Last month the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) published instructions for people with gambling problems to have themselves barred from Pennsylvania gaming facilities. This state self-exclusion list will require all Pennsylvania’s gaming operators to bar the individuals concerned from their gaming floors and refuse them all gifts and services or any other thing of value for the chosen period of one year, five years or a lifetime.

The Gaming Act obliges the PGCB to protect the people of Pennsylvania and the Board is introducing a number of programmes available to people suffering from gambling addiction. However, the fact that slot machine locations are already operating before the implementation of addiction programmes is causing concern. Last week Governor Ed Rendell authorised money for compulsive gambling from state funds coming from gambling revenue and licensing fees. He is now being asked to veto a free drinks bill recently approved by the House and Senate.

The 2004 law sets a minimum US$1.5 million annually for treatment programmes, but procedures for subsidising such treatment have yet to be finalised. The state’s Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Programs will use the present infrastructure and existing providers until the new public system is running in about 8 months time. A company may be contracted to manage the authorisation and reimbursement of gambling addiction services so that the most expedient and cost-effective system can be provided. (E-11.28.06)

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