Secretary of State George Ryan’s casino-expansion slogan, “Sure Bet-No Debt” (Main news, May 3) fails to take into account the cost of compulsive gambling in Illinois. The state acknowledged in 1991 (Annual Report and Wagering Study, Illinois Gaming Board) that “pathological gambling is considered a diagnosable and treatable disease that affects 2 to 3 percent of the adult population.” That percentage means that 170,000-255,000 Illinois adults could be compulsive gamblers.
The tremendous cost of compulsive gambling in Illinois is evident to the Illinois Council on Problem and Compulsive Gambling, operating the “800-GAMBLING” hotline that receives more than 350 calls per month. In late 1993 we conducted a survey of 93 admitted compulsive gamblers in the Chicago area. That group stole more than $10 million to finance their gambling. Additionally, 49 percent stole from work, 82 percent missed time from work due to gambling, 24 percent had gambling-related arrests, 15 percent attempted suicide (41 percent had a definite suicide plan) and 22 percent divorced due to gambling.
For the last four years, the state has ignored the serious social cost of compulsive gambling. That can change, however, with the passage of House Bill 1270, sponsored by Rep. Rosemary Mulligan (R-Des Plaines), which requires the state to establish a Compulsive Gambling Program. The bill passed the House and is waiting passage in the Senate. We encourage concerned citizens to call their state senators and urge them to support this legislation.
