[EL Burro Loco]

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These cops are heroes and true defenders of our nation.

- 72% of problem gamblers reported an episode of depression.
- 52% report alcohol abuse.
- 50% of problem gamblers abuse their children.
- In areas that allow casino gambling judges are reporting that 1/3 of the divorce cases they see involve gambling as a reason the marriage is dissolving. In these same areas spousal abuse has risen over 300%.
- After Mississippi legalized casino gambling pawn shops became the fastest growing business in the state. People are pawning their possessions in order to gamble.
- Problem gamblers are 150 times more likely to attempt suicide.
- Secular treatment of problem gamblers has only an 8% success rate. This is one of the lowest rates of any addiction. The reason the success rate for treating a gambling problem is so difficult is because it is not a disease - it is a moral choice

Consider these facts:
1. Each day, 88 million dollars are spent on lotteries alone, more money than is spent on food.
2. Ten million Americans have a gambling addiction.
3. When legalized gambling enters a new area, there is a 100%-500% rise of compulsive gamblers. At least 2/3 of compulsive gamblers turn to crime to finance their addiction.
4. Gambling causes a wide range of social problems such as increases in divorces, child protection cases, crime rates, domestic violence and child abuse. For every $1.00 the state receives from gambling revenue, it costs that state at least $3.00 in increased services such as criminal-justice, and welfare.

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Im sure the stats on alcohol abuse are much worse and account for much more "horror" and yet your not suggesting the banning of liquor?