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None of the states revenue from gaming is being used to address the problem

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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