Problem gambling is a major concern of legislators, gambling organizations and individuals throughout the country. With the huge growth in the industry plus the growth in online slots, online poker and online gambling, in general, it is a huge concern for many involved. It also has become a major roadblock to legislators trying to legalize gambling. Recently Congressman Jim Moran, Lee Terry and Frank Wolf introduced the Comprehensive Problem Gambling Act in the US House of Representatives. The act is being referred to as HR 2906. It is hoped the act will delineate the rules and regulations to aid all problem gamblers.

Moran was vocal in his feelings about the act stating that although most Americans are able to gamble responsibly, there still remains a small percentage of the gambling public that fall into the “problem gamblers” sector. This problem gambling sector is estimated to be approximately 6 million. Moran, along with Terry and Wolf, is concerned that the growing number of legislations legalizing gambling will propel that number into the double-digit millions in a short period of time. He also noted that US taxpayers paid $5.3 billion on gambling income in 2007. In addition, the social cost of problem gambling is estimated to be $7 billion annually. He stated, “No federal agency has the responsibility of coordinating efforts to treat gambling addiction.” It is the HR 2906 that hopefully will aid in correcting this problem and legislators are looking for the act to make notable strides in finding a solution. With the huge numbers of increased gamblers expected to enter the market due to legalization, the government is working to create safeguards and build them into the system.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, or SAMHASA, is the designated organization that will head up the HR 2906 act. It will be called upon to integrate problem gambling services into the health care system. It will be their job to designate how problem gamblers will find help to their addictions. Initially there is $14.2 million per year allocated to the problem gambling issue. This fund is set to aid the SAMHSA in researching ways to accelerate public awareness, develop guidelines for prevention and treat sufferers. It will also fund a public awareness campaign and provide assistance to local gambling addiction providers.

Several weeks ago the Supreme Court decided that Ohio’s plan to introduce slots to the race tracks was subject to Ohioans’ vote via referendum in November. If the group LetOhioVote.org could collect enough signatures, the plan would have to be put on hold for a year to allow Ohioans to vote next year. The Let Ohio Vote group maintained that they wanted to uphold the people’s rights to decide on creating slots parlors at race tracks. They as a whole were neither for, nor against the actual slots parlors going up. Rather, it was a legislative question of authority and power. They believe that the issue is constitutionally in the hands of citizens, rather than a decision legislators can make without gathering public opinion.

On another side of the debate there were activists opposed to the slot machines installation in racetracks. This group also filed a law suit with the Supreme Court asking to be heard. The court ruled and threw their lawsuit out. Their reasoning was that because the slots plan isn’t law and may not happen for up to another year, opponent’s arguments are doubtful because they have not been “legally harmed.”

Rob Wallgate, of the Ohio Roundtable and Freedom Forum, is upset at the decision and the way things have been happening regarding the issue. “We feel that they [let Ohio Vote] had eight or nine valid claims against the governor’s plan, however they jumped the gun. They went ahead and filed theirs in advance and now theirs is being heard first. And going to be acted out and decided. We feel that there are a lot more constitutionality questions regarding the governor’s plan that need to be answered.”

At the center of the argument is whether or not legislators and the governor of Ohio have the authority to alone to authorize slot machines. Some are claiming that only approval of a constitutional amendment voted on by the people can bring about a change in slots legislation. As of now Let Ohio Vote is still petitioning for signatures and hoping to gain public support. Most likely, however the referendum won’t be included in the November vote until 2010.