Problem gambling expert says online ban ineffective

[The Buzz]

Many gambling opponents say that if the ban on online wagering is lifted it will lead to more problem gamblers. However, one problem gambling expert in Nevada says that prohibition isn't the best way to deal with the problem.

From Online Casino News:

Carol O’Hare, who is the executive director of the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling, says that a ban on online casinos and Internet gambling is far from the best means of dealing with people with gambling problems. What does O’Hare recommend for problem gambling? She says that education and treatment is far more effective than banning online casino games. She says, “problem gambling is not going away because somebody puts it in a corner or puts the casino too far out of town so that we won’t drive there or take it off the Internet.”

[Chips]

Prohibition never worked before, and it will not work now. The terrible affliction of problem gambling, like drug or alcohol abuse can not be cured with the closure of internet gambling or brick and mortar casinos.

Just like the addict of drugs, they will find a way to fill their needs. Be it legal or illegal. The control comes from within and with proper support.

[CAS Chloe]

Problem Gambling is an issue that needs to be addressed but total casino ban is not an answer. In doing so, you are just depriving people who are patronizing casinos for entertainment and pleasure.

Many governments are finding out that providing free, confidential professional help and support can address this issue.

[smathe77]

I suspect the online gambling ban was never about problem gambling. Thats just one pretext for its supporters. There's money involved in it and loads of it.

[ScottB]

Testing out a big name UK licensed casino this week, and was surprised at the amount of reminders and help available for problem gamblers.

- Reminders every 100 spins.
- Popup reminders when you have been playing for 1 hour.
- Total amount won / lost over previous sessions etc
- Daily Gambling limits and Instant Ban yourself button etc

[webber286]

Regulation is clearly the only answer to problem gambling. Like others have stated, if you take away the casinos, the problem gambler will just find another outlet in their neighborhood or wherever.

Las Vegas casinos and protecting their profits are certainly one of the reasons behind the current US stance regarding online gambling.

Interesting observation on the UK licensed casinos. That seems like a good model for the US to be following.

[bbonline]

I suspect the online gambling ban was never about problem gambling. Thats just one pretext for its supporters. There's money involved in it and loads of it.

What the government want is to receive haft of the money on their hand that's why they are eager to push through the so-called online gambling ban. For the fact that tycoons or rich people enjoy playing land based or online casinos, it is very disputable for them to locate where are those gamblers are...lol!