Previous part of this document.
by
Valerie C. Lorenz, Ph.D., Robert M. Politzer, Sc.D., & Robert A. Yaffee, Ph.D.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LETTER TO THE SECRETARY, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND MENTAL
HYGIENE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vi
INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Fact Sheet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Selected Comments of Survey Respondents . . . . . . . . . 3
Establishment and Purpose of the Task Force . . . . . . . 4
Membership of the Task Force. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Acknowledgements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Work of the Task Force. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS - SUMMARY. . . . . . . . . . 12
PATHOLOGICAL GAMBLING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Types of Gamblers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Clinical Definition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
The Stages of Pathological Gambling . . . . . . . . . . 25
Criminal Behavior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Treatment and Recovery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Public Health Impact. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
The Epidemiologic Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
HISTORY OF PATHOLOGICAL GAMBLING TREATMENT IN MARYLAND . . . 35
Legislation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Beginnings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Johns Hopkins Center for Pathological Gambling. . . . . 38
Washington Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Taylor Manor Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Changing Point. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Epoch House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
National Center for Pathological Gambling, Inc. . . . . 46
Maryland Council On Compulsive Gambling . . . . . . . . 47
Hotline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Further Developments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Current Treatment Options Elsewhere . . . . . . . . . . 51
PREVALENCE OF GAMBLING ADDICTION IN MARYLAND . . . . . . . . 54
ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL IMPACT OF GAMBLING ADDICTION . . . . . . 58
PROFILE OF MARYLAND PATHOLOGICAL GAMBLERS IN PROFESSIONAL
TREATMENT PROGRAMS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
The Nature of the Gambling Problem. . . . . . . . . . . 63
A Profile of the Maryland Pathological Gambling Patient:
1983-1989. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
A Statistical Model of the Severity of the Gambling
Problem for Maryland Pathological Gambling
Patients: 1983-1989. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
PROFILE OF MARYLAND GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS RESPONDENTS . . . . . 69
PROFILE OF MARYLAND GAM-ANON RESPONDENTS . . . . . . . . . . 72
REPORT OF THE COMPULSIVE GAMBLING HOTLINE. . . . . . . . . . 74
LIABILITY OF THE GAMING INDUSTRY FOR MARYLAND'S PATHOLOGICAL
GAMBLING PROBLEM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
BIBLIOGRAPHY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
APPENDIX A: A WORD ON ROBERT A. YAFFEE, PH.D.. . . . . . . . 87
APPENDIX B
GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS SURVEY
Gamblers Anonymous Survey
Prepared for
The Task Force on Gambling Addiction
by
Valerie C. Lorenz, Ph.D.
Executive Director
National Center for Pathological Gambling, Inc.
Baltimore
February 15, 1990
The Task Force on Gambling Addiction
sought to learn about the social and economic
impact of compulsive gambling on these
addicts, their families, and the State of
Maryland. One way to obtaining this
information was to conduct an anonymous
self-report survey on members of the ten
chapters of Gamblers Anonymous in the state.
The respondents tended to be well-educated
but who currently have incomes lower than
their education would warrant. Gambling
indebtedness tended to be equal or greater
than an annual salary. Other unexpected
findings include a high incidence of motor
vehicle violations and an alarmingly high
rate of active suicide planning. Findings
also identified cross-addiction, from alcohol
or drug dependency to gambling addiction,
rather than co-addiction.
Introduction
Gamblers Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who are
compulsive gamblers. Members share their experience in an effort
to solve their problems and to help others in their recovery from
the gambling addiction. The only requirement for membership is a
desire to stop gambling.
Gamblers Anonymous adheres to the spiritual guidelines of
the Twelve Steps of Recovery. Although most meetings are held in
churches, Gamblers Anonymous is not allied with any sect or
religious denomination. There are no fees. It is selfsupporting
through contributions from members. It does not accept outside
contributions.
Gamblers Anonymous does not take a political issue on
gambling, neither endorsing nor opposing any causes. It does not
engage in any outside controversy. Founded in Los Angeles in
1957, it currently has over 800 chapters.
There are ten chapters of Gamblers Anonymous within the
State of Maryland. These chapters are located in Annapolis,
Arbutus, Camp Spring, Dundalk, Ellicott City, Laurel, Parkville,
Rosedale, Silver Spring, and Towson. Attendance varies, ranging
from 4 or 5 to 25 or more regular attendees. Some members may
attend more than one chapter on a regular basis. Meetings are
held weekly, generally for two-hour sessions.
Methodology
The research instrument consisted of a three-page printed
questionnaire. A cover letter described the nature and function
of the Task Force, and the purpose of the GA survey.
Participants were advised that the survey was anonymous and would
be kept confidential. Respondents were admonished not to write
their names on the instrument.
The survey itself consisted of 36 questions, which were
either fill-in, sentence completion, or open ended. Topics
included demographic data, gambling behavior, financial issues,
criminal and civil offenses, alcohol/drug/suicide complications,
and family concerns. The respondents were also asked what
message they would like to send to the Maryland Department of
Health and Mental Hygiene and the state legislature.
Surveys were distributed to all chapters of Gamblers
Anonymous by three members of the Task Force. Each chapter was
surveyed at least twice, to allow participation of members who
were previously absent. Members filled in the questionnaires
only once. In most instances surveys were completed and returned
the same day.
Data was entered onto a computer by a research assistant,
using the SPSS software. All data entered was double checked for
accuracy. Final analysis was made by Robert A. Yaffee, Ph.D.,
who served as consultant to the Task Force. Ninety-one surveys
were completed and usable.
Results
Demographics -- Eighty-nine percent of the 91 respondents
are male. Ninety percent are white and 8% are black. Asked
about religious preference, Catholics represented the largest
group (33%), followed by Protestant (29%), and Jewish (16%). The
number of Jewish members is disproportionately high when compared
with the national population.
Subjects ranged in age from 23 to 69 (Mean=42, Mode=35).
Not all respondents stated their present age; however, of those
who did, it was found that the largest group was in their
thirties (32%), and the next largest group (26%) was in their
forties. Fifteen percent are in their twenties. This number of
young members is an exceptionally high percentage.
Respondents were asked at what age they started to gamble.
Of the 79 who answered, ages ranged from five to 49 (Mean=13,
Mode=10). More precisely, 43% started gambling before reaching
puberty. The remainder first gambled in adulthood, some not
starting until they were in their forties or older.
Respondents were asked how old they were when they believed
they had lost control over their gambling, so that conclusions
could be drawn regarding length of the out-of-control period of
gambling and possible differences in types of gambling. The
range was from eight to 55 (N=71) (Mean=27, Mode=18). Of these
71 respondents, 31% believe they were in their teens, and 28%
were in their twenties when they lost control over their
gambling. Unfortunately, many respondents failed to fill in all
questions relating to age.
A final age-related question sought to learn how old the
compulsive gambler was when he or she stopped gambling. The data
here are perplexing. Only 44 of the respondents answered,
suggesting that many of these GA members may not have actually
stopped gambling at this point in their lives. Ages of these
respondents ranged from 23 to 61 (Mean=40, Mode=37). Of these,
39% were in their thirties and 32% in their forties when they
stopped gambling.
As a whole, the respondents tended to be well-educated.
Fifty-three (60%) of the 89 who answered the question, said that
they were educated beyond the high school level, with 44%
receiving a bachelor's degree or higher. Twelve percent of the
respondents dropped out of junior or senior high school.
Of the 27 respondents who indicated their major field of
study, the largest number (n=9) indicated a preference for
business or mathematics.
Sixty percent of these compulsive gamblers are married or
living together, while 19% are single. The remainder were either
separated, divorced, or widowed.
Members were asked about their present occupation. The
largest group (n=21, 23%) considered themselves to be
professionals, followed by 15 who are either business owners or
managers of businesses. Eleven are in sales, and ten are skilled
laborers. The remainder serve in clerical positions, as
unskilled laborers, in construction, are students or housewives,
and three are unemployed.
Four questions centered on income and occupation. Six
respondents stated they had no income at the time of the survey.
Of the remaining 85, individual income ranged from $4,000 to
$100,000 (Mean=$37,000; Mode=$30,000). Nine (11%) are earning an
income of $15,000 or less, and an equal number earn $70,000 or
more. In other words, nearly half (46%) said their individual
income is $30,000 or less.
In looking at total family income, 81 respondents cited a
range from $4,000 to $130,000 (Mean=$49,000; Mode=$45,000).
Thirty-one (38%) wrote their total family income is $40,000 or
less; only 4 (5%) claimed a total family income of over $100,000.
Gambling Debts -- Questions were asked relating to the
amount of gambling debt when the respondent first sought help,
income at that time, and to whom the money was owed. Of the
76 respondents reporting gambling indebtedness when they first
sought help, only three stated they owed nothing. Forty-one
(54%) owed between $2,000 and $30,000; 12 (16%) owed between
$115,000 and $500,000; and one respondent owed over $1 million.
Forty of 83 respondents (48%) indicated that at the time
they first sought help the total family income was $30,000 or
less. Twenty-three (28%) had a total family income from
$32,000 to $50,000; five (6%) have a total family income of
over $100,000.
Respondents were asked to identify to whom they owed money
when they first sought help. The categories listed were banks,
credit cards, second mortgage, etc.; friends, family members,
people at work, etc.; casinos, gambling industry, bookies, etc.;
and an "other" category. The final category often included their
own business or state or federal taxes. The responses were as
follows:
Amount Owed to Banks Family Industry Others
% % % %
1 - 10,000 27 31 16 3
10,001 - 35,000 15 9 7 1
36,000 - 60,000 11 2 2 4
61,000 - 80,000 1 2 1 1
81,000 - 100,000 4 2 0 2
120,000 - 500,000 5 5 3 3
Sixty-five of 84 respondents (77%) indicated they are now
making restitution or have completed making restitution.
Public Assistance was sought by 16 (18%) of the parti-
cipants. Most often (six of the 16) this was in the form of
medical assistance.
Illegal Acts -- A number of questions were asked on the
survey relating to illegal acts, both of a criminal and a civil
nature. Twenty-eight (31%) admitted to being delinquent in
paying Maryland state taxes. Fifty-six (62%) admitted to the
commission of illegal acts as a result of their gambling
addiction. Thirty-four (37%) stole money, 30 (33%) wrote bad
checks, 28 (31%) resorted to forgery, embezzlement, mail fraud,
or similar crimes. Some committed more than one type of offense.
Seventy-three (80%) admitted to committing a variety of
civil offenses. Most of these were automobile related.
Forty-three (47%) admitted to speeding more often during the
worst of their gambling addiction; 23 (25%) had auto accidents;
29 (32%) had more parking violations or were guilty of driving
without proper tags, driver's license, or insurance; nine (10%)
had more moving vehicle violations than when they were not
gambling.
Other civil offenses as a result of their gambling addiction
included foreclosures on their homes, being delinquent in child
support, and similar offenses. Twenty-one (23%) were charged
with criminal offenses. Most of these were for forgery or bad
check charges. Nine respondents were put on probation, four
served time in jail, and another four were sentenced to jail and
probation.
Family Problems -- Thirty (33%) of these members of Gamblers
Anonymous indicated that others in their families had gambling
problems. Seven of these were the fathers, four were mothers, 12
were other close relatives, such as an uncle or grandparent, and
two were their spouses.
Forty-one (45%) admitted to alcohol problems in their family
of origin. Of these 41, 29 of the alcoholics were either the
gambler's father, mother, or both parents. In 13 cases it was
one parent and another close relative.
In 22 instances someone in the family of origin had
developed a drug dependency. In 18 of these 22 it was a sibling
rather than a spouse.
Alcohol or Drug Addiction -- Twenty-eight(31%) of these
Gamblers Anonymous members were dual- or cross-addicted.
Fourteen were alcoholics, four were drug addicts, and ten were
both drug and alcohol dependent. Eleven of these dual addicted
gamblers maintained sobriety from alcohol or drugs prior to
giving up the gambling addiction. Others were able to stop their
dual addictions to gambling simultaneously.
Suicide -- Fifty-nine respondents (65%) indicated that they
seriously considered committing suicide because of their gambling
addiction. The method considered or used for the suicide attempt
was by automobile (15), gun (13), pills (8), with the remainder
planning on using poison, jumping off a bridge, using a butcher
knife, through gas inhalation or by suffocation. Seven
respondents made one or more actual suicidal attempts.
In response to the question, "Did you or your family
seek professional counseling due to gambling-related feelings or
events," 59 (65%) answered in the affirmative, although 11 (12%)
were denied treatment because they were unable to pay for
treatment services.
Gambling Preference -- The State of Maryland has legalized
gambling in the form of horse racing, bingo, state lotteries,
slot machines in certain counties, and casinos in Prince Georges
County. Illegal gambling is pervasive throughout the state.
Most prevalent forms of illegal gambling are sports betting,
video poker machines, tip jars, pull tabs, numbers, after-hours
card clubs, and dice games.
Respondents were asked to indicate which was their first
and second preference for gambling. An alphabetized list was
given to choose from, which read: bingo; cards; casinos; dice;
horse or dog racing; lotteries (state); numbers (illegal); poker
machines; slot machines; sports; stocks; tip jars, pull tabs,
punchboards; other, such as golf, pool, games, etc.). Their
first and second preferences are as follows:
First Preference (91) % Second Preference (85) %
Horseracing (29) Cards (21)
Casinos (21) Casinos (19)
Poker Machines (16) Horse racing (15)
Sports (11) Lottery (State) (14)
Cards ( 8) Sports (13)
Lottery (State) ( 4) Poker Machines ( 7)
Slot machines ( 2) Dice ( 4)
Bingo ( 2) Bingo ( 2)
Options, Commodities ( 2) Golf ( 2)
Golf ( 2) Slot machines ( 1)
Dice ( 1) Illegal numbers ( 1)
Tipjars ( 1)
Illegal numbers ( 0)
Maryland casino players tend to gamble not only in Atlantic
City and Nevada casinos but also in Prince Georges County
casinos. These casinos are known to extend credit and to cash
checks above the $200 allowed maximum. Card players tend to
gamble in illegal after-hours clubs, many of which are in
Baltimore County. Illegal gambling such as poker machines, dice
games, and tip jars, occurs most often in bars, veterans or
fraternal associations throughout the state. Bingo is no longer
the friendly, two-hour activity held by a church, but now has
progressed to a million-dollar industry with bingo parlors
operating twelve or more hours per day.
Respondents to the survey were asked to write a message
which they would like the Task Force to include in its report to
the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and the state
legislature. It is evident from these comments that members of
Gamblers Anonymous would want more publicity about compulsive
gambling as a treatable disorder, and that funds are needed for
treatment.
Discussion
The findings of this survey are disturbing. First, it is
evident that more and more young people are gambling and
succumbing to compulsive gambling. The availability of gambling
in Maryland has increased tremendously in the past decade, thus
it is not surprising that there would be more gamblers and also
more compulsive gamblers in the state. This is evidenced not
only by the new chapters of Gamblers Anonymous and the
establishment of three compulsive gambling treatment programs in
the state, but also by the greater diversity of Gamblers
Anonymous members with respect to sex, age, education, income,
marital status, and type of gambling.
Ten years ago there were no poker machine or lottery addicts
in Gamblers Anonymous. Now compulsive gamblers addicted to these
forms of gambling can be found in every meeting. The incidence
of female and youthful addicts also would suggest that the change
of societal mores with respect to gambling, as well as the
availability and accessibility of gambling, are contributing
factors in the increase of compulsive gambling.
Forty percent of these respondents have a high school
education or less. This again would tend to suggest that the
profile of the compulsive gambler has changed in the past decade,
from that of a middle-aged, middle class white businessman to a
more democratic picture of male or female, of any age, religious
preference, or socioeconomic level.
Of importance also is the growing percentage of gamblers who
become addicted to games with a smaller initial outlay than that
required of casino or horse race gambling. Poker machine and
state lottery addicts, which account for one of every five
addicts for either first or second preference among types of
gambling, are especially conspicuous in their rate of incidence.
Poker machines ranked as a first preference for 16% of these
respondents, only after horse racing and casino gambling. These
games are illegal in the state, and the incidence of poker
machine addicts would seem to indicate that the machines are to
be found throughout the state. The tolerance of these illegal
devices raises the specter of inadequate or selective law
enforcement.
Initial play on a poker machine is 25 cents, although play
can be doubled and redoubled for a cost of $2 per play. New
poker machines now also take paper currency, in denominations of
up to $50 or $100, thus accelerating the speed at which an addict
can lose a paycheck.
The same is true of lottery addicts. While the price of one
ticket is $1, lottery addicts tend to box their numbers, play
exotic games, and/or to play many numbers at one time. Further,
it is known that lottery vendors will extend credit and also take
numbers over the phone, which tends to greater loss of control by
the compulsive gambler.
While the total number is small at this time, the fact that
bingo and slot machines addicts are appearing at Gamblers
Anonymous may be an indicator that more of these types of addicts
will emerge in the future.
A major finding of this survey was the high incidence of
violations of the law during the out-of-control phase of
gambling. Criminal charges are fairly consistent with other
studies, as is the incidence of incarceration. The new findings,
however, concern the many civil violations of the law,
predominantly the motor vehicle violations. In looking at the
incidence of speeding, reckless driving and moving vehicle
violations, it would appear that compulsive gamblers' driving
habits are similar to those of drunk drivers. They should be
considered a menace on the road during this phase of their
addiction.
The author is well familiar with compulsive gamblers
admitting in therapy that they would drive at excessive speeds to
Atlantic City or to the race track. Similarly, many spoke of
accidents on the trip back home, either falling asleep at the
wheel after a whole weekend of steady gambling or due to worry
and distraction after large gambling losses.
A question often asked is "What causes compulsive gambling,
is it heredity or the environment?" It was found in this study
that well over half of these gamblers come from troubled families
of origin, in which an immediate relative was either an alcoholic
or compulsive gambler. This would suggest either a genetic
factor or social learning. The type of gambling identified, on
the other hand, would suggest that an environmental factor, such
as availability and accessibility of a gambling activity, would
also contribute to the development of compulsive gambling.
Of interest is the question of co-addiction or
cross-addiction to drugs or alcohol. Twenty-four of these
Gamblers Anonymous members say that they have had an alcohol
dependency. Seven of these dual-addicted gamblers stopped their
alcohol and turned to gambling; three were co-addicted to alcohol
and drugs, then turned to gambling; seven were co-addicted to
alcohol and gambling. Of the 14 respondents who also admitted to
drug dependency, one was dually addicted at the time he sought
help, three switched addictions from drugs to gambling, three
from alcohol and drugs to gambling, and seven were triply
addicted to alcohol, drugs and gambling. Of these 28 dually or
triply-addicted gamblers, thirteen were cross-addicted, that is,
they gave up the alcohol or drug dependency and started or
maintained their gambling addiction.
One item of interest of this research was to determine if
those gamblers who are multiply-addicted would have a higher
suicide rate. The subjects of this study would tend to dispute
that. Twenty-eight of the 91 Gamblers Anonymous respondents were
co- or cross-addicted, of which 21 had suicidal thoughts. Only
one of these 28 actually made a suicide attempt. This Gamblers
Anonymous member admitted to a 20-year history of alcohol
dependence at the time of his suicide attempt. Thus, it appears
that a co- or cross-addiction may lead to greater depression, but
does not necessarily lead to a higher incidence of suicidal
attempts.
What is of concern, however, is the high number of gambling
addicts (45%) who admitted that they had gotten to the second
level of suicidal intent, from thinking about it to planning on
the method or the weapon to be used. Death by gun, automobile or
pills were the means considered most often in making suicidal
attempts. The number of automobile accidents these respondents
have would also seem to suggest possible suicidal intent.
This research on its own would suggest a strong need for
further research into the dynamics of compulsive gambling,
contributing factors leading to the development of this
addiction, and treatment modalities in addition to that of
Gamblers Anonymous. It is clear from the financial data that
these addicts not only lose their own funds due to gambling, but
that family members, financial institutions and the state of
Maryland are also victims of this illness.
It raises serious policy implications for lawmakers and
administrators in providing funds to combat the effects of this
illness. Funds are needed to increase community awareness of
this treatable mental illness and to establish prevention
programs, so that interventions become possible before total
devastation and financial ruin. Certainly additional training of
mental health counselors, especially those who work with other
addictions, to reduce the amount of cross-addiction, is
indicated.
It would make sense to provide funding for treatment for
the indigent patient, so that gambling addiction can be overcome
and the citizen can be restored to productive and healthy living.
The costs of maintaining some of these research participants in
jails or on probation are greater than the costs to provide all
of these respondents with necessary and appropriate mental health
treatment.
Tabulation of Survey Questions and Responses
Ninety-one respondents were surveyed, but not all
questions had 91 answers. The number of respondents
answering each question is explicitly indicated for
questions 1 through 17; for questions 18 through 32,
the number answering is 91.
1. What was your age when you first began to gamble? (N=79)
Range 5 - 49
Mean 13
Mode 10
5-12 years 34 (43%)
13-19 33 (42%)
20s 8 (10%)
30s 2 ( 5%)
40s 2 ( 3%)
2. Your age when you lost control of your gambling? (N=71)
Range 8 - 55
Mean 27
Mode 18
13-19 22 (31%)
20s 20 (28%)
30s 17 (24%)
40s 6 ( 9%)
50s 6 ( 9%)
3. Your age when you stopped gambling? (N=44)
Range 23 - 61
Mean 40
Mode 37
20s 6 (15%)
30s 17 (39%)
40s 14 (32%)
50s 7 (17%)
4. What is your current age? (N=74)
Range 23 - 69
Mean 42
Mode 35
20s 11 (15%)
30s 24 (32%)
40s 19 (26%)
50s 13 (18%)
60s 7 ( 9%)
5. What is your sex? (N=91)
Male 81 (89%)
Female 10 (11%)
6. Number of school years completed? (N=89)
7th grade 2 ( 2%)
8th 1 ( 1%)
9th 2 ( 2%)
10th 4 ( 4%)
11th 1 ( 1%)
12th 26 (29%)
13 years 3 ( 3%)
14 9 (10%)
15 2 ( 2%)
16 or BA degree 31 (35%)
17 3 ( 3%)
18 2 ( 2%)
19 2 ( 2%)
21 1 ( 1%)
7. What is the highest degree you have earned? (N=85)
high school diploma 27 (32%)
GED 13 (15%)
BA or BS 25 (29%)
Graduate school 20 (24%)
7b. What was your major? (N=27)
business, mathematics 9
education, social science 5
political science, admin. 4
humanities 2
law 1
other 6
8. What is your marital status now? (N=91)
married 55 (60%)
living together 1 ( 1%)
separated 7 ( 8%)
divorced 7 ( 8%)
widowed 4 ( 4%)
single 17 (19%)
9. What is the amount of your current annual income? (N=85)
Range $4,000 - $100,000
Mean $37,000
Mode $30,000 (10)
$10,000 or less 4 ( 5%)
$14,000 - $19,999 12 (14%)
$20,000 - $28,000 13 (15%)
$30,000 - 38,000 22 (26%)
$40,000 - 47,000 12 (14%)
$50,000 - 55,000 10 (12%)
$60,000 3 ( 4%)
$70,000 - 75,000 4 ( 5%)
$80,000 - 90,000 3 ( 4%)
$100,000 1 ( 1%)
10. What is your total family income per year? (N=81)
Range $4,000 - $130,000
Mean $49,000
Mode $45,000 (9)
$4,000 - $7,000 2 ( 2%)
$10,000 - 18,000 4 ( 4%)
$20,000 - 28,000 8 (10%)
$30,000 - 38,000 12 (15%)
$40,000 - 47,000 18 (22%)
$50,000 - 56,000 10 (12%)
$60,000 - 68,000 7 ( 9%)
$70,000 - 79,000 7 ( 9%)
$80,000 - 87,000 6 ( 8%)
$90,000 - 100,000 3 ( 4%)
$105,000 - 130,000 4 ( 5%)
11. What is your present occupation? (N=85)
21 Professional
11 sales
10 management
10 skilled labor
9 clerical
6 unskilled labor
5 business owner
5 construction
4 public service
3 unemployed
1 housewife
12. If you changed your occupation because of your gambling,
what kind of work do you do now? (N=23)
6 professional 2 clerical
4 business owners 2 skilled labor
3 sales 2 unskilled labor
3 management 1 construction
13. What is your race? (N=91)
82 (90%) White
7 ( 8%) Black
2 ( 2%) Oriental
14. What is your religion? (N=90)
30 (33%) Catholic
26 (29%) Protestant
15 (17%) Jewish
19 (21%) Other
15. What were/are your first and second heaviest forms of
gambling?
First (N=9 Second (N=85)
Bingo 2 ( 2%) 2 ( 2%)
Cards 7 ( 8%) 18 (22%)
Casino 19 (21%) 16 (19%)
Dice 1 ( 1%) 3 ( 4%)
Horse, dog racing 26 (29%) 13 (15%)
State lottery 4 ( 4%) 12 (14%)
Numbers (illegal) 0 ( 0%) 1 ( 1%)
Poker machines 15 (17%) 6 ( 7%)
Slot machines 2 ( 2%) 1 ( 1%)
Sports 10 (11%) 11 (13%)
Stocks 2 ( 2%) 0
Tip jars, pulltabs 1 ( 1%) 0
Other (golf, pool) 2 ( 2%) 0
16. What was the amount of your gambling related debts when
you first sought help for your gambling problem? (N=76)
$ 0 3 ( 4%)
$2,000 - $ 7,000 19 (25%)
10,000 - 18,000 12 (16%)
20,000 - 26,000 6 ( 8%)
30,000 - 35,000 5 ( 7%)
40,000 - 50,000 6 ( 8%)
60,000 - 72,000 3 ( 4%)
80,000 - 90,000 2 ( 3%)
100,000 5 ( 7%)
115,000 - 150,000 5 ( 7%)
200,000 - 500,000 7 ( 9%)
over $1 million 1 ( 1%)
17. What was your total annual income at that time? (N=83)
$ 4,000 - 8,000 5 ( 6%)
10,000 - 18,000 15 (18%)
20,000 - 28,000 19 (23%)
30,000 - 35,000 13 (16%)
40,000 - 45,000 12 (15%)
50,000 - 55,000 7 ( 8%)
60,000 - 72,000 5 ( 6%)
80,000 - 100,000 3 ( 4%)
150,000 - 200,000 2 ( 2%)
18. How much of your gambling debts was owed to:
Banks Friends Casinos Other:
Credit Card Family Gaming Ind. IRS
2d Mortgage At work Bookies MD tax
$ 1,000 - 10,000 27% 31% 17% 3%
15,000 - 35,000 15% 9% 7% 1%
40,000 - 75,000 12% 5% 2% 7%
80,000 - 200,000 8% 6% 5% 2%
250,000 - 500,000 2% 2% - 1%
19. Are you making (or have you completed) restitution?
Yes - 65 (71%)
No - 19 (21%)
DNR - 7 ( 8%)
20. Have you or your family ever sought any form of public
assistance as a result of your gambling?
Yes - 18%
No - 82%
What form?
6 - medical
1 - housing
8 - other
21. Were you ever delinquent in your Maryland state or
county taxes as a result of the gambling?
Yes - 28 (31%)
No - 63 (70%)
22. Have you committed any illegal acts (bad checks, stealing,
forgery, etc.) because of gambling?
Yes - 56 (61%)
No - 35 (39%)
Which? NOTE: Numbers sum to
Theft, embezzlement - 34 (38%) more than 56 because
Bad checks 30 (33%) some respondents
Forgery 18 (20%) committed crimes in more
Other 10 (11%) than one category.
23. Were you ever charged with a civil offense because of
gambling-related activities? Which?
Yes - 73 (80%)
Motor vehicle violations ( 8%)
Foreclosure ( 5%)
Child support arrears ( 3%)
Other ( 4%)
24. During the worst of your gambling, did you have any auto
accidents which were your fault?
Yes - 23 (25%)
25. While gambling, did you tend to drive differently:
Yes - 35 (38%)
Speeded more often - 43 (47%)
More parking offenses - 12 (13%)
Improper license, tag - 10 (11%)
Moving violations - 9 (10%)
Other - 5 ( 4%)
26. Were you ever charged with a criminal offense due to
gambling related actions?
Yes - 21 (23%)
Forgery 8 ( 9%)
Bad checks 4 ( 4%)
Burglary 3 ( 3%)
Other 7 ( 8%)
27. Were you ever on probation or jailed because of these
criminal charges?
Yes, probation only 9 (10%)
Yes, jail only 4 ( 5%)
Yes, jail and probation 4 ( 5%)
28. Does or did anyone else in your family have a gambling
problem? Who?
Yes 30 (33%)
Father 7 ( 8%)
Parent & relative 4 ( 5%)
Sibling, other 12 (13%)
Spouse 2 ( 2%)
29. Does or did anyone in your family have an alcohol
problem? Who?
Yes 41 (46%)
Father 14 (15%)
Parent and other
relatives 13 (14%)
Both parents 2 ( 2%)
Other relative 11 (12%)
Spouse 2 ( 2%)
30. Does or did anyone in your family have a drug dependency?
Yes 22 (24%)
Siblings 18 (20%)
Father 2 ( 2%)
Parent and other
relatives 1 ( 1%)
Stepfamily 1 ( 1%)
31. Have you ever attempted or seriously considered committing
suicide because of your gambling?
Yes, thought of it 52 (59%)
Yes, attempted suicide 7 ( 8%)
32. What was the method you were considering?
Automobile 11 (12%)
Gun 8 ( 9%)
Pills 5 ( 6%)
Knife, slit wrists 2 ( 2%)
Poison, gas, jump 9 (10%)
Combination of two 6 ( 7%)
Did not respond 11 (12%)
What was the actual method used?
Car
Car, gun & pills
Car and knife
Pills
Butcher knife
33. At what age did you develop an alcohol/drug/gambling
dependency and when did you stop? (Each line is a single
respondent; respondents listing gambling as their only
dependency are not included in the table below.)
Gambling Alcohol Drug
From To From To From To
Age Age Age Age Age Age
32 - 35 32 - 35
22 - 35 22 - 35 22 - 35
30 - 37 20 - 25
36 - DNR 27 - 41
16 - 38 16 - 38 16 - 38
28 - 61 43
50 - 58 16 - 57
30 - DNR 14 - 24
18 - 28 22 - 27
20 - 37 16 - 21
14 - 34 14 - 34 18 - 28
26 - 42 26 - 38
55 - 57 18 - 41
24 - 34 18 - 25 16 - 17
30 - 41 17 - 30
34 - 49 19 - 48
15 - 37 17 - 37 19 - 37
22 - 36 25 - 36
16 - 55 16 - 53
18 18 - 34 18 - 32
34 - 35 27 - 37
20 - 47 16 - 48
12 - 45 30 - 40 20 - 45
19 - 39 19 - 36
42 - 44 17 - 29 41 - 44
39 - n/a 20 - 35 20 - 35
15 - 37 20 - 37 20 - 37
16 - 55 18 - 36
34. Did you or your family seek professional counseling due
to gambling-related feelings or events?
Yes 59 (66%)
No 32 (34%)
35. Were you or your family ever denied proper or adequate
treatment due to inability to pay for services?
Yes 11 (12%)
No 80 (88%)
36. Speaking not as a GA member but rather as a citizen of
Maryland, what message would you like to give to the
Task Force on Gambling Addiction to be included in its
report to the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
and to the state legislature?
(1) Please get the word out. Let's publicize the problem.
(2) In a state where gambling of all types is readily
available (race tracks, lottery, casinos, etc.), it
would make sense to recognize that compulsive gambling
is a serious illness and to take steps to provide
treatment for those who seek it.
(3) Explain the words "compulsive gambler" to the public.
(4) Take a percentage of the money bet on the lottery and
horse races and use it to help people and employees
afflicted with it (compulsive gambling).
(5) Gambling is a serious problem and steps should be taken
to correct the problem.
(6) Publicize the addiction a lot more and use a far
greater percentage of gambling-generated funds to
help us.
(7) The seriousness of this problem is unbelievable! It is
a disease which needs treatment. We need help for
individuals who seek help.
(8) Compulsive gambling needs more public awareness. It
needs to be treated as an illness the same as a cancer.
Unfortunately it is so socially accepted, denial is
also accepted by the "victims" of the gambler's
charades. The damage that gamblers do spreads far
wider than just the direct family members. Much more
white collar criminal activity goes on than is made
public. My own opinion is that the gambling illness is
looked at as a weakness as opposed to a sickness that
can be treated. This illness is not selective about
whom it attacks, rich or poor, black or white, young or
old, male or female. It is deadly and needs attention
as soon as possible.
(9) Adequate monies need to be collected to provide
research and assistance to those suffering with the
illness of compulsive gambling.
(10) I would like to see funds given to aid in the treatment
of compulsive gamblers.
(11) PLEASE, give funds for this program because there are a
lot of people out there in dire need of help.
(12) I think gambling should be treated as a disease. The
state should have patience and help in any way to find
a cure.
(13) There is not enough public knowledge that allows people
to know how devastating this illness really is; not
enough advertising to tell people where to get help.
(14) Since the state promotes gambling through the lottery,
I feel that the state should commit funds for
prevention, education, and treatment for the compulsive
gambling problem.
(15) There are many gamblers young and old who need help
desperately. Someone needs to take account of all
gambling in Maryland and see how many people are
doing it.
(16) Make more people aware of compulsive gambling.
(17) DON'T GAMBLE!
(18) Gambling is a sickness just like any other serious
sickness and it needs treatment. GA is the best
treatment going.
(19) People with gambling problems are not necessarily bad
people.
(20) Why does the state of Maryland allow the illegal payoff
of poker machines in bars, pool halls and other places?
It is illegal to pay off; however, it has been going on
for over twenty years in the Baltimore area.
(21) Put a warning on state lottery tickets.
(22) Gambling is a serious problem and should be dealt with
as such.
(23) Take the poker machines out of Maryland.
(24) Do not have the state operate gambling activities.
(25) I request that a percentage of state lottery money be
put into centers to treat compulsive gamblers. Also,
the thoroughbred and harness industries should give a
percentage of their take for treatment.
(26) Have as much advertising for treatment as they do for
the state lottery.
(27) Treat compulsive gamblers the same way alcoholics are
treated.
(28) Cut out fire house gambling and make it illegal.
(29) Compulsive Gambling is a Sickness.
(30) Crack down harder on poker machines.
(31) Set aside a reserve fund for compulsive gamblers and
their families.
(32) Reduce advertisements for gambling in this state.
(33) We are on the verge of a real crisis in this country
with the widespread acceptance and dependence on
gambling.
(34) For me the gambling addiction was the strongest of my
three addictions - alcoholism, drug addiction and
compulsive gambling. The gambling brought me to my
knees and I questioned my sanity.
(35) Do away with all the casinos and "fun" games. They
only add to compulsive gambling.
(36) The state doesn't advertise for alcohol, but it does
advertise the lottery!
(37) Remove the stigma of treatment for compulsive gambling.
(38) There should be free professional care.
(39) Close the casinos.
(40) Too many lotteries, too much horse racing, too much
gambling in fire houses, churches, instant lotteries,
Moose Clubs, seven days a week.
(41) Gambling is on the same level as drugs and alcohol as
far as addictions go; however, the signs aren't as
physical, which makes the addicts go on much longer.
(42) Have public service advertising on television and in
newspapers.
(43) For myself, gambling was more addictive than any drug I
ever did. Drugs never brought me to my knees like my
gambling did.
(44) Stop the numbers game.
(45) Lottery machines on every corner are not necessary.
(46) Compulsive gambling is an illness.
(47) Put a disclaimer on the state lottery and crack down a
lot harder on poker machines.
(48) Take a hard look at the social costs of welfare and the
criminal justice system.
(49) To the extent that promotional activities such as mass
advertising contributes to influence people with
developed or latent compulsiveness with gambling,
wouldn't it be a responsible step to allocate funds to
help such addicted ones?
(This is not the entire list of responses.
Duplicates have been omitted.)
* * *
Special recognition is given to Robert A. Yaffee, Ph.D., a
research consultant at the Academic Computing Center, Courant
Institute of Mathematical Sciences, New York University; to Helen
Gonzalez, of the Department of Social Work Research, Memorial
Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center; and to Ralph B. Duane, member of
this Task Force, for their extra efforts in this study.
APPENDIX C
GAM-ANON SURVEY
Findings of Survey
on GamAnon Members in Maryland
Prepared for
The Task Force on Gambling Addiction
by
Valerie C. Lorenz, Ph.D.
Executive Director
National Center for Pathological Gambling, Inc.
Baltimore
November, 1989
A survey distributed among Maryland
GamAnon members showed that compulsive
gambling has a negative impact upon family
members during and after cessation of
gambling. All of the spouses and almost all
of the children suffered some kind of adverse
emotional effect. These households were
described as chaotic and disrupted.
Assistance from professional sources was
minimal and not helpful. Respondents had
complaints about various types of legal and
illegal gambling in Maryland, and included
messages for the Maryland Department of
Health and Mental Hygiene and for the
Maryland State Legislature.
Introduction
The purpose of the Task Force on Gambling Addiction was to
determine the social and economic impact of compulsive gambling
on the family and on the community. Therefore a questionnaire
was drawn up, which was distributed to the GamAnon chapters in
Maryland.
GamAnon is a fellowship of family members and friends of the
compulsive gambler. Members share their experiences in an effort
to cope with the difficulties engendered by compulsive gambling.
The only requirement for membership is having a relationship with
a compulsive gambler.
GamAnon adheres to the spiritual guidelines of the Twelve
Steps of Recovery. Although most meetings are held in churches,
GamAnon is not allied with any sect or religious denomination.
GamAnon may hold meetings at the same time as Gamblers Anonymous,
albeit in a separate room. Membership in GamAnon is separate
from Gamblers Anonymous and does not require that the gambling
addict be a member of Gamblers Anonymous.
There are no fees for membership. Through contributions
from members, GamAnon is self-supporting. It does not accept
outside contributions.
GamAnon does not take a political issue on gambling,
neither endorsing nor opposing any causes. It does not engage in
any outside controversy. Founded in 1960, it currently has five
chapters in Maryland, and 300 nationwide. The three chapters in
Maryland which participated in this survey in September, 1989,
were located in Rosedale, Silver Spring, and Towson. Attendance
varies with each meeting, averaging from two to ten members.
Some members may attend more than one chapter, but filled in only
one survey. Meetings are held weekly, generally for two-hour
sessions.
Methodology
The research instrument consisted of a three-page printed
questionnaire. A cover letter described the nature and function
of the Task Force, and the purpose of the survey. Participants
were advised that the survey was anonymous and would be kept
confidential. Respondents were further instructed not to write
their names on the survey.
The survey itself consisted of 20 questions, which were
either fill-in, sentence completion, or open-ended. Topics
included demographic data; emotional and health impact on the
spouse and on the children; economic impact; assistance sought;
and messages to policy makers.
Surveys were distributed at the GamAnon meetings at least
twice, to allow previously absent members to participate.
Twenty-three surveys were returned. Five surveys -- four
completed by parents and one by a spouse who had married the
gambler after he was in recovery -- were not fully completed or
were inappropriate. These five were not included in the
statistical analysis, although the comments made by these
respondents are included. The following, then, is based on a
sample of 18.
Results
Demographics - All of the respondents are females, and all
are either married to or presently living with the compulsive
gambler. Their ages ranged from 30 to 62, with a mean of 43,
although they were almost equally distributed in their thirties,
forties, or fifties.
Fifteen of these 18 families had children, totalling to 31,
who ranged in age from infant to 35. Ten of the respondents were
employed.
Impact on the Family - Twelve of these 31 children were
judged by their mothers not to have been affected by the father's
compulsive gambling, most often because they were too young. The
remaining 19 children, however, suffered a variety of emotional
or behavioral problems. Approximately three out of four were
described by their mothers as either moody, withdrawn or
depressed, and a similar number were described as being angry,
irritable or rebellious. Approximately half were using alcohol
to an excess, and one third were using or abusing drugs.
Of those children who were of school age (n=17), ten were
reported to have lower school grades, five failed a grade or
dropped out of school, and eight had increased illnesses or
absences from school.
Several youngsters were experiencing emotional and
behavioral difficulties after the father stopped gambling. Three
were suffering from depression, three were rebellious, three are
active alcoholics, and one student had developed an overspending
habit.
The respondents themselves experienced numerous psycho-
logical and physical reactions to years of living with a
compulsive gambler. One hundred percent admitted to feeling
constantly angry, irritable, argumentative and anxious. Fifteen
of the respondents (83%) became moody, withdrawn, isolated and
depressed, ten (56%) became physically sick, suffering from
headaches, nausea, ulcers or other stomach problems, "bad
nerves," high blood pressure, and a general malaise. Four (22%)
admitted they had to seek the services of a physician and were
medicated with tranquilizers.
In terms of substance abuse, three increased their
consumption of alcohol to the abuse level, three resorted to
overeating, and three doubled their usual amount of smoking.
Of the ten respondents who were employed, their distress
affected their work. Four (40%) said they became less productive
at work, six (60%) vented their frustrations on other employees,
while four (40%) had increased absences or tardiness.
One third of the respondents separated as a result of the
gambling addiction, but are now reconciled. One of the GamAnon
members stated she was in the process of separating at the time
the survey was taken.
Financial Issues - Five (28%) of the 18 respondents were
repeatedly threatened with eviction, and three (17%) in fact were
evicted. Several respondents also had their heat, electricity,
gas, water or phone cut off for lack of payment of their utility
bills.
Eight (44%) of the respondents indicated that they had
resorted to activities which they would not have considered doing
under more normal conditions. Five wrote bad checks, one ran up
her credit cards, and one declared bankruptcy, and another
respondent worked three jobs to support the family.
Help Sought or Considered - Of the 17 professionals who were
contacted for assistance with the gambling addiction, (eight
mental health counselors, four lawyers, three family doctors, two
ministers) only two, both mental health counselors, recommended
Gamblers Anonymous or GamAnon. One lawyer suggested that the
respondent file for bankruptcy.
Eight of the 18 respondents turned to friends or family
members for help, of which only three recommended either Gamblers
Anonymous or contacting Alcoholics Anonymous, for further
assistance. In six instances the husband told the respondent
about Gamblers Anonymous. One wife wrote: "I did not seek any
help. I did not know about the gambling. My husband would lie
about where he had been and what happened to his money."
Five respondents had serious thoughts about suicide and one,
in fact, attempted suicide by overdosing on Valium, which had
been prescribed by her family doctor.
Complaints and Messages - Eight respondents wanted to file a
complaint about legal or illegal gambling to the police or a
state agency. They did not carry out their plans, believing the
police or agency either would not or could not help. One
respondent did file a complaint with the police. The complaint
resulted in physical violence in the home.
The respondents wanted to file five complaints against the
horse racing industry, three about illegal card clubs, three
about illegal poker machines, two complaints about the state
lottery, and two about Prince Georges County casinos.
GamAnon Respondents' Requests for Help
The questionnaire asked the respondents what kind of help
they would like from the Maryland Department of Health and Mental
Hygiene. Their answers are:
People know the social stigma (of compulsive gambling) is
real and are reluctant to seek help. We need public service ads.
Courts should be able to take measures to deal with the
finances of gamblers - giving authority to responsible people.
We need more affordable help in the form of qualified
psychologists, especially when there is a total lack of funds.
We need more information (on compulsive gambling) on tele-
vision and affordable counseling.
We need counseling services.
Compulsive gambling is relatively unknown and people should
be made aware of such a problem. We need to have more facilities
for the gamblers. There are many alcoholic and narcotics
programs, but few for gambling.
We need more publicity about the illness.
We need more public awareness of gambling as an addiction,
and financial support for education and rehabilitation of those
affected.
We need treatment made available through the Health
Department.
We need support services, family counseling, crisis
intervention and follow-up, social and mental health services.
We need public education. We should use funds for further
research into gambling addiction. We need to coordinate with
other governmental entities to obtain true observance of the
problems.
We need more information about the signs of gambling.
I would like someone to be able to help the family to take
control and to be able to function when all the money is gone.
We need free hospital care.
GamAnon Respondents' Messages
for the Governor and Legislators
The questionnaire asked respondents what message they would
have for the Governor and State Legislators. Their answers are:
Don't make special offices with "experts" to write a bunch
of papers nobody reads. Help the gambler.
Reconsider the legality of gambling in the state. If it
stays legal, make more help available for the compulsive gamblers
and their families and children.
Gambling is a devastating disease, as overwhelming as
cancer, but nobody talks about it. People don't realize the many
forms of gambling or how insane the disease is. Some people can
ruin their lives even on lottery tickets or bingo. It isn't just
Las Vegas or Atlantic City.
De-legalize gambling, especially the lottery, which is
supported by the state.
Observe Maryland law! No gambling except what is legal.
This is a very serious illness that needs to be handled that
way.
Take some of the commercials off lotteries and put more
money on help for compulsive gambling.
Do not pass the Off-Track-Betting bill.
Put more money into (treatment) programs.
Restrict or eliminate all forms of gambling.
Gambling is addictive just like alcohol and the state should
start giving it the attention that it gives alcoholism.
Gambling is a terminal disease - it is a family disease that
progressively kills each and every member of the family.
The lottery commercials on TV I find repulsive. There have
been people who have lost their homes due to playing the lottery.
It's sad that society looks at it as the person's problem and not
society's, for encouraging them to play to win.
We need funds to help in recovery from compulsive gambling.
Gambling -- no matter how remunerative to the state or
county -- is costly in terms of humans.
Conclusions
Compulsive gambling is an addiction which becomes a family
illness. As this study indicates, even though the sample size is
small, many members of the family are hurt by this addiction.
Children and other family members often are powerless over the
gambling and its consequences. In confirmation of previous
studies by Lorenz and Shuttlesworth (1983) and Lorenz and Yaffee
(1986; 1988; and 1989), the community is still unprepared to
render appropriate assistance to those people who are affected by
compulsive gambling.
Children of compulsive gamblers grow up in troubled families
and, not surprisingly, resort to inappropriate behaviors. Like
their gambling parent, they often develop an addiction or
personality disorder, which is costly to themselves, their
families, and the community. If this trend is to be reversed,
then it is imperative that more research be conducted, especially
on the children of compulsive gamblers.
Although a few studies have explored the criminal activities
of the compulsive gambler, this is the first study which looked
at the criminal activities of the spouse of the compulsive
gambler. Even though the number of respondents who committed
illegal acts is small, there is no reason to assume that these
GamAnon members are very different from their sisters in other
chapters.
It is quite apparent that compulsive gambling is not an
isolated illness, but rather a family problem and a community
problem.
Tabulation of Survey
Conducted by the Task Force on Gambling Addiction
of Maryland GamAnon Chapters
GamAnon chapters surveyed: Silver Spring, Towson and Rosedale.
Twenty-three surveys were returned. Two of these were completed
by parents, two by a family member, and one by a spouse who met
the gambler after he stopped gambling. These surveys were not
appropriate or were not fully completed, and thus were not
included in the statistical analysis, although their comments are
included. The following, then, is based on a sample of 18.
AGE - Range: 30 - 62 ; Mean: 43. Ages were almost uniformly
distributed in the 30s, 40s, and 50s.
SEX - All female
MARITAL STATUS - All married and living with the
compulsive gambler.
CHILDREN - 15 of these 18 families had a total of
31 children, ranging in age from 1 to 35.
Respondents were asked "How did the gambling
affect your children?" 12 were judged to be
problem-free; of the remaining 19, these
difficulties were reported:
10 (n=17*) - school grades dropped
5 (n=17*) - failed classes or dropped out of school
5 (n=17*) - had increased illnesses
3 (n=17*) - were truant or absent from school
3 (n=17*) - were truant or absent from school
15 (n=19) - were moody, withdrawn, depressed
13 (n=19) - were irritable, angry, rebellious
8 (n=10) - were using/abusing alcohol
6 (n=19) - were using or abused drugs
* Two were below school age
CURRENT PROBLEMS THE CHILDREN HAVE -
3 are suffering from depression
3 are rebellious, disrespectful, angry
3 are alcoholics
1 overspends
EFFECT OF GAMBLING ON THE SPOUSE - Respondents
were asked, "What effect did the gambling
have on you?" (N=18)
18 - became irritable, angry, argumentative
and anxious
15 - became moody, withdrawn, isolated, and
depressed
14 - took their moods out on the gambler
8 - took their moods out on their children
6 - vented at work (N=10)
4 - became less productive at work (N=10)
4 - had increased absences or lateness
5 - increased their smoking, usually double
the amount of packs smoked per day
10 - became sick, 3 suffering from headaches,
3 from nausea or stomach problems, 1 from
ulcers, 1 from high blood pressure, 1 had
more frequent colds, two suffered from
"general malaise," and four from nerves or
depression
3 - increased their consumption of alcohol to
the alcohol-abuse level
4 - had to be put on tranquilizers
3 - resorted to excessive eating
SEPARATION - Respondents were asked if they and their
spouses separated as a result of gambling-related
problems?
6 - have separated and are now reconciled
1 - will separate
EVICTION - Were you ever evicted due to gambling?
3 - yes
2 - were threatened with eviction many times
UTILITIES - Respondents reported utilities were shut
off due to gambling indebtedness:
4 - electricity
2 - heat
2 - phone
1 - gas
1 - water
ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES - Respondents were asked, "Did you
ever do something you normally would not have
done to support yourself or your children as a
result of the compulsive gambling?"
5 - wrote bad checks
1 - ran up credit cards
1 - declared bankruptcy
1 respondent said she worked three jobs
HELP SOUGHT - Respondents sought help from:
8 - mental health counselor
8 - family members or friends
4 - lawyer
3 - family doctor
2 - their minister
Of the 17 professionals who were sought for help
with the gambling problems, only two, both mental
health counselors, recommended Gamblers Anonymous
or GamAnon. One lawyer recommended filing for
bankruptcy.
Three of the eight family members or friends
recommended either Gamblers Anonymous or
Alcoholics Anonymous, not knowing of GA. In six
instances the husband told the wife about GA. In
three instances the wives learned of Gamblers
Anonymous through their own efforts.
One wife wrote, "I did not seek any help. I did
not know about the gambling. My husband would lie
about where he had been and what happened to his
money."
SUICIDE - Five respondents had serious thoughts of
committing suicide, and one attempted suicide with
an overdose of Valium.
COMPLAINTS - Eight respondents wanted to file a com-
plaint about legal or illegal gambling to the
police or a state agency. They did not carry out
their plans, believing the police or agency either
would not or could not help. One respondent did
file a complaint with the police. The complaint
resulted in physical violence in the home.
They wanted to file complaints about:
5 - horse racing
3 - illegal card clubs
3 - illegal poker machines
2 - state lottery
2 - county casinos
APPENDIX D
COMPULSIVE GAMBLING HOTLINE (1-800-332-0402)
FY90 FINAL REPORT
Compulsive Gambling Hotline:
Fiscal Year 1990 Final Report
Presented to the
Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Administration
State of Maryland
by
Valerie C. Lorenz, Ph.D., Project Director
and
Executive Director
National Center for Pathological Gambling, Inc.
Baltimore
August, 1990
Background
The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene,
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Administration (ADAA), contracted with the
National Center for Pathological Gambling, Inc., Baltimore, to
continue operating the 24-hour, national compulsive gambling
hotline for the third year in a row. The contract dates were
from July 1, 1989, to June 30, 1990. Support in the amount of
$10,000 was granted by ADAA for the hotline which was to cover
phone bills, supplies, and minor staff support services. It is
national in scope per agreement between the ADAA and the National
Center, due to the mobile nature of our society and the
prevalence of gambling in Maryland and the nation.
The Hotline was averaging over 150 calls per month when
there was a sudden upsurge of calls in November. This was due to
the continuing publicity about Pete Rose and his alleged sports
gambling, and later the increase of publicity about riverboat
gambling and NFL lottery games, resulting in over 550 calls in
the October-November period. Another upsurge occurred in
January, after the Project Director, Dr. Valerie Lorenz, was on
a live, two-hour Larry King radio talk show, with host Jim
Bohannan. In the following 12 hours, compulsive gamblers or
family members placed 125 Hotline calls, twice the usual pace.
The Hotline was averaging over 300 calls per month in Feb-
ruary when another unexpected upsurge occurred which continues to
this date, resulting in a high of over 3,500 calls in a one-month
period. This was attributed to the Maryland State Legislature's
demands upon the Maryland State Lottery, in response to concerns
about compulsive gambling in Maryland. The Maryland State
Lottery was instructed to print warning notices and the toll-free
800 number on lottery tickets and promotional materials.
Unfortunately, this was done without first consulting with
the National Center, resulting in inaccuracies and unanticipated
costs and staff requirements. Since then, the National Center
and the State Lottery have attempted to resolve these diffi-
culties, with some success. The ADAA funded the Hotline an
additional emergency grant of $9,000, representing a total
support of $19,000 for the fiscal year. Costs to operate the
Hotline was estimated by the National Center at over $100,000 per
year, at the present level of services and rate of calls. The
National Center is optimistic that with its continuous
interaction between the legislature, ADAA, the State Lottery, and
the gambling industry, the Hotline will continue to be responsive
to the needs of the citizens and visitors of Maryland, by giving
them access to services and information about
compulsive gambling.
"Legitimate" Calls
Although nearly 12,000 calls were received on the Hotline
from July 1, 1989 to June 30, 1090, and 5,871 of these were
logged onto the computer, these data concern only the 1,324
"legitimate" calls -- those desiring information on compulsive
gambling and referrals to Gamblers Anonymous or professionals.
"Lottery" calls -- those wishing information on the winning
lottery number, etc. -- will be considered in the following
section.
In this section of the report, the findings are reported
for all the calls (labeled "US") and for calls originating only
in Maryland, with similarities and differences noted.
January was the busiest month for both the Maryland calls
and calls originating throughout the country. This may be
attributed to two factors: the holiday season and the addict's
increased needs, and listeners to the Larry King two-hour live
radio show with Dr. Lorenz. This show was aired throughout the
United States. The slight elevation in Maryland calls in March
is also due to local publicity.
The winter quarter (January, February, March) was the
heaviest, with 33% of the Maryland and 37% of the US calls coming
in during this time of year. The spring quarter had the least
calls (18% in Maryland, 14% in US).
PERCENTAGE OF CALLS RECEIVED EACH MONTH DURING FY90
Maryland (N=462) United States (N=1324)
March 12.1% January 20.4%
January 11.0 August 10.4
August 10.4 September 10.3
February 10.2 March 8.8
November 10.2 October 8.4
December 8.2 February 7.7
September 7.7 December 7.6
October 7.4 July 6.6
April 6.7 November 6.4
May 5.8 May 4.8
June 5.2 June 4.4
July 5.0 April 4.2
Length of Calls
The length of calls were almost identical between
Maryland and US calls. The Maryland data is:
0 - 5 minutes = 52%
6 - 10 minutes = 24%
11 - 20 minutes = 17%
21 - 30 minutes = 5%
31 - 90 minutes = 2%
Day of Call
Both groups received more calls in the beginning of the
week than over the end of the week. Tuesday was the busiest
day for national calls (23.8%), while Monday was the busiest
day for Maryland calls (N=462, 20.3%). Nearly one fourth of
the calls were placed over the weekend.
Monday - 20.0%
Tuesday - 18.2
Thursday - 15.8
Wednesday - 14.7
Saturday - 12.6
Sunday - 9.7
Friday - 8.7
Time of Day
The distribution of calls during working hours was
virtually identical for US and Maryland. However, late
evening and night-time calls differed. This may be a
function of time differences in the country.
Maryland U.S.
0 am - 7 am 2.6% 5.0%
8 am - 1 pm 35.9 34.4
1 pm - 6 pm 34.4 35.7
6 pm - midnight 27.0 24.3
Nature of Call
There was a major difference in US and Maryland calls in the
category of requesting a referral to Gamblers Anonymous or to a
professional therapist. These calls amounted to 48% in Maryland
and 35% in the US. They are ranked in order of frequency in
Maryland.
Nature of Call Maryland U.S.
Refer to GA or professional 48.3% 34.7%
Needs information on c.g. 16.0 19.3
Needs emotional support 15.8 12.8
Other - Legal, Drugs, Alcohol 3.2 3.1
Give us information 3.0 4.3
Needs information on Hotline 2.8 1.6
Complaint against an agency 2.2 2.0
Research on compulsive
gambling 1.9 5.8
Crisis or suicide 1.7 2.1
Administrative 1.1 1.4
Prank or disturbed caller .9 3.4
Follow-up by previous caller .9 1.1
Information on Lottery .9 .9
Related to Task Force .6 6.1
Compulsive check writer .4 .1
Credit card addict 0 .1
Threat 0 .1
Learn of the Hotline Number
In spite of the high volume of lottery-related calls and the
high number of busy signals, at least 77 calls were for "legiti-
mate" reasons by callers who learned of the toll-free 800 number
through the warning on lottery tickets. Also, the National
Center has a listing of the Compulsive Gambling Hotline in each
of the various Maryland Yellow Page phone directories, which may
account for the high numbers in this category. Many callers
throughout the US learn of the Hotline number through the 800
number telephone operator.
Source of 800 Number Maryland U.S.
Telephone book, operator 28.8% 17.4%
Newspaper story 14.6 15.0
Lottery ticket 12.6 5.9
Personal contact 10.5 9.5
Repeat caller 9.4 10.9
Radio 8.9 17.5
National Center staff 5.0 13.3
Gamblers Anonymous 4.6 4.9
Television 4.1 4.5
Ad, brochure, sticker .6 .2
Magazine .4 .6
Caller's Zip Code
Calls are listed according to who called and from which
geographic area. Callers in Maryland are listed according to the
County in which they live. Others are listed according to the
State in which they live. This information was not obtainable
from all callers. There is a separate category for compulsive
gamblers who call.
Maryland Caller's Address (N=186)
Baltimore City 35% Howard 5%
Montgomery County 12 Washington 5
Baltimore County 11 Harford 5
Prince George 6 Allegany 4
Anne Arundel 5 Carroll 2
Frederick 5 Wicomico 1
The majority of out of state calls came from nearby states
such as New York, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Washington, DC, and New
Jersey, although calls also came from states as far away as
California, Nevada, Florida, and Massachusetts.
Compulsive Gambler's Address
Whenever possible, the caller was asked to identify the
county in which the compulsive gambler lived. It was not unusual
to have a caller request the location of that day's Gamblers
Anonymous meeting and then hang up. There were no calls from
compulsive gamblers identified as living in Calvert, Caroline,
and St. Mary's County.
Gamblers's Address (N=331)
Baltimore 26.6% Carroll 2.4
Baltimore County 18.4 Wicomico 2.1
Montgomery 11.8 Cecil 0.9
Prince George 8.8 Charles 0.9
Frederick 6.0 Kent 0.9
Anne Arundel 4.8 Dorchester 0.6
Queen Anne 0.6 Frederick 6.0
Howard 3.9 Garrett 0.6
Harford 3.3 Somerset 0.6
Washington 3.0 Talbot 0.6
Allegany 2.7 Worcester 0.3
Out of state compulsive gamblers were calling most often
from nearby states, such as Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York,
North Carolina and Washington, D.C.
Gambler's Sex
A major difference was noted between Maryland and national
rates in the sex of the compulsive gambler. The national
percentage was consistent with last year's figures whereas the
Maryland figures changed rather dramatically.
National Maryland
FY89 FY90 FY89 FY90
Males 83% 81% 83% 75%
Females 17% 19% 17% 25%
The reasons for this increase in the percentage of female
compulsive gamblers are speculative; however, in view of the
prevalence in Maryland of many "smaller" games of chance, such as
the state lottery, tip jars, bingo and poker machines, one might
attribute the availability and ready accessibility of gambling as
a contributing factor.
Race of the Compulsive Gambler
There was also an increase in the percentage of black
compulsive gamblers in the state of Maryland, whereas the
national figures varied less from the year before. As in
previous years, the race was based on opinion of the Hotline
staffers, rather than from direct response to a question.
US US MARYLAND
Race FY89 FY90 FY89 FY90
White 85% 85% 85% 84%
Black 12% 13% 12% 16%
Hispanic 2% 1% 2% -
Oriental 1% 1% 1% .5%
Age of Compulsive Gambler
Another difference from last year's figures are the ages of
Maryland's compulsive gamblers, who among these callers are
younger, as a group, than the national callers. As in previous
years, the ages of the caller were requested, but if not given,
were estimated by Hotline staff. The ages for both groups ranged
between 15 and 77.
US & MD US MD
Age FY89 FY90 FY90
Mean 38 36
Mode 40 35
Teens 2% 2% 4%
20 - 29 22% 19% 28%
30 - 39 34% 31% 33%
40 - 49 25% 29% 21%
50 - 59 12% 11% 8%
Over 60 5% 7% 5%
Alcohol Abuse, Past or Present
Once again, a difference was noted between last year's
figures and those of this contract period. Last year 6% of both
Maryland and US compulsive gamblers admitted to an alcohol
problem. We believe the FY90 figures to be more reliable,
inasmuch as Hotline staffers were instructed to be more specific
in their questions in this area.
Alcohol dependence MD US US-FY89
Now 13% 11% 6%
In past 1% 2% 6%
Drug Dependence
A slight increase was also noted in drug abuse among
compulsive gamblers. Last year 1% of the compulsive gamblers
were found to be or have been drug dependent.
Drug Abuse MD US
Now 2% 2%
In past 1% 0.5%
Suicide, Crime, or Depression
Last year this category also included callers who were
seriously depressed but not necessarily suicidal or about to
commit a crime. Ten percent admitted to being depressed,
suicidal or on the verge of committing a criminal act as a result
of heavy gambling losses. This year Depression is a separate
category. Another category, that of physical abuse, was added
half-way through the contract period because of a sudden surge of
callers who were physically abused by their spouses as a result
of financial losses.
Problem MD US
Suicidal now 3% 3%
Suicidal in the past 1% 2%
Physical abuse 1% 1%
Depression 21% 18%
Legal Problems 15% 16%
Employment Status
The following information was obtained about the gambler's
employment status:
Employment Status MD (N=276) US (N=609)
Full-time employed 73% 66%
Unemployed 9% 11%
Part-time employed 2% 4%
Housewife, retired, etc. 6% 7%
Student 6% 5%
In jail 4% 6%
Source of Income
As in the previous year, some compulsive gamblers were
homeless. Those callers in jail were also listed as having no
income.
Source of Income MD (N=268) US (N=584)
Own or spouse's job 81% 75%
Family or friends 7% 8%
Social Security,
pension, etc. 4% 4%
Welfare 1% 1%
Cash, savings 1% 9%
None or in jail 7% 10%
Insurance Coverage
The insurance coverage between Marylanders and national
compulsive gamblers was fairly similar. However, there was a
rather large drop among last year's callers who had VA, CHAMPUS
or military insurance, from 18% to 5%. This may be attributable
to the larger number of younger compulsive gamblers and females
among this year's callers. There was also an 8% increase in the
number of callers who had an HMO or other very limited type of
mental health insurance, from 23% to 31%.
Type of Insurance
Blue Cross/Blue Shield 29%
HMO or restricted policy 31%
VA, CHAMPUS, or military 5%
Medicaid or Medicare 6%
None 29%
Although listed as Blue Cross/Blue Shield, this category
also includes major insurance carriers, such as Prudential,
Aetna, Travelers, etc., which tend to offer better mental health
benefits than Blue Cross/Blue Shield. In addition, Blue
Cross/Blue Shield of Maryland has a history of lengthy delays of
reimbursement.
The increase of callers insured by a health maintenance
organization or similar restricted policy does not bode well for
Maryland citizens, inasmuch as these insurance carriers do not
have trained, experienced compulsive gambling providers and yet
they consistently refuse coverage for services rendered by
non-participant providers.
VA benefits are not extended to family members. There are
no VA or military gambling treatment programs in this state.
However, an increasing number of active duty military members are
using the toll-free 800 Hotline. They tend to pay cash for
treatment services, rather than using military benefits.
Relationship of Caller to Gambler
The rate of callers from Maryland and out-of-state was
almost identical. There was an increase in the number of
prison counselors and parole officers calling about treatment
centers or information on compulsive gambling.
Relationship to Gambler (N=841)
Self 61%
Spouse or live-in partner 14%
Mother or Father 8%
Sibling or other family 7%
Friend 5%
Counselor or therapist 3%
Employer, lawyer, or p.o. 2%
First Gambling Preference
Callers were asked about their gambling habits and to name
their first and second preference. Because of the rather stark
differences in gambling activity between Maryland compulsive
gamblers and those from other states, both groups are listed.
Noteworthy is the increase of lottery calls when compared with
last year's statistics. Nationally, there was a 6% increase,
from 7% to 13%, and in Maryland there was a 15% increase, from 7%
to 22%. Two possibilities for this increase may be 1) an
increase of lottery addicts, or 2) greater accessibility of
lottery addicts to call the toll-free 800 number, by virtue of
purchasing Maryland State Lottery tickets with the warning sign.
This is not available at Maryland race tracks, casinos, bingo
parlors or other gambling sites.
Maryland (N=322) National (N=757)
First Preference First Preference
Lottery 22% Casinos 19%
Poker machines 19% Poker machines 15%
Horse racing 13% Horse racing 15%
Sports 13% Sports 14%
Casinos 12% Lottery 13%
Cards 6% Cards 9%
Tip jar, pulltab 4% Tip jar, pulltab 3%
Cmplsve spender 5% Everything 3%
Bingo 2% Dog racing 2%
Slot machines 1% Bingo 2%
All others total 3% All others total 5%
Second Gambling Preference
The numbers for second choice of gambling are small;
however, even these numbers are suggestive that gambling patterns
of compulsive gamblers in Maryland may differ from those in other
states, which is strongly suggestive of environmental factors
contributing to compulsive gambling.
Maryland (N=92) National (N=192)
Second Preference Second Preference
Poker machines 21% Casinos 17%
Lottery 15% Sports 15%
Casinos 14% Horses 15%
Sports 13% Lottery 12%
Cards 8% Poker machines 12%
Horses 7% Cards 11%
Dice 5% Everything 6%
Everything 4% Slot machines 5%
Options, commod. 4% Options, commod. 3%
Bingo 2% Bingo 2%
Tip jar, pulltabs 2% Dice 2%
Further statistical analysis was performed on both Maryland
and national callers on legal problems, sex of the gamblers, age
groups, employment, and mental health insurance coverage.
Legal Problems and Type of Gambling
The principal gambling activities of the callers who
reported legal problems were divided as follows:
Maryland (N=62) National (N=202)
Lottery 24% Casinos 35%
Casinos 18% Horses 15%
Horses 10% Poker machines 14%
Poker Machines 10% Lottery 11%
Blue Cross/Blue Shield by Type of Gambling (N=146)
Gamblers with Blue Cross/Blue Shield coverage were
distributed among types of gambling as follows:
Sports 27%
Casino 26%
Poker machines 15%
Horses 14%
Lottery 14%
Cards 12%
It appears that casino gamblers and sports bettors, who
typically are white businessmen, tend to have better mental
health insurance coverage than other types of gamblers, such as
lottery or poker machine addicts, who tend to have lower incomes
and include more females and blacks.
Race and Sex of Maryland and US Compulsive Gamblers
White Black Orien. Hisp. Total
-----------------------------------------
Male MD 64% 11% 0% 0% 75%
US 71% 10% 1% 1% 83%
-----------------------------------------
Female MD 20% 5% 0% 0% 25%
US 15% 3% 0% 0% 18%
-----------------------------------------
Total MD 84% 16% 0% 0% N=370
US 86% 13% 1% 1% N=814
Age and Sex of Maryland and US Compulsive Gamblers
Male Female Total
Under 20 MD 2% 0% 2%
US 2% 0% 2%
-----------------------
20-29 MD 23% 7% 30%
US 15% 4% 19%
-----------------------
30-30 MD 23% 11% 34%
US 24% 7% 31%
-----------------------
40-49 MD 17% 4% 21%
US 25% 4% 29%
-----------------------
50+ MD 11% 3% 14%
US 16% 3% 19%
-----------------------
Total MD 75% 25% N=361
US 83% 17% N=800
Noteworthy in this breakdown is the group of compulsive
gamblers in the 20-29 year bracket. Marylanders, both male and
female, outnumber their national peers. Also, in the 30-39 age
bracket, Maryland females outnumber their national age group.
Additionally, there are more female compulsive gamblers in the
Maryland group (25%) than in the national group (17%). This may
be a function of the pervasive gambling atmosphere, with its many
forms of legal and illegal gambling in this state.
Age and Race of Male Compulsive Gambler in MD and US
White Black Orien. Hisp. Total
Under 20 MD 3% 0% 0% 0% 3%
US 3% 0% 0% 0% 3%
------------------------------------
20-29 MD 26% 4% 1% 0% 31%
US 15% 2% 0% 0% 17%
------------------------------------
30-30 MD 25% 5% 0% 0% 30%
US 26% 3% 0% 0% 29%
------------------------------------
40-49 MD 19% 3% 0% 0% 22%
US 28% 2% 0% 0% 30%
------------------------------------
50+ MD 13% 2% 0% 0% 15%
US 15% 4% 0% 0% 19%
------------------------------------
Total MD 85% 14% 1% 0% N=272
US 87% 11% 1% 0% N=651
Females in Maryland tend to become compulsive gamblers at an
earlier age than females from the national group of compulsive
gamblers. Also, black females in Maryland outnumber black
females in all states.
Age and Race of Female Compulsive Gambler in MD and US
White Black Orien. Hisp. Total
Under 20 MD 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%
US 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%
------------------------------------
20-29 MD 24% 6% 0% 0% 30%
US 17% 3% 1% 0% 21%
------------------------------------
30-30 MD 34% 9% 0% 0% 43%
US 35% 7% 0% 0% 42%
------------------------------------
40-49 MD 11% 5% 0% 0% 16%
US 18% 4% 0% 0% 22%
------------------------------------
50+ MD 12% 0% 0% 0% 12%
US 14% 1% 0% 0% 15%
------------------------------------
Total MD 80% 20% 0% 0% N= 86
US 84% 15% 1% 0% N=132
Referrals to Self-Help Group
Referrals were made to Gamblers Anonymous and the family
support group, GamAnon, whenever possible. If there was no
Gamblers Anonymous chapter reasonably close to the gambler,
referrals were made to Adult Children of Alcoholics or to
Alcoholics Anonymous.
Referrals to GA, GamAnon = 658
GA, GamAnon International
Service Office = 57
Referrals to other groups = 39
Referrals to Professionals
Referrals to Maryland compulsive gambling treatment
providers were made on the basis of appropriateness, proximity
and ability to pay. If a caller had no insurance or funds to
pay, they were encouraged to seek help at a local community
mental health center for general therapy and attend Gamblers
Anonymous and other support groups for gambling-specific
assistance. If they had veterans or military benefits, callers
were referred either to VA medical centers or military hospitals
outside of Maryland.
Referrals to Professionals
Maryland
Epoch House 19
Forensic Center 15
National Center 45
Safety Net 12
Taylor Manor Hospital 13
Washington Center 26
Individual Providers 18
Community Mental Health Ctr. 17
National
Gambling treatment program 30
Individual providers 23
VA with gambling program 27
Nearest VA medical center 3
Nearest hospital 33
Maryland and National
National Council on C.G.
or State Affiliate 28
Lawyer or Legislator 56
Maryland State Lottery 41
FBI, Police 35
Other government agencies 11
Other callers were referred to gambling treatment providers
throughout the country, either for themselves or for family
members. Suicidal cases were managed until the crisis was
defused.
Referrals were also made to state agencies, lawyers,
legislators, the state lottery, law enforcement agencies, and
various governmental agencies.
Referrals to the National Center were for training or
research, as well as for treatment. Referrals to the Forensic
Center were made when an overriding issue was that of legal
charges. Referrals were made to Safety Net when obstacles to
treatment were evident and an intervention was deemed necessary,
first. Thereafter, Safety Net determines which treatment
provider is most appropriate.
Referrals were made to the National Council on Problem
Gambling when legislative or funding information was sought.
Referrals to State Affiliates of the National Council were made
for similar reasons, or to assist the caller with treatment
issues. On one occasion, for instance, a suicidal caller was
connected on a conference call with a state affiliate, which then
sent out a counselor to meet with the caller in person.
The above-mentioned referrals to the Maryland State Lottery
were for specific complaints, rather than for information on
winning lottery numbers. One such call, for instance, involved
the fraudulent means of a lottery ticket holder in cashing of a
"winning" ticket. The vendor was referred to the Lottery
security office and local police.
Referrals were made to the police when callers wanted to
file a complaint about illegal gambling activities. Callers were
referred to the FBI when they were threatened by bookies or loan
sharks, or had issues which are within the domain of the Bureau.
Lottery Calls -- U.S. and Maryland
The data in this section concerns only the numerous
"lottery" calls - those wishing information on the winning
lottery number, etc. "Legitimate" calls were reported in the
preceding section. As before, the findings are reported for all
the calls (labeled "US") and for calls originating only in
Maryland, with similarities and differences noted.
According to telephone records, 11,901 calls were made to
the Hotline during Fiscal Year 1990. In reviewing these records,
it is estimated that 10,500 calls were lottery ticket holders
requesting information on winning numbers, where to cash in
winning tickets, how to play the game, the amount of prize money,
and when and where drawn numbers were to be announced.
The National Center was able to capitalize on this oppor-
tunity to inform callers about the services of the Hotline and
that compulsive gambling is a treatable disorder, thus reaching
an unprecedented and unanticipated large number of bettors, in
Maryland and throughout the United States.
The National Center hired additional staff and also imple-
mented a training program for volunteer staffers. Most of these
"volunteers" are clients referred to the National Center by the
U.S. Probation and Parole Office who were ordered by federal
courts to perform community service. This appears to be a
mutually satisfactory relationship and is being continued into
the next fiscal year. Further, the National Center is expanding
this working relationship with the Maryland State probation and
parole office. Ideally the majority of these volunteers will
themselves be recovering compulsive gamblers.
Because of the lack of preparedness, staffing shortage and
insufficient number of telephones, only about one half of the
"lottery calls" were entered onto the computer for analysis.
For this reason the Total Number of calls may differ, depending
if data is from telephone bills or further analyzed from computer
entered data.
There were a total of 10,500 lottery calls nationally,
coming from as far away as Hawaii and Alaska, every day, 24-hours
per day. Of the 4485 lottery calls entered onto the computer for
analysis, the following information was culled:
Numbers of Calls Md. %-age
Day of Call National Maryland of National
Saturday 932 620 (67%)
Sunday 920 501 (65%)
Monday 783 456 (58%)
Wednesday 699 441 (63%)
Tuesday 519 347 (67%)
Thursday 375 245 (65%)
Friday 257 173 (67%)
Over 97% of both the Maryland and the national lottery calls
were less than one minute of duration. The remaining calls
required additional time because callers had difficulty in
understanding English or in determining how to find the phone
number for the Maryland State Lottery. The staff of the National
Center handled 83% of the computer-entered calls, with the
remaining ones being handled by volunteers. Volunteers included
offenders from the U.S. Office of Probation and Parole, former
patients, and community members with prior training and exper-
ience in crisis situations.
Lottery calls came from 45 states (including Hawaii and
Alaska) and 24 counties of Maryland. Of the 2,893 Maryland
calls, the National Center was able to get county information
on 2,183. The top-ranked states and counties are:
National (N=4485) Maryland (N=2183)
State % County %
Maryland 65 Baltimore City 50
Virginia 16 Montgomery 13
Washing'n, DC 7 Prince Georges 11
Pennsylvania 3 Anne Arundel 7
New Jersey 2 Howard 4
New York 1 Baltimore County 4
N. Carolina 1 Frederick 2
Florida 1 Harford 2
The sex distribution was fairly similar between these
callers in the U.S. and in Maryland. Males accounted for 53% of
the National callers and 51% of Maryland callers.
Staff and volunteer handlers of the Hotline (13 white,
2 black) attempted to judge by accent and voice inflection the
race/origin of the caller. Categories included White, Black,
Oriental/Asian or Hispanic.
Race of Caller National Maryland
White 64% 63%
Black 28% 28%
Oriental/Asian 7% 6%
Hispanic 1% 1%
Similarly, staff and volunteers estimated the age of the
lottery caller, with the following results:
Age National Maryland
Teens 1% 1%
Twenties 14% 16%
Thirties 28% 28%
Forties 38% 35%
Fifties & over 14% 13%
Unable to guess 5% 6%
Public Relations Efforts
Throughout the fiscal year the National Center participated
in numerous efforts to increase community awareness of compulsive
gambling as a treatable disorder and of the services provided by
the Hotline. These efforts include newspaper interviews, radio
news and talk shows, and television news and talk shows, as well
as similar efforts with professional journals, magazines and
professional societies. Written materials were sent to all, as
well. Some of these efforts include interviews with the
Baltimore Sun, New York Times, Chicago Tribune, San Francisco
Examiner, Birmingham Press, Pacific Stars and Stripes, Army,
Navy, and Air Force Times, Christian Science Monitor, New York
Post, Columnist Ann Landers, and smaller newspapers, including
those in Fort Worth, Allentown, PA, Indianapolis, Houston,
Chicago, Dundalk, Ocean City, Virginia Beach, Minneapolis,
Buffalo, Hagerstown, among others.
Television shows included the one-hour "Lucky Number"
production by Maryland Public Television, as well as others:
Scott Ross, "Straight Talk;" Ann Devlin TV talk show, Pittsburgh;
"Hard Copy;" "Forward Motion" in Montgomery County; ABC News, and
"Prime Time Live."
Radio shows included the Larry King Show, WBAL and others in
Baltimore and other parts of Maryland, and radio talk or news
shows from Portland, San Bernardino, Oklahoma City, Cincinnati,
Madison, Chattanooga, Atlantic City, Annapolis, Richmond, and
Roanoke.
Interviews were held with numerous professional journals and
popular magazines, including US News & World Report, Financial
World, Addictions Newsletter, Commercial Appeal, Daily Racing
Form, Bride's Magazine, and Ohio Law Journal.
The following state and national news services also had
interviews with the National Center: Paramount Communications,
CBN News Center, Medill News Service, CBS, NBC News, Public
Broadcasting System, United Press, Mutual Broadcasting System,
and Capitol News Service.
Legislative Activity
Staff of the National Center testified at several Maryland
House and Senate hearings on compulsive gambling. The position
of the National Center is that compulsive gambling is a treatable
disorder and it is increasing at an alarming rate.
Further, that the State of Maryland has legalized its own
gambling operation, through the State Lottery, and has sanctioned
private gambling in the past through horse racing, bingo, and
slot machines throughout the state, and casino nights at the
county level, thereby contributing to and promoting a behavior
which has been proven to become addictive for a growing number of
its participants.
Further, that compulsive gambling is not an illness suffered
in isolation, but rather is one which affects the entire family,
including extended family members, employers and fellow
employees, and the community at large. It results in broken
homes, financial ruin and indebtedness, serious health
complications, and criminal activity.
Further, that the State of Maryland, as a result of its
public policy, has an obligation to those adversely affected,
either directly or indirectly, by this policy; that it should
allocate the funds necessary for treatment of its addicts and
family members, for research, training of mental health
providers, and education and prevention services; and that it can
ill afford to delay such action.
The National Center is not opposed to gambling, per se, but
views compulsive gambling as a major health problem in Maryland
which can no longer be minimized or ignored.
Summary
In summary, we believe the Compulsive Gambling Hotline has
served a valuable service to the citizens of the state of Mary-
land who are suffering from the effects of compulsive gambling,
and to the community at large. The number of calls and time
spent on staffing the Hotline continue to rise, thus the National
Center has expanded its volunteer program; however, this is a
temporary solution to a serious problem.
The ADAA and the National Center agreed that Hotline
promotion should be expanded on a national level. Subsequently,
the State of Maryland is fortunate in having Hotline data which
reflects not only Maryland's activities, but in having data which
can be compared with national data. Other states are implemen-
ting their own hotlines. If all these states use an identical
intake form, the database would be tremendously increased, and of
local and national value. We recommend that the Maryland Depart-
ment of Health and Mental Hygiene assist in this effort to expand
this database.
It is apparent that the compulsive gambling problem is more
severe or more generalized to all forms of gambling and to
subgroups in Maryland than across the nation, and that Maryland
is a state of gamblers.
Our state's compulsive gamblers are younger than those in
the nation. The number of female compulsive gamblers, both black
and white, is rising in the state, and is larger than in the
country as a whole. Also, this year lottery addicts outrank
casino and horse race bettors, with poker machine addicts ranking
second. In short, more lower income, less educated, and minority
groups are falling prey to this addiction than in the past.
Of particular concern is the large number of black females
who called for lottery information, with respect to potentially
developing an addiction to gambling. It is imperative that pre-
ventive measures be instituted at once.
Sports bettors and casino gamblers (white males) tend to be
better insured, but all groups are underinsured for mental health
services. Approximately one fourth of those queried have health
insurance; however, even at best this covers only a small portion
of cost for treatment.
The majority have no insurance at all or have limited
insurance which is restricted to its own health providers, who
are not trained to treat compulsive gambling. The legislature
and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene are not serving
its citizens in denying them -- especially those with lower
incomes -- access to treatment for lack of funding. Public
funding for indigent gambling addicts and family members is
essential.
At a time when private entrepreneurs and the gambling
industry are pressing the legislature to increase legalized
gambling (off-track betting, casinos in Baltimore City and
various counties, poker machines, bingo parlors, etc.), it is
imperative that the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene work
with the legislature on the health problems currently existing
and those predicted to develop in the near future relative to
compulsive gambling.
Most of the "legitimate" calls (as opposed to lottery
information calls) were generated from the outreach and publicity
efforts by the National Center, with minimal support from the
Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. The National Center is
recommending that the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
work with the legislature, so that the toll-free 800 number and a
warning label can reach all gamblers in the state, not only
lottery players. Thus we are recommending that the legislature
mandate that warnings of compulsive gambling and the Hotline
toll-free 800 number be printed on all race track tickets, in
racing forms, and on all lottery promotional materials, including
billboards and newspaper advertisements.
Further, that the State Lottery include claims information,
its own toll-free 800 number, and mailing address, for the
convenience of its players, and to reduce the unnecessary calls
to the Compulsive Gambling Hotline.
Further, the National Center recommends that all legiti-
mately recognized gambling establishments, such as bingo parlors,
"charitable" casinos in Prince Georges County, and fraternal or
veterans organizations on the Eastern Shore where slot machines
are permissible, have appropriate signs in visible places, with
the same warning notice and toll-free 800 number, and that
individual games, such as slot machines and lottery machines,
have warning stickers on them. This should be mandated by law.
Poker machines are illegal. That poker machine addicts rank
second highest among all Maryland addicts who called the Hotline
should be of serious concern to the Attorney General's Office and
local law enforcement departments. These agencies should be
given the funds to more aggressively confront public defiance of
the law. Any such costs would be more than offset by societal
savings.
The National Center also recommends that the legislature
mandate that all third-party payors include coverage for mental
health services related to the treatment of compulsive gambling.
The National Center further prevails upon the legislature to
forego any further legalization or increase in legal gambling
until preventive and law enforcement measures can be implemented.
Finally, the National Center recommends that the Department
of Health and Mental Hygiene increase its funds allocation for
the Compulsive Gambling Hotline. It is the National Center's
position that funds expended on awareness, prevention, treatment,
research, and law enforcement are a cost effective measure,
saving money as well as health and welfare of the citizens of
Maryland.
Representative Calls Received
by the Compulsive Gambling Hotline
1. The wife of a compulsive gambler complained about a 62%
insurance premium increase after her husband's disappearance
was written up in the newspapers.
2. A compulsive gambler feels desperate. He has tried to stop
on his own and by going to Gamblers Anonymous, but still
"has to gamble."
3. A distraught wife found out her husband lies. "He owes
$5,000 to the bookies."
4. Husband knows he needs help but fears that if he goes for
professional counseling his wife will find out how much he
really owes.
5. Her husband's gambling escalated after his best friend
committed suicide. He has lost their entire savings and
money needed to pay IRS.
6. He has worked at the race track for 20 years and was about
to retire. Now his gambling is all losses.
7. A widow with a son who is a compulsive gambler is angry.
She says the state lottery gives gambling credibility, and
makes it harder on parents to raise their children.
8. A fifteen-year military serviceman wrote bad checks to
support his gambling habit. He made them all good, but got
"kicked out." He wants to get back in the service.
9. Where does one file a complaint about poker machine pay-offs
in Baltimore?
10. He has been gambling compulsively ever since he found out
his roommate has AIDS.
11. Prison inmate needs information on treatment and GA so he
can get a parole.
12. Her father sold the family house and lost the money in
Vegas. Mother moved to Chicago. She is angry.
13. Caller wants to go to a GA meeting but has no car or money
for transportation.
14. A news service wants background information after learning
about Pete Rose's suspension.
15. Do you know how much crime and illegal stuff goes on at the
race track?
16. Her husband went to the track two weeks ago and hasn't been
back.
17. Her sister is an alcoholic. Her brother is a gambler.
She's going crazy.
18. Her husband has a grocery store with a lottery machine in
it. He owes the state $30,000.
19. The owner of a chain of stores lost over a million dollars
on sports in one week. He paid the bookie with company
funds. Employees fear losing their jobs.
20. Caller wants to file a complaint of skimming by a bingo
parlor.
21. He has gotten an ulcer since he began playing the poker
machines but he still can't stop.
22. Two houses are available through the diocese, for compulsive
gamblers who want to go on retreats.
23. What chemicals are being used on poker machines? He played
for 7 hours, now his eyes burn and face hurts.
24. A 17-year old is flunking college. He stays up all night
playing poker.
25. Caller wants to file a lawsuit against a VA medical center.
Said he was denied his medication and therapy.
26. A recovering compulsive gambler called back to thank the
Hotline staff. He is in treatment, has a new job, and is
doing fine.
27. The accountant for a company suspects the owner's son has a
gambling problem.
28. Her son is about to be arrested for embezzlement. Should
she give him the money to make restitution?
29. Her husband beat her up after finding out she gambled away
mortgage payments. The bank wants to foreclose.
30. A fire fighter was in a serious explosion. He has been
drinking and gambling ever since.
31. She saw a woman at a grocery store win $250 on instant
lottery. She thought she would try it, and spent almost
$500. Now she is afraid to go home.
32. Her husband forged her name on her life insurance policy and
took her diamond ring.
33. He used to be an air traffic controller. He started
gambling during the strike, and now has lost everything.
34. Where are GamAnon meetings held?
35. He is studying for the priesthood and is taking a course on
moral theology. Bingo and the church's teachings are
incompatible.
36. He is 30 years old, has gone through an alcohol rehab, but
the gambling is bringing him to his knees.
37. A ministry student wants information on chaplaincy at the
race track.
38. The bookie is threatening to break his son's legs. His wife
just had a heart attack. He does not want to pay, but fears
for his wife's health.
39. Her mother had her leg amputated. She has been playing
poker machines ever since.
40. Pete Rose isn't the only pro baseball player who has a
gambling problem.
41. Her mother-in-law died three years ago. Her husband has
been drinking, gambling and beating her up ever since. She
wants to leave but they have 3 children and she can't work.
42. He was just released from jail for bad checks because of
gambling. He went to his neighborhood pool hall, and it has
18 poker machines in it.
43. A truant officer visits students' homes and reports he sees
lots of gambling going on. Are there any posters about
compulsive gambling he could have for his office?
44. He wants to know where to file a complaint. He was referred
to a state-funded drug program for his gambling problems,
and was told the first available appointment is in one
month. He needs help now.
45. Her husband is in jail and is not getting his medicine. Now
he is more depressed.
46. He is divorcing his wife, who won't quit gambling. Can he
get custody of their child?
47. Her husband plays poker with lawyers, doctors and a judge.
Recently he started getting physically abusive.
48. He graduated from a service academy, where he started his
gambling. His father is a drug and alcohol counselor but
does not recognize his gambling problem.
49. He is an accounting major in college, but is so confused he
can't count anymore. In desperation he pulled the fire
alarm.
50. Her stock broker told her 2 years ago to go to Gamblers
Anonymous.
51. He's coming home for Christmas, but is afraid to tell his
parents he owes $2,000 to the bookies.
52. He has called several Gamblers Anonymous hot lines and all
he gets is an answering service.
53. The caller is suicidal. 911 won't trace the call back for
the Hotline.
54. Do you need a license to run a $1 raffle if the organization
is for-profit?
55. She saw a one-hour television show on compulsive gambling.
It was very helpful. Thank you.
56. She saw a television show on compulsive gambling and learned
new ways to get money to feed her habit.
57. He signed a contract to sell his house to pay off gambling
debts. How can he get out of it?
58. Her husband, a colonel, just died. For the first time she
has some peace -- she no longer has to worry about his debts
and losing his career due to his gambling.
59. An employer was fascinated with the Larry King show on
compulsive gambling. He has several employees who have the
problem. Now he knows what to do and where to send them.
60. She has tried everywhere for help. Now she wants to kill
herself.
61. Her son is married to a bingo addict. The four grand-
children are being neglected. Should her son fight for sole
custody of the children?
62. A viewer of the Maryland Public TV show wants a list of
Gamblers Anonymous Twenty Questions.
63. What are the early warning signs of compulsive gambling?
64. Please do more radio and television talk shows. They are
really helpful in understanding this illness.
65. Gamblers Anonymous is not enough. Where can I go for
individual therapy?
66. What does the Bible say about gambling? Is playing bingo in
church a sin?
67. A psychologist would like training in treating compulsive
gamblers. Is he allowed to attend a Gamblers Anonymous
conference? Where is the next one being held?
68. A mother says her 50-year-old son is "gambling his brains
out." What should she do?
69. A military member is gambling at Indian reservation casinos.
Lost $22,000 last year. Now is driving back to his base.
He needed someone to talk with.
70. Please send literature on the illness and treatment. Can
families get treatment, too?
71. Her son is brilliant, confused, and can't hold a job. His
father tried to make him a super baseball player. Is there
hope for him?
72. Why are teenagers allowed to go to race tracks?
73. The caller wants a copy of the Larry King Show with
Dr. Lorenz.
74. The caller's son is a lawyer who filed bankruptcy to get rid
of gambling debts. That's not right.
75. Isn't there enough gambling already? Why do they now want
to legalize river boat casinos? Are legislators really
that uninformed?
76. The wife of a police officer is not sure why she goes to
bingo all the time. She hocked his gun to play.
77. His wife is giving him one week to get into treatment or
else.
78. A Baltimore police officer knows he is addicted to
lotteries. Had to hang up because a call came in.
79. A sergeant in military intelligence started gambling in
Germany, during a "really bad tour of duty."
80. The caller thought the bookie was his best friend even
though he owes him $7,500. "He always calls me."
81. A student needs information on compulsive gambling for his
paper, "Why gambling should not be legalized."
82. Her husband found out about her gambling bills, then tried
to stab her.
83. Her husband fears that if she goes into therapy it will
break up their marriage.
84. The bookie threatened to harm his employee who owes the
bookie money.
85. She sells lottery tickets. Now she is addicted to them.
Should she quit her job?
86. A Baltimore bar has had repeated convictions for having
poker machines. They are still there. Why are the police
not doing anything?
87. He knows he needs help but does not want to go to Gamblers
Anonymous. He is too well known.
88. He is in favor of Senator Denis' bill to provide monies for
treatment for compulsive gamblers.
89. When he was the mayor, he pushed for gambling and got it.
Now he's running for governor. They need information on
compulsive gambling to stop him.
90. A hospitalized Air Force sergeant needs a sponsor to take
him to a Gamblers Anonymous meeting.
91. He knows how to treat alcoholics. But gamblers are
different. What kind of therapy works best with them?
92. Should he save his losing lottery tickets as a tax
write-off?
93. Can he use the Guilty But Mentally Ill plea for gambling-
related crimes?
94. He can't stop gambling. He has a gun, keeps looking at the
bullet on the table.
95. The warning on the lottery ticket is so small and faint, he
can hardly read it. Someone should check on the lottery
people.
96. He hocked her ring to pay the bookie.
97. I appreciate the warning on the lottery ticket. I'm not
that kind of gambler, but I think I might become one.
98. He just got out of the military and gambled all his money
away. Now he can't support his family.
99. His wife just filed for divorce because of his gambling.
He stopped three years ago but she is still angry.
100. If tip jars are illegal, why are they in all the VFWs and
American Legions?
101. A conference coordinator is looking for a speaker to talk
to counselors in the military about gambling.
102. The Army Times wants to do a story on slot machines and
gambling in the military.
103. A corrections officer spends $50 or more a week on lottery
and then goes to the track. Wife is threatening divorce.
He is thinking of using his weapon to get money.
104. The bookies are threatening his mother because of the money
he owes them.
105. The FBI broke up an organized crime family heavy into
bookmaking. The mobsters were using compulsive gambling as
a defense.
106. He is going to jail next month for gambling related crimes.
His mother took him on a boat trip, and he sat all night by
the railing, wanting to throw himself in.
107. The hospital kept misdiagnosing her illness. She played the
lottery to pay the hospital bill and now has lost
everything.
108. A gambler's wife was told her husband is too ill to have
visitors. How can she get him out of prison before he dies?
109. A 10-year-old boy called, crying. "Mom left. I'm afraid of
Dad. He looks funny. He got fired because he plays cards.
My little brother's scared too."
Varied and Different Hotline Calls
110. Two dealers in a Nevada casino wanted the Hotline to know
the findings of their own survey: 37-year old female slot
machine players are the biggest gamblers.
111. A college sophomore wanted the line to place a bet.
112. A recovering compulsive gambler said to read the Bible,
John 3:3, for help.
113. Does the Hotline give gambling tours?
114. Is it point spread or points spread?
115. A lottery addict feels lucky. He has 2,000 losing tickets
and Virginia is having a special losing ticket lottery.
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