Commission approves rule letting problem gamblers work in casinos

Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2001 | 7:02 a.m.

The Missouri Gaming Commission on Wednesday unanimously approved the new rule, believed to be unique in the nation. It takes effect in about 60 days, executive director Kevin Mullally said.

Missouri's Disassociated Persons Program allows problem gamblers to have themselves permanently barred from casinos. Violators can be charged with trespassing.

But many casino employees complained to the commission they feared losing their jobs if they entered the program. The commission proposed the new policy last year to account for such situations.

At least five states have programs like Missouri's, but none have exemptions for employees, according to the American Gaming Association, a casino lobbying group in Washington, D.C.

Before devising the rule, the commission consulted counselors who treat problem gamblers and was told that such gamblers could be around casinos and still recover, Mullally said.

The new rule also allows problem gamblers to enter casinos to apply for jobs, but they would have to notify the commission first.

Lia Nower, an assistant professor of social work at the University of Missouri at St. Louis, said allowing compulsive gamblers to work in casinos could be risky but that recovery is up to the gambler.

Those determined to overcome their addiction can do so regardless of circumstances, while those who want to start playing again find a way no matter where they are, Nower said.

Mullally said the rule affects a lot of non-casino workers like beverage deliverymen and technicians who work on the machines.

Among the employees who sought the new policy was a slot technician at Players Island Casino in St. Louis. The woman added her name to the list last year, but lost her job because she was banned from casinos.

Nower, who counsels compulsive gamblers, said the policy will lower the barriers employees face before seeking help.

She said casinos offer high-paying jobs that require little education. Workers get addicted and then lose their jobs, making recovery all the more difficult, she said.