Slot Machines Taking Over State

Due to a recent study, it seems that not only is California in danger of becoming too saturated with slot machines, but they are also in danger of creating a state of gambling addicts. The southern part of the state not only has too many slot machines now, but they are looking to add more.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has promised several tribes increases in the number of slot machines that they are currently allowed, but also more casinos. The Indian compacts that have been signed over the years have made the slot machines and gambling into a $15 billion industry.

The problem isn’t just the number of slot machines that the state keeps allowing to come in, it is also the number of people who are exposed to the gaming devices. The more slot machines that come in, the more residents are exposed to them.

A recent study reports that there are as many as 1.2 million residents that have developed “significant, lifetime problems related to gambling.” It turns out that adults are not the only ones facing these problems, it is also their youth – and they have an even bigger problem than adults do. The state is spending a measly $3 million toward educating and treating gambling addiction – and with a whole new slew of slot machines due to come in – it just isn’t enough.



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