Daily HealthBeat Tip

Betting against the house.

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I'm Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.

Living near a casino may be a temptation too great for some people to bear. A new study shows those living within 10 miles of a casino are 90 percent more likely to be problem gamblers. Additionally, those living in disadvantaged neighborhoods report much higher rates of problem gambling than those who do not live in disadvantaged neighborhoods.

Dr. John Welte of the Research Institute on Addictions at the University at Buffalo, New York:

"People who live in disadvantaged neighborhoods might think that gambling is their best chance to get some money. What they should do is realize that people in the gambling business are in it to make money � they'll get your money � and the odds will grind you down." (12 seconds)

Welte, whose work was supported by the National Institutes of Health, says there are also other reasons for the increase. They may include acceptance of gambling by family and friends, unrealistic expectations, and financial desperation.

Learn more at www.hhs.gov.

HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I'm Ira Dreyfuss.

Last revised: August 29, 2005

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