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Montana legislators are taking a stand against the gambling addiction crisis in the state. And in the process they’re also shining a spotlight on the gambling industry’s deceptive and exploitative practices.
An Underdiscussed Addiction
Gambling issues were first recognized in 1980 as an impulse control disorder classified under pathological gambling. In 2013, after years of research, the condition was renamed to gambling disorder and classified as an addictive disorder.
Although many treatment facilities have incorporated gambling disorder treatment into their programs, others seem slow to recognize the lives that are destroyed by this disorder.
Legislators Taking Action
If you look at a pack of cigarettes or any nicotine product you will find messages that are legally required about the addictiveness of the product and potential for health risks. Federal law and state laws require liquor stores to post signs about health risks.
Kelly Kortum, who serves as a member of the Montana House of Representatives from the 65th district, proposed a similar solution for problem gambling in a recent legislative session. HB 204 would require a sticker that displayed a gambling addiction hotline on every gambling machine in the state of Montana. The only cost would be the cost of the sticker to business owners.
The bill was voted down due in large part to the lobbying of the Montana Council of Problem Gambling. But proponents of the bill argue that the Council’s motives are, to say the least, conflicted.
Among the Council’s five board directors is the Government Affairs Director for the Montana Tavern Association. According to their website, “Our advocacy efforts have been very effective on the state level in passing legislation that benefits the industry.” The industry is Montana taverns, many of which feature onsite video gambling machines.
The Council’s other board members include the state executives for the Montana Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association.
In other words, the Council hires lobbyists who promote the gambling interests of their affiliated organizations. In Montana, for instance, convenience stores are legally allowed to operate up to 20 gambling machines onsite.
As stated by Kortum, this is “appointing the fox to guard the hen house.”
A Worsening Crisis
Perhaps as concerning as the number of Montanans affected is the rapid acceleration of the crisis. In 2016, Montana ranked 11th in the nation for gambling addiction.
In less than a decade, the crisis has significantly worsened and today Montana is the third most gambling-addicted state in the US, outranked only by South Dakota and Nevada.
There could be several reasons for Montana’s ranking. There’s a lack of gambling counselors in the state and businesses are not required to train their employees to recognize an addicted gambler. Gambling machines and casinos are prevalent throughout the state, including in taverns, convenience stores and other retail sites.
It’s estimated that 2.5% of Montanans are addicted to gambling. That’s about 25,000 people experiencing a disorder that can put their careers, their families and even their lives at risk.
The time to get serious about gambling addiction is now. If you or someone you love is facing a gambling disorder, help is available.
Rehabs.org connects you with affordable treatment centers specializing in gambling addiction or co-occurring disorders. You may even be able to qualify for free treatment.
Don’t gamble with your future. Reach out today.
800-914-7089
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