Current and Upcoming Legislative Issues

Alabama Policy Institute

 

The fast action, ease of play, and emphasis on quick money makes video poker particularly addictive.

* In Las Vegas, 90% of female gambling addicts and two-thirds of male gambling addicts are addicted to video gambling.

* As much as 11% of Louisiana's adult population and 14% of its college-age population are addicted to video poker.

* Compulsive video poker players tend to "bottom out" financially in only two to three years, compared to an average of 20 years for gamblers addicted to other games.

* According to an article in the Birmingham News (March 12, 2000), two years after video poker was legalized in South Carolina, bankruptcies had increased 33%. Financial crimes, including white collar, bad checks and fraud had increased 47%. False police reports made in attempts to cover up gambling losses had increased 75%.

Video Poker..is the crack cocaine of gambling; at its most addictive and virulent, producing few economic benefits and high social costs. Harper's Magazine

For more information on video gambling, contact The Alabama Policy Institute at 1-800-642-6797.

The gambling booklet, Video Vice, is available for $5, which includes shipping and handling.