Denver Post

Dear Editor,

Problem gambling is a serious issue that the gaming industry works hard to address, but I feel compelled to correct the false claims that Neal Peirce builds his argument around in his editorial, “America’s gambling addiction threatens the nation’s soul.”

If these claims were true, states with commercial casinos would be centers of depravity instead of home to successful communities, like many in Colorado, that see casinos as valuable community partners.

After taking even a cursory look at the claims of the negative social costs at the heart of this piece, it is clear that Pierce is focusing on incorrect or misinterpreted information.

In fact, multiple research reports have confirmed the prevalence rate of pathological gambling has held steady at approximately 1 percent of the adult population for the past 30+ years, despite the widespread growth of casino gambling.

Sincerely,

Frank J. Fahrenkopf, Jr.

President and CEO

American Gaming Association