Online Gambling Shouldn't be Outlawed Says Compulsive Gambling ExpertBecause of the rapid increase in the popularity of poker in this country, gambling, both on and offline has seen its share of the limelight recently. As a result, the number of problem gamblers has increased as well.
Gambling911.com recently had the chance to speak with an industry authority on problem gambling: Arnie Wexler. Mr. Wexler (who prefers to be called "Arnie") is a Certified Compulsive Gambling Counselor (CCGC) and served as Executive Director of the Council on Compulsive Gambling in New Jersey for eight years. He is one of the nation's foremost experts on compulsive gambling. In his quest to educate the populous on the dangers of compulsive gambling, he has appeared on popular television shows such as Oprah, Nightline and 48 hours.
We asked Mr. Wexler how he felt about the online gambling phenomenon, and if this "easy access" has caused an increase in the occurrence of problem gambling. He replied that indeed it had. He stated that, "a person with a proclivity for this type of addiction can access their computer 24 hours a day from the comfort of their own home, and because compulsive gambling is an impulse addiction (recognized by the American Psychiatric Association), online gambling has created an easily accessible portal to feed this addiction".
He further supports the "easy access" theory by stating that there is a greater instance of compulsive gambling near land-based casinos. The closer one lives to a casino, the more likely they are to develop a compulsive gambling problem. Bring that casino into your home, and the possibilities are endless.
A shockingly real example is highlighted by the recent sentencing of Donna Dawson - an ordinary woman who developed a compulsive gambling problem. She ended up stealing $1.6 million dollar to feed her habit and was recently sentenced to serve 10 years in prison and to pay back the millions stolen. She often awakened in the middle of the night to go to her computer and gamble online.
The increase in the popularity of poker - both on and offline - has created a host of problems in an age group that had previously remained somewhat unaffected by the dangers of gambling. A study conducted by Harvard has shown that just a few years ago, 4.67% of young people have a gambling problem. The earlier one starts to gamble, the more likely they are to develop a compulsive gambling problem.
When asked about the recent surge in college age kids who believe they can make a living playing poker, he stated "they all think that. It is a big joke." He goes on to say that once an individual has crossed the line into addictive gambling that it is nearly impossible to utilize solely self control to manage the situation. That person will need professional help to recover.
The younger generation is more likely to develop a gambling problem through online gambling activities. There are a number of differences between online casinos and "brick and mortar" establishments, but the most obvious difference lies in the lack of face-to-face contact a land-based casino has with its customers. When one is able to observe the behavior of their customers, negative behaviors can be detected more easily. Online casinos do not have this ability, and must develop other means to monitor their patrons.
Mr. Wexler believes that in order for the internet gambling companies to legitimize themselves in the eyes of the U.S. government, they need to develop and maintain Responsible Gaming Programs.
Even with all the negativity Mr. Wexler sees through his work, he still believes in one's right to govern their own behavior. He does not believe that gambling should be outlawed. If properly regulated and monitored it can be a entertaining recreational activity for all responsible adults to enjoy.
Mr. Wexler and his wife, Sheila, travel the world presenting workshops and training seminars for casinos, corporations, colleges….even the NFL. The welcome contact from anyone who believes they may have a compulsive gambling problem, or any company who would like to develop a program for its patrons or employees. They can be reached at aswexler@aol.com, through their website at www.aswexler.com or at 888-LAST-BET.
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Kira Wissman, Gambling911.com
Originally published August 5, 2007 8:02 pm ET
