|
|
|
 |
Gambling Foes Use CraigsList Killer to Encite Panic
HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT --
The shocking story of an Internet murderer has somehow been morphed by virulent anti-gambling factions into a moralistic tale of the perils of casino gaming. When word got out that accused killer Philip Markoff had been a frequent visitor to Foxwoods Casino, demagogues who constantly look to slur gambling jumped on the opportunity.
"You name it and people will do it in the service of a gambling problem," said Marvin Steinberg, executive director of the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling. Steinberg was reacting to reports that Markoff was en route to Foxwoods when arrested.
Markoff is alleged to have murdered and robbed women he met off CraigsList, a popular Internet advertising site.
Steinberg also said that problem gamblers usually commit less violent crimes, like embezzlement, but that they would do anything for money, and then quickly rush to a casino for another bout of gambling.
Gaming commentator Al Winston says,"Taking an isolated part of this man's history in no way means gambling causes murders or crimes. Markoff is also a medical student, but no one gives credence to the thought that med students are likely criminals."
Winston said poorly reasoned statements like Steinberg's perpetuate myths about gambling, including the concept that gamblers easily lose control of their playing impulses and will "do anything" to gamble more. According to Winston, most modern research shows that addictive behavior seeks outlets like gambling, but encompasses a far broader disorder than one specific to gaming.
Previous USA Casino News Articles
Post A Comment
|
 |
|
|
|
