December 08, 2018

America’s Gambling Addiction

Millions of Americans are hooked on gambling. Dozens of states are addicted to the money it brings in. But one expert says our national gambling addiction takes a big toll on society, one that we are all paying for. Then, vibrant communities don’t just happen. They are built by citizens who are involved and take action.

Episode Segments:

The Cost of Gambling Addiction Millions of Americans are hooked on gambling, and at least 40 states are addicted to gambling revenue. Keith Whyte, Executive Director of the National Council on Problem Gambling said states have not taken the measures needed to address gambling addiction, as they have greatly expanded gambling in the past ten years. He talked about the most common characteristics of those addicted to gambling and how to recognize if someone has a problem.
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InfoTrak: Building a Vibrant Community Quint Studer, community development expert, author of Building A Vibrant Community: How Citizen-Powered Change Is Reshaping America said vibrant communities don’t just happen—they are built. He discussed ways that cities and towns can attract investments, encourage small business startups and build lively downtowns. He talked about the importance of creating community events such as street festivals, rallies, fundraisers and concerts to foster a sense of neighborhood. He also outlined ways that citizens can volunteer to improve their local community.
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Children and Apologies Craig Smith, PhD, Research Investigator at the University of Michigan Center for Human Growth and Development led a study that examined whether parents should force kids to apologize for something they did wrong to another child. He found that the wronged child saw a big difference between a sincere apology and a coerced one. He suggested ways that parents can help their child learn to have empathy for the victim, thus ensuring a willing apology.
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Guest(s) Appearing on this Episode

Keith White Keith S. Whyte became the Executive Director of the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) in October 1998. NCPG is the national advocate for programs and services to assist problem gamblers and their families. NCPG was founded in 1972 and is the oldest and most objective organization on gambling issues. Previously, Mr. Whyte served as Director of Research for the American Gaming Association where he was responsible for research and public policy issues, including problem gambling. His prior experience includes the American Bar Association’s Section of Individual Rights and Responsibilities where he dealt with policy issues relating to civil rights, human rights, healthcare, and immigration law. He began his career working on healthcare policy in the office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Keith graduated from Hampden-Sydney College with a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Certificate in International Relations. He also studied at Leiden University, the Netherlands. Mr. Whyte has presented in 39 US states and Austria, Bahamas, Canada, France, Greece, Hong Kong, Macau, Malawi, New Zealand, Spain, South Africa and the United Kingdom. He has written numerous articles, studies and book chapters on gaming issues. In addition, Keith has testified four times before the United States Congress on gambling-related legislation. He regularly discusses gaming issues in national and international print, radio and broadcast media, including appearances on ABC News, ABC News Nightline, CBS News, CBS Today Show, Dateline NBC, NBC Nightly News, Fox News, ESPN, CNN, CNN International, Voice of America and the BBC. Keith is an Editorial Board member of Gaming Law Review and Analysis of Gambling Behavior. He is a member of the International Masters in Gaming Law Responsible Gaming Committee. Keith also serves as a reviewer for the Journal of Gambling Issues and the Alberta Gaming Research Institute, and sits on the Advisory Boards of the International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors at McGill University and the Center for Gambling Studies at Rutgers University. A longtime resident of Arlington, Virginia with his wife Stacey and son Ian, Keith is an appointed member of the Arlington Community Services Board, precinct captain for the Arlington County Democratic Committee, delegate to the Arlington Civic Federation and longtime volunteer for the Arlington Food Assistance Center. He is an avid cyclist who rides more than 3,000 miles per year and a passionate supporter of the D.C. United soccer team. National Council on Problem Gambling