Problem gamblers in Pennsylvania

Only 564 problem gamblers in Pennsylvania? Seems a bit low to me.

Nanette Horner, director of the Office of Compulsive and Problem Gambling, testified before a Legislative committee responsible for gaming oversight.

Horner told lawmakers that 564 individuals have requested and been accepted into the voluntary self-exclusion program wherein problem gamblers ask to be excluded from participating in legalized gaming activities in Pennsylvania's slots casinos.

Individuals who are on that list and gamble at a Pennsylvania casino are subject to criminal trespassing charges, she said.

Gambling opponents warned that one of the pitfalls of legalizing slot machines would be a growing number of problem gamblers. Now Gov. Ed Rendell is pushing to legalize video poker machines and some lawmakers want Pennsylvania to permit table games.

The number of problem gamblers will continue to rise as Pennsylvania goes deeper into the gambling business.

PGCB's Director of Compulsive and Problem Gambling Provides Lawmakers With Update on Agency's Assistance Efforts