Even before the development of online casino websites there were problem gamblers in Hawaii. The islands have no racetracks, casinos or other gambling venues but gambling is culturally acceptable although illegal. The lack of a gaming law does not prevent gambling and islanders still place their bets, whether illegally at local gambling houses and cockfights, or legally at the top holiday destination, Nevada. A very small minority, just like the world over, will become gambling addicts.

In its short statement submitted to the Casino Advisory Panel (CAP) to support its regional casino bid, Glasgow City Council admits that gambling can be addictive and a serious problem for a minority of people. However, it says that doesn’t mean the activity should be unduly restricted, commenting that all the available research and evidence suggests that the most pressing issues do not concern casino resorts but the increasingly accessible local gaming machines and Internet gambling.

A vociferous few caused the UK government to back down from its original plans for gambling deregulation in Britain. Casino resorts were limited to eight regional and then reduced again to just one prototype. Problem gambling and its supposed huge social impact is always the reason put forward by anti-gambling enthusiasts who endeavour to stop casino development, and yet not many would suggest that alcohol be banned because a few individuals become addicted. Personal responsibility must play its part.

As always, those opposing casinos and gambling in general fail to realise that problems arise, as in alcohol abuse, when a person’s life needs adjustment. Dr. Julian Taber, a clinical psychologist specializing in the treatment of pathological gambling, comments: "Blaming alcohol or gambling for an addiction has important negative consequences ... it allows the patient to focus on treatment and discharge plans that deal with everything except personal change."

Risk taking and its embodiment in gambling are the nature of the human beast. Properly regulated casino resorts offering a wide range of non-gambling activities and comprehensive responsible gambling programmes would seem a much better bet than the readily available gaming machines at arcades and bookmakers, or solitary online play at home. If some people want to gamble they should be encouraged to get out and enjoy themselves in the process. There would be less chance of gambling problems arising and the best chance of early recognition if they do. (E-08.25.06)

© Copyright 2006 CasinoCompendium



>>> return to archives
>>> return to frontpage