Christian Century: Religious groups praise gambling commission - National Gambling Impact Study

Religious groups and conservative activists are praising the work of the National Gambling Impact Study Commission for uncovering the "hidden epidemic" of gambling addiction. The lengthy report, which includes recommendations to prohibit betting on college athletics and increase the national minimum betting age to 21, was recently submitted to the White House, Congress, state governors and Indian tribes.

Other recommendations--there are more than 70--include a moratorium on further expansion of the gambling industry, restrictions on political donations by the industry, reduction in marketing of state lotteries and removal of automated teller machines from betting areas at racetracks and casinos.

Thom White Wolf Fassett, general secretary of the United Methodist General Board of Church and Society, applauded the commission's work. "The report uncovers the hidden epidemic of gambling addiction," he said. "As we have seen, wherever gambling has gone, it has brought serious social implications--addiction, crime, bankrupted businesses and broken families.... This report exposes gambling to be highly addictive." Fassett said several recommendations affirm United Methodist Church policy that calls gambling "a menace to society."

Gary Bauer, a candidate for the Republican presidential nomination and former president of the conservative Family Research Council, said the report should prompt people to give more attention to the effects of gambling. "The cost of treatment for addiction and corresponding family problems, such as domestic violence and job loss, is estimated to be $5 billion a year," Bauer said. "The commission's report should serve as a big wake-up call to all Americans." The report was also praised by James Dobson, president of Focus on the Family.