Louisiana’s Gambling Addicts Sentenced to Recovery Instead of Jail
1 July 2005
With over 20 casinos, gambling-related crime is a big issue in Louisiana. The Louisiana Attorney General’s office has come up with a plan to help keep first and second-time offenders out of jail. Non-violent offenders will be referred to a treatment program instead. The most serious gambling addicts will be sent for inpatient treatment. Overall, the plan is expected to save a serious chunk of Louisiana’s budget. With a year of jail time estimated to cost $25,000 per person, the program is a much more reasonable alternative.
Plus, say District Attorneys, if problem gamblers are put in jail, when they get out, they’ll just head back to the casinos. With the new program, problem gamblers are taught to stay out of the casinos, change their behavior patterns, and make restitution to anyone who they have hurt financially. Gamblers who don’t meet the requirements will be turned over the regular criminal justice system, and may serve jail terms, depending on the severity of their crimes.
Supporters of the program say that most people who have been hurt by problem gambling have suffered an economic loss, and are more interested in recouping their losses than in punishing the criminal, so that this system is a better system for dealing with the problem. In addition to the restitution, gamblers convicted of gambling-related crimes will be required to perform community service, similar to the requirements of 12-step programs such as Gambler’s Anonymous.
Source: Authorized Online Casinos News Staff
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