Problem gamblers need more help, lawmakers say

Several suburban lawmakers are hoping to expand treatment options for gambling addicts and study the impact of casinos after a Daily Herald analysis of the state's gambling industry.

"This is really sad," said state Sen. Susan Garrett, a Lake Forest Democrat, regarding what the three-day series revealed.

Among the findings:

• Casinos are rolling out tighter slot machines to keep revenue up in the face of declining foot traffic, ensuring continued profits and higher tax revenue to the state.

• Illinois lags far behind other Midwestern states in providing treatment options for gambling addicts.

• Lawmakers have not spent any money to study the impact of legalized gambling since introducing the lottery or casinos, though they continued to push for even more expansion.

• A disproportional amount of gambling addicts who ban themselves from casinos live in cities with casinos, suggesting a local pattern of problem gambling.

Lawmakers from across the suburbs, and across the aisle, reacted to the series by saying the state should do more to keep an eye on the casino industry and provide help for gambling addicts.

"It is shameful," said state Sen. Kirk Dillard, a Hinsdale Republican. "If we are raking in billions of dollars in revenue from compulsive gambling, we need to take care of those people who need our help."

State Rep. Ruth Munson, an Elgin Republican, said she has requested the House research team investigate Illinois' safety net for problem gamblers. She also is asking for research on video-based slot machines that withhold more money from gamblers.

"The decision was made in this state to fund state programs with gambling, and with that comes a responsibility to ensure there are programs for those who are harmed," Munson said.

Similar concerns were expressed by state Reps. Fred Crespo, a Hoffman Estates Democrat; Elaine Nekritz, a Des Plaines Democrat; and Mark Beaubien, a Barrington Hills Republican, as well as state Sen. Terry Link, a Waukegan Democrat. They also said it will be hard to find money for more treatment with a $2 billion budget shortfall, despite the more than $1 billion that legalized gambling brings the state.

For her part, Garrett said casinos should pick up the tab.

"This isn't about whether you are for or against casinos," she said. "We need to determine how we can better assist people with a severe gambling addiction problem."

Meanwhile, Senate President Emil Jones Jr. and House Speaker Michael Madigan, both Chicago Democrats, refused to address the issues raised by the Daily Herald.

Illinois Gaming Board Chairman Aaron Jaffe declined an interview request. A board spokesman said the issues raised by the newspaper didn't fall within his purview.

A spokesman for Gov. Rod Blagojevich insisted the state is "always looking for ways to determine the effects gaming has on communities in Illinois."

When asked for an example, spokesman Dave Rudduck couldn't provide one. There is no public record of any state spending on such research.

Rudduck said the governor supports treatment funding for gambling addicts and that is why he didn't cut any of the $960,000 set aside for such programs despite budget problems this year.

Blagojevich and Jones have pushed for a dramatic expansion of legalized gambling in Illinois as a way to fund a major public works program. At the same time, the state is preparing to auction off a 10th casino license in the coming months.

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