 17 years ago, I'm 17 years older and I've had a brain operation about eight years ago.

"I'm not going to let them get away with it.

According to local laws any gambler who has excluded themselves is 'not permitted to win prizes'.

Paul Pellizzari, of Ontario Lottery and Gaming, said: "People who are self-excluded need to know that prizes will be dis-entitled if theyre detected at a gaming facility and this is part of our support to them, part of our way of living up to the commitment to themselves to stay away from gambling."

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Gambler who won $10000 can't take his winnings for a very unusual reason - Mirror.co.uk

Ken Krall and Lorri Pickens

Governor Walker this week proposed spending more money to advertise the Wisconsin Lottery. This action has drawn a sharp reaction from a group opposed to more gambling.

The state lottery's proceeds go to property tax relief. Walker has proposed a 40 percent jump in advertising to $10.5 million dollars to encourage more play.

Lorri Pickens from the group Citizens Against Expanded Gambling says the spending more for people to gamble more is a questionable action....

"....people in the poorest zip codes are playing the lottery and that is where the majority of advertising dollars are spent. All for a property tax credit on average of $107 per property owner who actually applies for the tax credit. When you look at the cost of gambling to Wisconsin families, it's a pretty big trade off for a small return...."

Pickens says gambling is a zero sum game that creates no new wealth, rather a redistribution system. Pickens thinks this more aggressive advertising approach is a conflict of interest....

".....it's a conflict of interest for government to engage in state-sponsored gambling.It's duty is to protect the citizens, not be involved in entertainment...."

The lottery has had record ticket sales in each of the last five years -- but the tax relief given to Wisconsin homeowners only netted nine percent more since 2007. A similar ad push one decade ago caused lower ticket sales as the Great Recession hit, and lawmakers of both parties have expressed doubts that the new plan would work.

View original post here:

Wisconsin Gambling Opponents Don't Want More Advertising | WXPR - WXPR

With a senate bill looking to legalize casino gambling dead at the Georgia general assembly, developers and state residents on both sides of the issue will have to wait another year for movement on the issue.

The legislation, SB 79, introduced by Sen. Brandon Beach, R-Alpharetta, aimed to bring two destination resorts to the state. Beach said the bill did not have enough support in the Senate Regulated Industries Committee to make it to the Senate floor for a vote.

In its latest form, the bill called for one resort-style casino to be constructed in metro Atlanta, either in DeKalb, Fulton, Clayton, Cobb or Gwinnett. The other casino could have been located outside Atlanta.

In order to build any casinos in the state, Georgia residents would have had to vote on a referendum amending the state constitution to decide whether to allow casino gambling at all.

Now, all of that is on standby for at least the remainder of 2017.

Sen. Fran Millar, R-Dunwoody, said the votes were definitely not there in the Senate to be able to go to the public with the legislation. He said only time will tell what happens with the future of the divisive issue.

Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver, D-Decatur, said a lack of comfort and confidence in casino gambling being good for the county and state is a large factor in the issue.

Everywhere I go, from rotary clubs to PTA meetings, I have asked if people are for or against this, and I have not found one group that supports it yet, Oliver said.

According to Sen. Bruce Thompson, R-District 14, concert venues, hotels and restaurants across the region have expressed concern about the casinos ability to draw people in with cheap rooms, food and entertainment.

There is concern too of other factors that surround large casinos. In a Central Atlanta Progress report, potential social impacts of an Atlanta casino were listed including reduced productivity, higher crime rates, bad debts, bankruptcy, therapy and welfare costs.

Beach has argued that gambling is already legal in Georgia through the lottery and that additional revenue brought in through casinos could benefit the state.

The failed bill would have levied a 20 percent tax on the two casinos, which would be used for state education and health care.

The lack of support has not stopped developers from continuing to try and convince local residents of the value of a potential casino in metro Atlanta.

Just days before the bill fell flat in the capitol, Bill Hornbuckle, president of MGM Resorts International, spoke at the DeKalb Chamber of Commerces 79th annual meeting about working with the local community to build something they want.

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We are open, transparent and ready to talk, he said. We go where we are wanted.

MGM has proposed a $2 billion resort-style casino in the city that would employ around 4,000 people and become one of the largest taxpayers in the county where it would be located.

Hornbuckle said he understood some of the controversy, especially with concern around a casino competing with local businesses, such as the Fox Theater and Woodruff Arts Center.

We come into the community to understand how we can best serve and make it better for everyone, he said We are not bringing Las Vegas style casinos.

As it is, Hornbuckle said Georgians are already supporting casino gambling, but are going outside the state to do it. He said, according to outside research, Georgia residents are estimated to spend around $600 million annually at out-of-state casinos, such as Harrahs Cherokee Valley River in North Carolina just a three hour drive from Atlanta.

This is ultimately an activity already happening, with revenue going outside the state that could be here, he said.

On Twitter, users in Georgia spoke both for and against casino gambling coming to the state.

Original post:

Renewed push for casino gambling in Atlanta loses steam - MDJOnline.com

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) - It's National Problem Gambling Awareness Month and just recently, New YorkState has made it possible for you to put yourself on a list, essentially banning yourself from racetracks and casinos! It's all in an effort for troubled gamblers to take control of their lives. One woman says each day is a battle to keep herself from betting.

At the height of her gambling addiction, Joyce was spending thousands each day.

"I started off with some quarters and it got to the point that wasn't enough for me," said Joyce.

A member of Gambler's Anonymous, Joyce asked that we not share her full name or show her face.

Her gambling addiction started off as many do: at a machine.

"When I was standing in front of this machine, very mesmerizing. It had my full attention," said Joyce.

She says it was her first win that sealed the deal.

"The worst thing that could've happened to me was win in the beginning," said Joyce.

As more casinos pop up across the state one addiction counselor has concerns.

"If you win, our belief is that gene is then triggered and you end up doing what we call 'chasing the bet,'" said Judi Rozsa, an addiction counselor.

That chase, whether it be a sports parlay, an online bet or at a casino can last all day every day.

"Gambling is socially acceptable and it is 24-hour accessible," said Joyce.

Del LagoCasino says it promotes "responsible gambling," meaning it's committed to keeping underage individuals and those on the exclusion or self-exclusion lists away.

There's a state hotline too. That number is 1-877-8-HOPE-N-Y or send a text to HOPENY.

See more here:

Living with a gambling addiction - WSYR