With approval of the Tiverton casino all but finalized as Providence Business News goes to press, the question is not so much whether there will be increased gambling in the state, but rather, is the state prepared to deal with the effects of that growth in gambling? In an important area, the answer seems to be no.
According to research done at Providence College, Massachusetts required that applicants for its casino licenses include plans for addressing problem gambling. Rhode Island has had no such requirement.
The issue is not one of moral rectitude. A large portion of workplace theft is the result of people too often finding themselves on the losing end of the game. Systems to help patrons of gambling establishments understand and deal with potential addiction problems are just a common sense reaction to the issue.
So as Twin River Management Group builds its new Tiverton facility – an important piece of Rhode Island's revenue picture going forward – it should work with the state to beef up supports that will allow for safe and enjoyable gaming. •