State must beware danger of problem gambling
Gov. Ned Lamont and his administration are touting a deal to provide “a modern, technologically advanced gaming experience for our residents,” in Lamont’s words, that will bring in new revenue and put the state in line with its neighbors. They need to be equally sure to take precautions against the scourge of problem gambling, which could become a much bigger issue in coming years.
The deal announced in conjunction with two state Indian tribes that run casinos in the state’s southeastern corner would bring Connecticut into the sports betting business, taking wagers on games and events through the CT Lottery. It would allow the placing of bets through ubiquitous cellphones, and open up the possibility of a new world of trouble for gambling addicts.
Early signs aren’t as encouraging as one might hope.
“We’ve had some conversations about that. We’ve not extensively discussed that. But we’re aware of the benchmarking and what other states are doing.” Those are the words of David Lehman, the governor’s top economic adviser, when asked about the potential for problem gambling to worsen.
The administration will have to do better than that, and there’s good reason to believe they will. But their actions will be closely watched.
The issue of problem gambling is known to be more severe in the vicinity of a casino or where gambling is easily accessible. At its worst, problem gambling can lead to money loss, broken relationships, threats to employment and more. When the entire state effectively becomes an open-air casino, the danger is only increased.
There are steps that can be taken, and other states that have gone down the road of legalized sports betting before Connecticut have shown the way. State officials need to ensure they adhere to best practices on keeping problem gambling to a minimum.
The deal with the two tribes also eliminates the possibility for now of a third casino in the state, which was planned for East Windsor. That proposal seemed driven by a desire to keep state residents from continuing up I-91 across the border to the MGM casino in Springfield, Mass., which opened in 2018.
Given how saturated the Northeastern market has become, though, abandoning the East Windsor plan is for the best. With new facilities in Massachusetts and around New York state performing below expectations, it is unlikely a third Connecticut facility would bring in the kind of revenue state officials would hope. Better to forget the whole idea.
The deal also puts off, possibly forever, the longtime dream of opening a casino in Bridgeport. That idea dates back decades, but gained new life when MGM proposed an updated version as a counter to the state’s East Windsor plan. The state’s largest city needs economic development, but it won’t come in the form of a casino anytime soon.
The expansion of gaming in Connecticut was an inevitability, and the state was in effect leaving money on the table the longer it continued to hold out while other states moved ahead. Now it’s ready to move into the future with an updated plan. Officials need to ensure the negative consequences from such a move are kept to a minimum.
At its worst, problem gambling can lead to money loss, broken relationships, threats to employment and more. When the entire state effectively becomes an open-air casino, the danger is only increased.