Problem Gambling Conference in California

Regulators, state and federal policy makers, casino industry representatives and over 600 treatment providers will converge in Long Beach, California on June 26-28, 2008 for the 22nd National Conference on Problem Gambling.

Due to increased public support of casino gaming in the state, the California Council on Problem Gambling hopes the conference, which has invited over 100 speakers to discuss responsible gambling, prevention and treatment, will teach people about the dangers of problem gambling.

What is problem gambling?
Problem Gambling, or ludomania, is characterized by the preoccupation with gambling and the destruction it causes in gamblers' lives. People who increasingly gamble despite the negative consequences it has on their personal life, career or family are often deemed problem gamblers. Extreme cases of problem gambling can be diagnosed as pathological gambling. The American Psychiatric Association has defined it as an impulse control disorder.

Considerable scope
Most people that visit casinos or use other forms of gambling such as the lottery or online casinos do it strictly for recreational purposes. However, about 3-5 percent of the world's population gambles excessively, to the point that it damages their lives. According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, 4-6 million Americans are considered problem gamblers, and 2 million (1 percent of the US population) are diagnosed as pathological gamblers.

While the gaming industry should not be blamed for the phenomenon of problem gamblers, it is responsible for providing programs that address problem gambling. In California, for example, three local casinos have taken measures to educate their personnel on responsible gambling.

Treatments
There are various methods for treating those who suffer from problem or pathological gambling. Common methods include psychological therapy and support groups. A recent study by the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry has published findings about Naltrexone, a drug usually prescribed for drug and alcohol abuse. Forty percent of the pathological gamblers who took the drug were able to refrain from gambling for at least one month.

Public awareness
Recent events, such as NBA player Charles Barkley's admission of his $400,000 casino debt and reports that professional tennis players have been throwing matches have highlighted the need for the gaming industry to raise public awareness about problem gambling.

For resources on some of the organizations that address problem gambling, please visit our list of Associations and Organizations, which provide aid, consulting and support.