Lebanon (Pa.) Daily News

Dear Editor,

As referenced in the recent article, “County bets on problem gambling program” (8/10), I applaud both Lebanon County and Pennsylvania for working together to combat problem gambling through state grants. However, I feel compelled to point out that the Buffalo Research Institute study referenced in your article is outdated – the information is from 2005, and has since been refuted.

A 2011 study conducted by researchers at Harvard University indicates that, when a casino first opens its doors, a community will experience only a brief increase in the prevalence rate of gambling disorders. With time, however, it returns to a rate comparable to what existed prior to the introduction of the casino – this is known as the “adaptation effect.”

In working to combat problem gambling, it’s also important to recognize that problem gambling often goes hand-in-hand with other compulsive behaviors, as referenced in your article. As with all addictive behaviors, people who struggle with gambling disorders tend to have other psychological problems such as depression, anxiety, and substance-use disorders. A 2008 study by Harvard Medical School found that patients with a psychiatric disorder are 17.4 times more likely to develop pathological gambling than those without such problems.

The commercial casino industry recognizes that a small percentage of people cannot gamble responsibly and makes every effort both to help them and address this important issue.  We only want patrons to visit our casinos for the right reason – to have fun.

Sincerely,

Frank J. Fahrenkopf, Jr.

President and CEO

American Gaming Association