Letter: Casinos must accept share of blame in tragedy

Monday, Dec. 4, 2000 | 9:30 a.m.

The recent tragedy of the Michigan man who killed himself and his family due to gambling is only the beginning of what is to come with the uncontrolled growth and technology of the gambling phenomenon. While it may not be appropriate to fault the gambling industry entirely for this unfortunate act, it should serve to remind us that problem gambling has the highest rate of suicide of all addictions.

I was not surprised by the remarks of the executive director of the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling, who is basically a mouthpiece for the gambling industry, when she said in its defense, "Individuals who gamble are making their own choices." What she failed to mention was that the choices these individuals are making are highly influenced by the gambling industry. This is achieved by powerful marketing campaigns, which are oftentimes deceitful and misleading, and their highly sophisticated gambling technology that directly increases the number of times a player gambles and the length of times he plays. Both factors enhance addictive behavior.

No matter how much spin the gambling industry fabricates on how everyone wins, for most people, the more you gamble, the more you lose, and the more likely unhappiness will follow. Ever see a happy losing gambler? How people deal with this unhappiness will determine future societal response. However, for now, it is unconscionable to believe casino moguls do not have a legal and moral obligation toward the financial, social and psychological well-being of their customers. Their advertising, "One Stop / Fun Spot," may be the last stop for many, including themselves.

EDWARD M. ATCHISON