THE PUBLIC MIND: TROUBLES WILL FOLLOW GAMBLING

To the Editor:As the discussion of riverboat gambling resurfaces, I continue to consider the pros and cons. However, I find that nothing I read can override the concerns I had at the time of the June vote. For me, the bottom line is that according to statistics taken from studies in eastern gambling states, 4.2% of the population become either problem or pathological gamblers. Even though the majority of people could set limits on their spending, 4.2% is not a number we can just ignore. Just with Cape Girardeau's population of 35,000, that would be 1,470 people, not to mention other family members who would be affected.The American Psychiatric Association officially defined pathological gambling as a psychiatric illness in 1980. With problem or pathological gambling any of the following things can happen:1. Arrest for forgery, fraud, embezzlement, or income tax evasion due to attempts to obtain money.2. Default on debts.3. Disrupted family or spouse relationship due to gambling.4. Borrowing of money from illegal sources.5. Inability to account for loss of money.6. Loss of work due to absenteeism in order to pursue gambling.7. Necessity for another person to provide money to relieve a desperate financial situation.The American Journal of Psvchiatry, April 1988, indicated that public and private treatment for pathological gamblers has expanded rapidly since 1980. These services have been developed in Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. In Missouri, we have the benefit of studying what has taken place in other states. We can avoid bringing an industry to town that causes personal and family problems.Some will say that many new jobs will be created with a casino and that, in that way, families will be helped. But if in turn families are hurt by the people who cant control their gambling, then we really have not gained anything.Cape Girardeau is in an enviable position with its low 4% unemployment. The October 11 business section of the Southeast Missourian revealed in bold letters "Area Construction Hits Feverish Pitch." Five hundred building permits have been issued in the first three quarters of 1993. The idea that Cape Girardeau is in a desperate situation is absurd.Cape Girardeau has beautiful parks and neighborhoods. And, as a great medical center, it attracts people not only for these services, but to the many restaurants and shopping areas. Granted--the downtown area competes with the mall and other businesses west of town. But I believe that the downtown will always attract people as long as their goods and services are high quality and are competitive with other stores.My husband and I lived several years in Washington, Missouri--a town of about 10,000 on the Missouri River. The downtown merchants have several events during the year

CAROL EATON

Cape Girardeau