HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0736.000 2008-2010BRENDA J. FORD
Council Member
District 7 - Central Kona
DATE: March 4, 2010
BJF/
att.
Res. 30S - 1 I>
HAWAII COUNTY COUNCIL
County of Hawai
Kailua Trade Center
75 -5706 Hanama Place, Suite 109
Kailua -Kona, Hawui'i 96740
TO: J. Yoshimoto, Chairperson,
and Members of the Hawai`i County Council I
FROM: Brenda J. Ford, Council Member b�Y Gam+"
Serving the Interests of the People of Our Island
Itnu...i'i C n, re d.. F.....d nnnn rt....:En Prn.,:dor A..d I:..... /...,...
Phone: (808) 326- 5684
Fax: (808) 329- 4786
E -Mail: bford ct,co.hawaii.hi.us
SUBJECT: A Resolution Urging Our State Legislators To Oppose Any Proposed Legislation
Legalizing Gambling In The State Of Hawaii
The attached resolution urges our State Legislators to oppose any proposed legislation to legalize
gambling in the State of Hawai`i. Also, attached are supporting documentations for your review.
Please place this resolution on the Public Works and Intergovernmental Relations Committee
meeting scheduled for March 16, 2010, due to the time sensitivity.
Comm. No. 1 J�
Ref. To: W 112C.
Ref. Date MAR 0 4 2010
National Coalition, Against Legalized Gambling. (spgfoundation.org /)
Proximity and poverty matter
Real costs for everyone
Gambling costs more than raising taxes, even for
those who NEVER gamble! Each compulsive
gambler costs the economy between $14,006 and
$22,077 per year. If 2% become addicted, that's
$280 to $440 per year paid by every other citizen!
Trading jobs kills development
Most casinos attract 80% or more of their market
from a 35 -50 mile radius. Casinos absorb existing
entertainment, restaurant and hotel business, and
deplete dollars available to other retail businesses.
That destroys other jobs in the trade area and
eliminates their sales, employment and property tax
contributions.
Illegal gambling remains
Legalizing gambling does not reduce illegal
gambling.
Din Legalized gambling may even
increase illegal gambling because untaxed illegal
operators may offer better odds, bigger payoffs and
loans that legal operations cannot. Patrons in
gambling states feel gambling is generally legal and
they are less averse to gambling in unlicensed
establishments. Law enforcement in gambling states
see illegal gambling as a state revenue issue rather
than a criminal activity, and may be less motivated
to investigate.
Gambling brings addiction
When gambling appears in a community, it brings a wave of addiction. In a mature gambling
market, compulsive gambling typically seizes the lives of 1.5% to 2.5% of the adult population.
That amounts to three to five times the number of people suffering from cancer.
"Gambling is an addictive behavior, make no mistake about it ... Gambling has all the
properties of a psychoactive substance, and again, the reason is that it changes the
neurochemistry of the brain. 1W1
The American Psychiatric Association says between 1% and 3% of the U.S. population is
addicted to gambling, depending on location and demographics. Youth have even higher
addiction rates, between 4 an 8 %. lvil
Addiction rates double within 50 miles of a casino. °l Probable pathological gambling in
Nevada in 2000 measured 3.5 %. Other states ranged from 2.1% in North Dakota in 2000 to 4.9%
1
thW
Legalized
Gambling
)THE INSIDE STORY
I 0
ar il
Facts every citizen
should know before
gambling comes
to YOUR town
.
National Coalition, Against Legalized Gambling. (spgfoundation.org /)
Proximity and poverty matter
Real costs for everyone
Gambling costs more than raising taxes, even for
those who NEVER gamble! Each compulsive
gambler costs the economy between $14,006 and
$22,077 per year. If 2% become addicted, that's
$280 to $440 per year paid by every other citizen!
Trading jobs kills development
Most casinos attract 80% or more of their market
from a 35 -50 mile radius. Casinos absorb existing
entertainment, restaurant and hotel business, and
deplete dollars available to other retail businesses.
That destroys other jobs in the trade area and
eliminates their sales, employment and property tax
contributions.
Illegal gambling remains
Legalizing gambling does not reduce illegal
gambling.
Din Legalized gambling may even
increase illegal gambling because untaxed illegal
operators may offer better odds, bigger payoffs and
loans that legal operations cannot. Patrons in
gambling states feel gambling is generally legal and
they are less averse to gambling in unlicensed
establishments. Law enforcement in gambling states
see illegal gambling as a state revenue issue rather
than a criminal activity, and may be less motivated
to investigate.
Gambling brings addiction
When gambling appears in a community, it brings a wave of addiction. In a mature gambling
market, compulsive gambling typically seizes the lives of 1.5% to 2.5% of the adult population.
That amounts to three to five times the number of people suffering from cancer.
"Gambling is an addictive behavior, make no mistake about it ... Gambling has all the
properties of a psychoactive substance, and again, the reason is that it changes the
neurochemistry of the brain. 1W1
The American Psychiatric Association says between 1% and 3% of the U.S. population is
addicted to gambling, depending on location and demographics. Youth have even higher
addiction rates, between 4 an 8 %. lvil
Addiction rates double within 50 miles of a casino. °l Probable pathological gambling in
Nevada in 2000 measured 3.5 %. Other states ranged from 2.1% in North Dakota in 2000 to 4.9%
1
in Mississippi in 1996. viiil A casino within 10 miles of a home yields a 90% increased risk of its
occupants becoming pathological or problem gamblers. Neighborhood disadvantage increases
that risk another 69 %. 'xi Slots and other gambling machines push susceptible players to the
pathological level in an average of 1.08 years, vs. 3.58 years with more "conventional" forms of
x
table and racetrack gambling.
Gambling doubles bankruptcy.
It takes three to five years for gamblers in a newly opened market to exhaust their resources.
When addiction ripens in the market, so do the social costs.
The most recent study of all the casino counties in the nation confirmed personal bankruptcy
rates are 100% higher in counties with casinos than in counties without casinos.'
Gambling increases crime
Desperate to "chase" and recover gambling losses, pathological gamblers often turn to crime.
Fraud and embezzlement become common among formerly hard - working and highly trusted
people. Violent crimes also increase. Three years after the introduction of casinos in Atlantic
City, there was a tripling of total crimes. Per capita crime there jumped from 50th in the nation to
first. Comparing crime rates for murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary and
motor vehicle theft reveals Nevada is the most dangerous place to live in the United States.lxiii 1
Expect suicides.
A study of addicted gamblers revealed, "Between 20% and 30% of the respondents made actual
suicide attempts. No other addictive population has had as high a prevalence for attempts. l xiv
Nevada has been the highest in the nation for suicides for 10 of the last 12 years.
Grinols, Earl L., "Cutting the Cards and Craps, right thinking about gambling economics." P.
14.
Lill Grinols, Earl L. Gambling in America, Costs and Benefits, p.p. 55 -92.
HUE Abt, Vickie, Ph.D., Univ. Penn. Cited in Executive Summary, Casinos in Florida: An
analysis of the Economic and Social Impacts, for the Florida Office of Planning and Budgeting
1 ivl Shaffer, Howard, Harvard University addictions department, quoted by Kindt in Managerial
and Decision Economics, 22: p. 17 -63
bjj
American Psychiatric Association, DSM -IV, P.673.
I l Shaffer, H.J. & Hall, M.N. (1996). Estimating prevalence of adolescent gambling disorders:
A quantitative synthesis and guide toward standard gambling nomenclature. Journal of
Gambling Studies, 12, 193 -214.
1 National Gambling Impact Study Commission, "Final Report" Sec. 4, p..5.
2
I viii Volberg, Rachel A., Ph.D. "Gambling and Problem Gambling in Nevada: Report to the Nev.
Depart. of Human Resources," p. iii.
fill Welte, John W.; Wieczorek, William F.; Barnes, Grace M.; Hoffman, Joseph H. Reference
cited in "The Relationship of Ecological and Geographic Factors to Gambling Behavior and
Pathology" p.15
ll Breen, Robert B. and Zimmerman, Mark; "Rapid Onset of Pathological Gambling in Machine
Gamblers" p.2
I 1 Gross, Ernie and Morse, Edward. "The Impact of Casio Gambling on Bankruptcy Rates: A
County Level Analysis.) p. 1
I sii l Schwer, R. Keith; Thompson, William N.; Nakamuro, Daryl; "Beyond the Limits of
Recreation: Social Costs of Gambling in Southern Nevada " p. 4
ni
I -' 1 Morgan Quitno Press, "Determining the Safest and Most Dangerous State Rankings"
http:// www .governmentguide.com/community and home /where i live /factors.adp
I Div I Widgery, Robin, President of Social Systems. "Warning: Legal Gambling is a Costly Game."
1994 edition.
INNl http: / /www.suicidology.orgj
Gamblers Anonymous ®
International Service Office
P.O. Box 17173
Los Angeles, CA 900017
Office: 213 - 386 -8789 Fax: 213- 386 -0030
gamblersanonymous.org
GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience,
strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to
recover from a gambling problem.
The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop gambling. There are no dues or fees for
Gamblers Anonymous membership; we are self - supporting through our own contributions.
Gamblers Anonymous is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or
institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy; neither endorses nor opposes any cause.
Our primary purpose is to stop gambling and to help other compulsive gamblers do the same.
Most of us have been unwilling to admit we were real problem gamblers. No one likes to think
they are different from their fellows. Therefore, it is not surprising that our gambling careers
have been characterized by countless vain attempts to prove we could gamble like other people.
The idea that somehow, some day, we will control our gambling is the great obsession of every
compulsive gambler. The persistence of this illusion is astonishing. Many pursue it into the gates
of prison, insanity or death.
We learned we had to concede fully to our innermost selves that we are compulsive gamblers.
This is the first step in our recovery. With reference to gambling, the delusion that we are like
other people, or presently may be, has to be smashed. We have lost the ability to control our
gambling. We know that no real compulsive gambler ever regains control. All of us felt at times
we were regaining control, but such intervals - usually brief -were inevitably followed by still
Tess control,which led in time to pitiful and incomprehensible demoralization. We are convinced
that gamblers of our type are in the grip of a progressive illness. Over any considerable period of
time we get worse, never better. Therefore, in order to lead normal happy lives, we try to practice
to the best of our ability, certain principles in our daily affairs.
HISTORY
The fellowship of Gamblers Anonymous is the outgrowth of a chance meeting between two men
during the month of January in 1957. These men had a truly baffling history of trouble and
misery due to an obsession to gamble. They began to meet regularly and as the months passed
neither had returned to gambling.
They concluded from their discussions that in order to prevent a relapse it was necessary to bring
about certain character changes within themselves. In order to accomplish this, they used for a
guide certain spiritual principles which had been utilized by thousands of people who were
recovering from other compulsive addictions. The word spiritual can be said to describe those
1
characteristics of the human mind that represent the highest and finest qualities such as kindness,
generosity, honesty and humility. Also, in order to maintain their own abstinence they felt that it
was vitally important that they carry the message of hope to other compulsive gamblers.
As a result of favorable publicity by a prominent newspaper columnist and TV commentator, the
first group meeting of Gamblers Anonymous was held on Friday, September 13, 1957, in Los
Angeles, California. Since that time, the fellowship has grown steadily and groups are
flourishing throughout the world.
What is compulsive gambling?
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
ABOUT THE PROBLEM OF COMPULSIVE GAMBLING
AND THE G.A. RECOVERY PROGRAM
The explanation that seems most acceptable to Gamblers Anonymous members is that
compulsive gambling is an illness, progressive in its nature, which can never be cured, but can be
arrested.
Before coming to Gamblers Anonymous, many compulsive gamblers thought of themselves as
morally weak, or at times just plain 'no good'. The Gamblers Anonymous concept is that
compulsive gamblers are really very sick people who can recover if they will follow to the best
of their ability a simple program that has proved successful for thousands of other men and
women with a gambling or compulsive gambling problem.
What is the first thing a compulsive gambler ought to do in order to stop gambling?
The compulsive gambler needs to be willing to accept the fact that he or she is in the grip of a
progressive illness and has a desire to get well. Our experience has shown that the Gamblers
Anonymous program will always work for any person who has a desire to stop gambling.
However, it will never work for the person who will not face squarely the facts about this illness.
How can you tell whether you are a compulsive gambler?
Only you can make that decision. Most people turn to Gamblers Anonymous when they become
willing to admit that gambling has them licked. Also in Gamblers Anonymous, a compulsive
gambler is described as a person whose gambling has caused growing and continuing problems
in any department of his or her life.
Many Gamblers Anonymous members went through terrifying experiences before they were
ready to accept help. Others were faced with a slow, subtle deterioration which finally brought
them to the point of admitting defeat.
Can a compulsive gambler ever gamble normally again?
No. The first bet to a problem gambler is like the first small drink to an alcoholic. Sooner or later
he or she falls back into the same old destructive pattern.
2
Once a person has crossed the invisible line into irresponsible uncontrolled gambling he or she
never seems to regain control. After abstaining a few months some of our members have tried
some small bet experimentation, always with disastrous results. The old obsession inevitably
returned.
Our Gamblers Anonymous experience seems to point to these alternatives: to gamble, risking
progressive deterioration or not to gamble, and develop a better way of life.
Why can't a compulsive gambler simply use will power to stop gambling?
We believe that most people, if they are honest, will recognize their lack of power to solve
certain problems. When it comes to gambling, we have known many problem gamblers who
could abstain for long stretches, but caught off guard and under the right set of circumstances,
they started gambling without thought of the consequences. The defenses they relied upon,
through will power alone, gave way before some trivial reason for placing a bet. We have found
that will power and self - knowledge will not help in those mental blank spots, but adherence to
spiritual principles seem to solve our problems. Most of us feel that a belief in a Power greater
than ourselves is necessary in order for us to sustain a desire to refrain from gambling.
Do Gamblers Anonymous members go into gambling places to help former members w ho
are still gambling?
No. Families and friends of these people have asked us to intercede but we have never been able
to be of any real help. Actually, sometimes we felt we retarded a member's eventual recovery by
giving them this unsolicited attention. It all goes back to the basic principle that a gambler ought
to want help before he or she is approached by us.
I only go on gambling binges periodically. Do I need Gamblers Anonymous?
Yes. Compulsive gamblers who have joined Gamblers Anonymous tell us that, though their
gambling binges were periodic, the intervals between were not periods of constructive thinking.
Symptomatic of these periods were nervousness, irritability, frustration, indecision and a
continued breakdown in personal relationships. These same people have often found the
Gamblers Anonymous program the answer to the elimination of character defects and a guide to
moral progress in their lives.
GAMBLING , for the compulsive gambler is defined as follows : Any betting or wagering, for
self or others, whether for money or not, no matter how slight or insignificant, where the
outcome is uncertain or depends upon chance or 'skill' constitutes gambling.
If I join Gamblers Anonymous won't everyone know I am a compulsive gambler?
Most people made quite a name for themselves as full- fledged gamblers by the time they turned
to Gamblers Anonymous. Their gambling was not usually a well kept secret. It would then be
unusual if the good news of their abstinence from gambling did not cause comment. However,
no disclosure of any affiliation with Gamblers Anonymous can rightfully be made by anyone but
the member themselves. Even then, it should be done in such a way that will work no hardship
on the Gamblers Anonymous fellowship.
3
If I stop gambling won't it make it difficult for me to keep some desirable business and
social contacts?
We think not. Most of the world's work of any consequence is done without the benefit of
monetary wagering. Many of our leaders in business, industry and professional life have attained
great success without knowing one card from another or which way the horses run around the
track. In the area of social relationships, the newcomer will soon find a keen appreciation of the
many pleasant and stimulating activities available - far removed from anything that is remotely
associated from gambling.
How does someone stop gambling through the Gamblers Anonymous program?
One does this through bringing about a progressive character change within oneself. This can be
accomplished by having faith in -- and following -- the basic concepts of the Gamblers
Anonymous Recovery Program.
There are no short cuts in gaining this faith and understanding. To recover from one of the most
baffling, insidious, compulsive addictions will require diligent effort. HONESTY,
OPENMINDEDNESS, AND WILLINGNESS are the key words in our recovery.
Can a person recover by himself /herself by reading Gamblers Anonymous literature or
medical books on the problem of compulsive gambling?
Sometimes, but not usually. The Gamblers Anonymous program works best for the individual
when it is recognized and accepted as a program involving other people. Working with other
compulsive gamblers in a Gamblers Anonymous group the individual seems to find the
necessary understanding and support. They are able to talk of their past experiences and present
problems in an area where they are comfortable and accepted. Instead of feeling alone and
misunderstood, they feel needed and accepted.
Does Gamblers Anonymous look upon compulsive gambling as a vice?
No.
Is knowing why we gambled important?
Perhaps, however insofar as stopping gambling, many Gamblers Anonymous members have
abstained from gambling without the knowledge of why they gambled.
What are some characteristics of a person who is a compulsive gambler?
1. INABILITY AND UNWILLINGNESS TO ACCEPT REALITY. Hence the escape into
the dream world of gambling.
2. EMOTIONAL INSECURITY. A compulsive gambler finds he or she is emotionally
comfortable only when "in action ". It is not uncommon to hear a Gamblers Anonymous
member say: "The only place I really felt like I belonged was sitting at the poker table.
4
There I felt secure and comfortable. No great demands were made upon me. I knew I was
destroying myself, yet at the same time, 1 had a certain sense of security."
3. IMMATURITY. A desire to have all the good things in life without any great effort on
their part seems to be the common character pattern of problem gamblers. Many
Gamblers Anonymous members accept the fact that they were unwilling to grow up.
Subconsciously they felt they could avoid mature responsibility by wagering on the spin
of a wheel or the turn of a card, and so the struggle to escape responsibility finally
became a subconscious obsession.
Also, a compulsive gambler seems to have a strong inner urge to be a 'big shot' and needs to have
a feeling of being all powerful. The compulsive gambler is willing to do anything (often of an
antisocial nature) to maintain the image he or she wants others to see.
Then too, there is a theory that compulsive gamblers subconsciously want to lose to punish
themselves. There is much evidence to support this theory.
What is the dream world of the compulsive gambler?
This is another common characteristic of compulsive gamblers. A lot of time is spent creating
images of the great and wonderful things they are going to do as soon as they make the big win.
They often see themselves as quite philanthropic and charming people. They may dream of
providing families and friends with new cars, mink coats, and other luxuries. Compulsive
gamblers picture themselves leading a pleasant gracious life, made possible by the huge sums of
money they will accrue from their 'system'. Servants, penthouses, nice clothes, charming friends,
yachts, and world tours are a few of the wonderful things that are just around the corner after a
big win is finally made.
Pathetically, however, there never seems to be a big enough winning to make even the smallest
dream come true. When compulsive gamblers succeed, they gamble to dream still greater
dreams. When failing, they gamble in reckless desperation and the depths of their misery are
fathomless as their dream world comes crashing down Sadly, they will struggle back, dream
more dreams, and of course suffer more misery. No one can convince them that their great
schemes will not someday come true. They believe they will, for without this dream world, life
for them would not be tolerable.
Isn't compulsive gambling basically a financial problem?
No, compulsive gambling is an emotional problem. A person in the grip of this illness creates
mountains of apparently insolvable problems. Of course, financial problems are created, but they
also find themselves facing marital, employment, or legal problems. Compulsive gamblers find
friends have been lost and relatives have rejected them. Of the many serious difficulties created,
the financial problems seem the easiest to solve. When a compulsive gambler enters Gamblers
Anonymous and quits gambling, income is usually increased and there is no longer the financial
drain that was caused by gambling, and very shortly, the financial pressures begin to be relieved.
Gamblers Anonymous members have found that the best road to financial recovery is through
5
hard work and repayment of our debts Bankruptcy, borrowing and/or lending of money
(bailouts) in Gamblers Anonymous is detrimental to our recovery and should not take place.
The most difficult and time consuming problem with which they will be faced is that of bringing
about a character change within themselves. Most Gamblers Anonymous members look upon
this as their greatest challenge, which should be worked on immediately and continued
throughout their lives.
Who can join Gamblers Anonymous?
Anyone who has a desire to stop gambling. There are no other rules or regulations concerning
Gamblers Anonymous membership.
How much does it cost to join Gamblers Anonymous?
There are no assessments in connection with Gamblers Anonymous membership. The newcomer
signs nothing and pledges nothing. However, we do have expenses relative to our group meeting
and our Gamblers Anonymous service facilities. Since Gamblers Anonymous has traditionally
been fully self supporting and declines outside contribution, these expenses are met through
voluntary financial support by the members. Experience has shown that acceptance of these
financial responsibilities is a vital part of our individual and group growth process.
Why are Gamblers Anonymous members anonymous?
Anonymity has great practical value in maintaining unity within our fellowship. Through its
practice at the level of press, radio, films and television we have eliminated the possibility of
fame and recognition being given to the individual member; hence, we have not been faced with
any great internal struggles for power and prestige which would prove highly detrimental to our
essential unity.
Anonymity also has great value in attracting new members who initially might feel there is a
stigma attached to the problem. Therefore, we guarantee the newcomer as much anonymity as
they choose.
More importantly, we are beginning to realize that anonymity has tremendous spiritual
significance. It represents a powerful reminder that we need always place principles above
personalities.
Our survival as individuals demands that we renounce personal gratification ... so our Gamblers
Anonymous movement not only advocates but tries to practice true humility and it is through
greater humility that we will be able to live in peace and security for all the years to come.
Is Gamblers Anonymous a religious society?
No. Gamblers Anonymous is composed of people from many religious faiths along with
agnostics and atheists. Since membership in Gamblers Anonymous requires no particular
6
religious belief as a condition of membership, it cannot be described as a religious society. The
Gamblers Anonymous recovery program is based on acceptance of certain spiritual values but
the member is free to interpret these principles as he chooses.
THE RECOVERY PROGRAM
Here are the steps which are a program of recovery
1. We admitted we were powerless over gambling - that our lives had become
unmanageable.
2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to a normal way of
thinking and living.
3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of this Power of our own
understanding.
4. Made a searching and fearless moral and financial inventory of ourselves.
5. Admitted to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
6. Were entirely ready to have these defects of character removed.
7. Humbly asked God (of our understanding) to remove our shortcomings.
8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them
all.
9. Make direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure
them or others.
10. Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong, promptly admitted it.
11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we
understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry
that out.
12. Having made an effort to practice these principles in all our affairs, we tried to carry this
message to other compulsive gamblers.
The 12 Step Program is fundamentally based on ancient spiritual principles and rooted in sound
medical therapy. The best recommendation for the program is the fact that "it works."
Gamblers Anonymous would like to indicate that we are not soliciting members. Our intention
is to highlight that gambling for certain individuals is an illness called "compulsive gambling."
Gamblers Anonymous provides the message that there is an alternative to the destruction of
compulsive gambling and this alternative is the Gamblers Anonymous program.
Our ranks are filled with members who have recovered from the illness by stopping gambling
and attaining a normal way of life. These members remain ready to help any individual who
passes through the Gamblers Anonymous door.
7
THE UNITY PROGRAM
In order to maintain unity our experience has shown that:
1. Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends upon group unity.
2. Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not govern.
3. The only requirement for Gamblers Anonymous membership is a desire to stop
gambling.
4. Each group should be self - governing except in matters affecting other groups or
Gamblers Anonymous as a whole.
5. Gamblers Anonymous has but one primary purpose - to carry its message to the
compulsive gambler who still suffers.
6. Gamblers Anonymous ought never endorse, finance or lend the Gamblers Anonymous
name to any related facility or outside enterprise, lest problems of money, property and
prestige divert us from our primary purpose.
7. Every Gamblers Anonymous Group ought to be fully self - supporting, declining outside
contributions.
8. Gamblers Anonymous should remain forever non - professional, but our service centers
may employ special workers.
9. Gamblers Anonymous, as such, ought never be or organized; but we may create service
boards or committees directly responsible to those they serve.
10. Gamblers Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the Gamblers Anonymous
name ought never be drawn into public controversy.
11. Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always
maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, films and television.
12. Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of the Gamblers Anonymous program, ever
reminding us to place principles before personalities.
Gamblers Anonymous offers the following questions to anyone who may have a gambling
problem. These questions are provided to help the individual decide if he or she is a
compulsive gambler and wants to stop gambling.
TWENTY QUESTIONS
1. Did you ever lose time from work or school due to gambling?
2. Has gambling ever made your home life unhappy?
3. Did gambling affect your reputation?
4. Have you ever felt remorse after gambling?
5. Did you ever gamble to get money with which to pay debts or otherwise solve financial
difficulties?
6. Did gambling cause a decrease in your ambition or efficiency?
7. After losing did you feel you must return as soon as possible and win back your losses?
8. After a win did you have a strong urge to return and win more?
9. Did you often gamble until your last dollar was gone?
10. Did you ever borrow to finance your gambling?
11. Have you ever sold anything to finance gambling?
12. Were you reluctant to use "gambling money" for normal expenditures?
13. Did gambling make you careless of the welfare of yourself or your family?
14. Did you ever gamble longer than you had planned?
15. Have you ever gambled to escape worry, trouble, boredom or loneliness?
16. Have you ever committed, or considered committing, an illegal act to finance gambling?
17. Did gambling cause you to have difficulty in sleeping?
18. Do arguments, disappointments or frustrations create within you an urge to gamble?
19. Did you ever have an urge to celebrate any good fortune by a few hours of gambling?
20. Have you ever considered self destruction or suicide as a result of your gambling?
Most compulsive gamblers will answer yes to at least seven of these questions.
About Gam -Anon
The self -help organization of Gam -Anon is a life saving instrument for the spouse, family or
close friends of compulsive gamblers. We come into the group feeling alone, frightened,
helpless, desperate and ashamed. We hesitated to share problems and failures, fearing none could
understand. The Gam -Anon group is warmly accepting and it offers the new member
identification. The message we receive is: "Come join with us, we too were alone, afraid and
unable to cope with the problem; we will share with you a new and fulfilling way of life ". Gam -
Anon's purposes are three -fold: To learn acceptance and understanding of the gambling illness;
to use the program and its problem solving suggestions as aids in rebuilding our lives and, upon
our own recovery, to give assistance to those who suffer.
In Gam -Anon the member will experience relief from anxiety by accepting the fact of
powerlessness over the problem in the family. The heavy load of responsibility for the gambling
problem is lifted and the agonizing guilt in regard to failures is gradually alleviated. The energy
wasted in attempts to stop loved ones from gambling can be channeled into more useful methods
of problem solving.
9
The program suggests that we refuse to be responsible for the gambler's behavior, assuming
responsibility only for that which is ours. The prevailing idea is, "The gambler will play as long
as someone else will pay."
In Gam -Anon we learn the appropriate way of relating to the gambler as an equal rather than as a
"mother." This involves the process known as "letting go" or giving up the control. To be an
adult is to give warmth and love in an equal role with the gambler.
It is important to recovery that the member see compulsive gambling in its true light, as an
emotional illness. At this point, we will understand that obsessive compulsive behavior, acting
out and game playing are symptoms of a serious illness. Although we may have been a pawn in
game playing, our hurt was a side effect of this illness, not deliberately intended. After years of
accumulated hurtful experiences it will be difficult for us to give up anger and resentment. The
recovery program of Gam -Anon offers help in working through and in resolving these feelings.
If the gambler and member seek help jointly the recovery process will be enhanced. But even
then, there is much for us to learn. We will need to be aware that the gambler's recovery cannot
be hurried. It is important that we encourage the gambler, but we must refrain from pushing. Our
expectations of the gamblers should be limited to their ability to respond. Although it proves to
be their Waterloo, gambling is their "first love ", to give it up will be a tremendous undertaking.
They may at times be irritable, unreasonable and difficult to understand. It will be necessary that
the gambler expend time and effort in the struggle to stop gambling. This may include many
nights away from families as the gamblers attend group meetings according to their needs. Our
understanding is required and it should be explained to the children because they, too, will need
to understand.
The members who come to Gam -Anon and remain to find help for themselves regardless of the
gamblers' refusal to respond, are greatly to be admired. Their role is one of extreme difficulty.
The gamblers may resent Gam -Anon attendance and may see it as an attempt to interfere with
their lives. Hopefully the gambler will be motivated to seek help, but recovery should not depend
upon the gambler.
Young people who become addicted may suffer the same character changes and consequences
that mark older compulsive gamblers. Some become deceitful and resort to stealing money; some
obtain money under false pretenses from family and friends; some may withdraw from family
life, developing an obstinate sullenness; and some may isolate from close friends only to
befriend new acquaintances who share their "new interests." The lives of family members are
affected and disrupted by these changes in behavior. Distraught parents may disagree as to how
to deal with these financial and emotional problems.
As the gambling escalates, so does the indebtedness. Desperate gamblers often need increasing
amounts of money to finance their addiction. Some parents have mortgaged their homes or
sacrificed their life savings to rescue their child. Unfortunately, any financial rescue enables the
gambler to continue gambling and eliminates the motivation to change.
10
More and more parents of gamblers come to Gam -Anon to understand the problem and help their
child. Members support and help each other by sharing their experiences, wisdom and strength.
At weekly meetings, parents educate themselves and learn new and appropriate methods of
dealing with the gambler. In the process, they learn a better way of life for themselves.
PURPOSE:
Our Purpose
We are here to assist you in resolving the problems you are facing in your life due to the
gambling problem.
INFORMATION:
We have various sources of literature available to you which can be helpful in your quest
for information about the compulsive gambling illness and how to cope with the various
crises that come up due to the gambling syndrome.
INTENTION:
Gam -Anon is dedicated to the creation and preservation of serenity in our lives.
What this means to you is that the Gam -Anon meeting is designed to be a safe place to
bring your current situation. You can put it on the table, look at it, cry about it, laugh
about it, be angry at it, or whatever you are wanting to do with it.
Hopefully, by the end of the meeting you have been able to unburden yourself of the
problem for a short while and be able to go home and face your situation with a new
perspective.
None of our members are here to give you specific advice which you should take as
gospel. And we cannot dilute our principles to a point where we perform as marriage
counselors, psychologists, members of the clergy, vocational guidance specialists or as a
representative of the legal profession. We are here as we have a common denominator in
our lives: we are in relationships with compulsive gamblers.
Because of this common denominator, we are more readily able to understand your
problems than your family, friends, counselor, or advisor. We can listen to your problems
with an empathetic, not a sympathetic or critical ear. You can rest assured that no one in
our meeting will tell you that what you are doing is bad. We will only offer our
experience in similar matters, giving you a new approach to consider in your situation.
Our goal in the Gam -Anon meeting is to provide new insight into what can be a
devastating problem in many people's lives. With the guidelines of the Gam -Anon
program we can provide a wealth of information about practical safeguards you can
choose to take when first coming into the program.
11
Above all, remember that all people change. The problems that you are facing today will
be different tomorrow, next month, next year. Try to put matters in perspective for today.
Don't feel compelled to make decisions that are forever; rather, make choices for today.
Choices are always open for review and change.
In all things, remember that Gam -Anon is your support system. No one can make it work
for you but you. We can only be there to support you when you reach out for us.
WHAT IS GAM -ANON?
WHY DO WE HAVE GAM -ANON?
Questions, Answers & Suggestions
Gam -Anon is a fellowship of men and women who have been affected by the gambling
problem. It is founded on spiritual principles.
Men and women who have been affected by the gambling problem have found living
with the gambling problem to be a devastating experience.
WHAT DO WE ACCOMPLISH IN GAM -ANON?
We attempt to find the answers to such questions as:
1. What is my role as the spouse (parent, loved one) of a compulsive gambler?
2. How can I be of the greatest help to the person who joins Gamblers Anonymous?
3. If my gambler continues to gamble, how can I live with this problem?
4. How can I learn to accept and understand God's will for me?
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN FINDING THE ANSWER TO QUESTIONS SUCH AS
THESE - GAM -ANON IS FOR YOU!
SUGGESTIONS FOR THE NEWCOMER
1. Accept and learn to live with the fact that compulsive gambling is an illness..
To question or interrogate the gambler will serve no purpose. You are powerless
over this situation. If the gambler has something the gambler wishes to hide, the
truth cannot be forced from the gambler. Why try?
3. To nag your gambler about past losses or to talk of what might have been if the
gambler hadn't gambled will prove to be detrimental to the gambler's recovery as
well as yours.
12
4. The past is gone and you will not find peace of mind until you can accept it
without resentment.
5. The gambler, not you, should be responsible for calling the gambler's creditors to
make restitution. Don't take this responsibility from the gambler.
6. Experience has taught us that it is not helpful to borrow monies or co -sign notes
to cover gambling debts, while the gambler is gambling or when the gambler
comes into Gamblers Anonymous.
7. It is not recommended that the spouse go to work specifically to cover gambling
debts.
8. Prudence tells us that compulsive gamblers are seldom able to handle family
finances. Perhaps this condition will be altered as the gambler progresses toward
recovery.
9. Discourage friends and relatives from lending the gambler money.
10. Gamblers Anonymous is a program for the compulsive gambler. Loved ones
should not interfere.
11. It may be well to encourage the gambler to go to the first few meetings, however.
after this the Gamblers Anonymous activities must be left to the gambler. To
force the gambler to attend meetings is very apt to do more harm than good.
12. The gambler's gambling debts were not incurred over a short period of time,
therefore don't be discouraged if the gambler finds it necessary to pay back small
amounts of monies over an extended period. Normal family expenses must come
first.
13. Recovery is a very slow process for the gambler. Give the gambler your
encouragement and have faith.
14. Do take an honest inventory of YOUR character defects and work on them.
15. Come to Gam -Anon even though your gambler may continue to gamble. We
understand your problem and if you have an honest desire we can help you
through our program.
Are You Living With A Compulsive Gambler?
If there is a gambling problem in your home, the Gam -Anon family group may be able to help
you cope with it. If you are living with a compulsive gambler, you will answer "YES" to at least
six of the following questions.
1. Do you find yourself constantly bothered by bill collectors?
13
2. Is the person in question often away from home for long, unexplained periods of time?
3. Does this person ever lose time from work due to gambling?
4. Do you feel that this person cannot be trusted with money?
5. Does the person in question faithfully promise that he or she will stop gambling; beg,
plead for another chance, yet gamble again and again?
6. Does this person ever gamble longer than he or she intended to, until the last dollar is
gone?
7. Does this person immediately return to gambling to try to recover losses, or to win more?
8. Does this person ever gamble to get money to solve financial difficulties or have
unrealistic expectations that gambling will bring the family material comfort and wealth?
9. Does this person borrow money to gamble with or to pay gambling debts?
10. Has this person's reputation ever suffered due to gambling, even to the extent of
committing illegal acts to finance gambling?
11. Have you come to the point of hiding money needed for living expenses, knowing that
you and the rest of the family may go without food and clothing if you do not?
12. Do you search this person's clothing or go through his or her wallet when the opportunity
presents itself, or otherwise check on his/her activities?
13. Does the person in question hide his or her money?
14. Have you noticed a personality change in the gambler as his or her gambling progresses?
15. Does the person in question consistently lie to cover up or deny his or her gambling
activities?
16. Does this person use guilt induction as a method of shifting responsibilities for his or her
gambling upon you?
17. Do you attempt to anticipate this person's moods, or try to control his or her life?
18. Does this person ever suffer from remorse or depression due to gambling, sometimes to
the point of self - destruction?
19. Has the gambling ever brought you to the point of threatening to break up the family
unit?
20. Do you feel that your life together is a nightmare?
14
What is Gam -Anon? Gam -Anon is a fellowship of men and women who are husbands, wives,
relatives and close friends of compulsive gamblers. You need not wait for the compulsive
gambler to seek help before coming to Gam -Anon.
In Gam -Anon we learn effective ways of coping with the gambling problem. By seeking help for
ourselves and gaining serenity and peace of mind, we find that we are better able to cope with
our problems on a day -to -day basis and in some cases motivate the gambler toward seeking help
for him or herself.
Did You Grow Up With A Compulsive Gambler?
Compulsive gambling is a symptom of an emotional illness, characterized by low self - esteem,
immaturity, instability and obsessive behavior. Because compulsive gambling is an insidious and
baffling illness, some adults have difficulty deciding if they were affected by compulsive
gambling during childhood. The following questions may help you to determine whether
compulsive gambling affected your childhood or present life.
1. Do you obsess about money?
2. Did family activities revolve around gambling events? (sports, cards, lottery, racetracks,
etc.)
3. Have you ever been missing money?
4. Have you ever paid or been asked to pay a parent's debts?
5. Do your parents often argue about money?
6. Were you forced to form an alliance with one parent against another?
7. Did you parents use you as a sounding board for their marriage?
8. Are you afraid to be alone with the gambling parent?
9. Do you feel anxious when the phone rings, mail comes or doorbell rings?
10. Do you feel responsible for the unhappiness in your home?
11. Do you confuse pity with love?
12. Have you had problems with your own compulsive behavior?
13. Do you feel more like the parent than the child?
14. Are you unable to remember all or parts of your childhood?
15. Do you care for others easily, but find it difficult to care for yourself?
15
16. Do you find it difficult to identify and express your feelings?
17. Do you have trouble with intimate relationships?
18. Do you lie when it would be just as easy to tell the truth?
19. Do you feel more alive in the midst of a crisis?
20. Do you think more money would solve your problems?
If you answered yes to some or all of these questions, Gam -Anon may be for you. Gam -anon is a
fellowship for families, relatives and close friends who live and have lived with the gambling
problem. We would like you to feel that we understand as perhaps few can and that Gam -Anon
can offer you a new way of life.
About Compulsive Gambling
Compulsive gambling is the obvious symptom of an emotional disorder. The emotional factors
involved are: inability or unwillingness to accept reality, emotional insecurity, basic immaturity,
and lack of self - esteem. The gambler finds that he or she is most comfortable when gambling.
Many psychiatrists feel that the gambler has an underlying need for self - destruction.
Compulsive gambling brings despair and humiliation into the lives of countless thousands of
men, women and children. The compulsive gambler is a person who is dominated by an
irresistible urge to gamble Coupled with this is the obsessive idea that a way will be found not
only to control the gambling, but to "make it pay" and enjoy it besides. This disease causes
deterioration in almost all areas of the person's life.
The compulsive gambler attempts to create an image as a philanthropist and an all around "good
fellow ". Much of the time the gambler lives in a dream world which satisfies his or her
emotional needs. The gambler dreams of a life filled with friends, new cars, furs, penthouses,
yachts, etc. Pathetically there seems never to be big enough winnings to make even the smallest
dream come true; probably because whatever monies won are, to the gambler, sacred. He or she
must always return to win more; no amount is sufficient. Ultimately the gambler gambles in
reckless desperation and his or her dream world brings no relief. The gambler destroys himself or
herself and everyone the gambler touches. When the compulsive gambler reaches the point
where he or she is willing to admit to having a problem and has a desire to stop gambling, the
gambler will find help through Gamblers Anonymous.
To contact Gamblers Anonymous write to:
Gamblers Anonymous International Service Office, Inc.
PO Box 17173
Los Angeles, CA 90017
Phone: 213-386-8789 Fax: 213-386-0030
Website: www. gamblersanonymous.org
E -mail: isomain @gamblersanonymous.org
16