Casinos tout new UNI survey on gambling

The state’s casinos are touting a University of Northern Iowa survey which found nearly 99 percent of Iowans who’ve gambled suffered no “negative” financial consequences. Wes Ehrecke, president of the Iowa Gaming Association, says ninety-nine percent of the 36-hundred Iowans who were surveyed by phone said their gambling caused them no problems at work or with friends and family. He says they also want to be sure they have programs available for those that need the help.Ehrecke says this Iowa data mimics what was found in a two-year National Gambling Impact Study.Ehrecke says the research indicates between one- and two-percent of gamblers have an addiction, while the vast majority can gamble responsibly. This is “Responsible Gaming Education Week” in Iowa, sponsored by the Iowa Gaming Association which is made up of the 13 state-licensed casinos in Iowa.