New games, Super Bowl provide temptation for gamblers
By KEN BLACK, TIMES-REPUBLICANWith the Super Bowl and the new Mega Millions lottery game in the state of Iowa, there is a lot to tempt those who have a problem with gambling.
That was the message from Jim Thompson, a gambling treatment program prevention specialist with Allen Hospital in Waterloo.
"If you do gamble, it should be in a responsible manner," he said.
The new lottery game, Mega Millions, is new to the state this month. It joins Powerball as the other large jackpot game with very high odds.
"Players have been asking for the chance to play both Powerball and Mega Millions," said Iowa Lottery CEO Terry Rich. "We're excited that Iowa players will now have the chance to play for even more big lotto prizes. We think the change will be popular."
However, despite this type of gambling being among the most visible, Thompson said lottery games cause among the fewest problems for irresponsible gamblers.
"The lottery is a smaller percentage," Thompson said. "Approximately 10 percent of problem gambling results from the lottery."
Still, he noted that any new, exciting game, whether it be a new lottery game or the Super Bowl, can provide a catalyst for new individuals to get involved in gambling and become addicted.
"It all starts with something," he said.
In Marshalltown, retailers have seen some interest in Mega Millions game.
Ric Anderson, manager of Hy-Vee said the store has sold approximately 200 tickets over the past few days.
"That's pretty good for a new game," he said.
Still, among the games with the biggest problems, all of them to seem to be located at casinos. Approximately half of those addicted to gambling are addicted to slot machines.
The other problems result from the main table games such as Blackjack and roulette. Completing the top three in terms of addiction are games such as poker, bingo and keno.
"All of these are typically in casinos," Thompson said. "And then when you look at online gambling, which is illegal, the problem just continues."
The online gambling offers gamblers a chance for quick and easy access to a virtual gaming environment.
Powerball and Mega Millions are both lotto games with jackpot prizes that have climbed into the hundreds of millions of dollars. But until this month, the games have been sold in separate jurisdictions.
An agreement among U.S. lottery directors to allow cross-selling of the games was reached in October after several studies and feedback from lottery players across the United States. The agreement also called for the development and implementation of a national lotto game for all U.S. lotteries.
Eventually, a national lottery game could result from the selling of both games in the same states. Either way, revenue is expected to increase, Rich said.
Those who have a problem with gambling should call 1-800-BETS-OFF, in order to get in touch with a counselor at Allen Hospital.
Typically, there are a few sessions that are provided free of charge and after that, the cost remains relatively low, Thompson said.
---
Contact Ken Black at 641-753-6611 or kblack@timesrepublican.com
|
rathbunseve
|
|
|---|---|
|
02-05-10 3:12 PM
|
Bet you $5.00 I spend more on booze than the lottery & Super Bowl pools this weekend.
|
|
Johnny
|
|
|
02-05-10 1:14 PM
|
I'll give you 5 to 1 that someone says you are wrong...
|
|
jefffro
|
|
|
02-05-10 10:46 AM
|
You can register with the casino to not allow you to gamble there...and so your players club card will not work...and if you sign an agreement with the casino, they are not bound to pay out any winnings to you if you win big there. The brain activity in someone with a gambling addiction is identical to someone addicted to drugs or alcohol.
|
|
herkeye
|
|
|
02-05-10 10:09 AM
|
Blah blah blah....is a gambling addiction worse than drugs, smoking, or drinking? All four are a waste of money in my opinion but if you would rather gamble than take a cruise...whose business is it how you spend your money. If you don't have the money to lose and you're not smart enough to realize it...whose fault is that? School system? Parents? Spouse? Maybe your own? The last I knew...only you can ban yourself from gambling.
|