Georgia Video Poker Slots: Legal Gambling, Illegally Operated
April 17 2015: Macon Telegraph published an in-depth story and interview with GCPG on the dilemma of video poker/slots. Click here to read the full interview with the GCPG Executive Director. The machines are most often seen in convenience stores statewide. The Georgia video poker machines are legal in the State of Georgia. However, they are frequently operated illegally. Video poker and slots machines are known to be one of the most powerfully addictive forms of gambling. Specifically, cash payouts are made to players. Georgia Law requires that payouts be made in lottery tickets and store merchandise.
Challenge for Law Enforcement
Congress passed the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of 2006. This law required pseudoephedrine be dispensed from behind pharmacy counters. Controlling point of purchase limited customer access to pseudoephedrine- one of the ingredients used to produce the powerfully addictive substance methamphetamine.
In contrast, one of the challenges for police is the video poker/ video slots may be placed anywhere within the store. They may also be placed in concealed locations within the convenience store. They are often hidden from view. Access to the machines is not regulated or monitored. Cash payouts are also hidden from view. Cash payout is one of the ingredients contributing to the addictive properties of the machines.
Video Convenience Store Gambling Addiction in Georgia
This scenario is related to the rampant gambling addiction to the Georgia video poker machines. Cases of violent crime associated with this form of gambling addiction are well documented in Georgia. The social costs are enormous…
Deadly
Deadly shootings over arguments between store owners and gambling addicts.
Gamblers reporting theft and embezzlement to gamble with the legal video slots.
Individuals in Georgia with gambling addiction report spending sometime over $100,000 playing. This often results in domestic violence, divorce and unemployment.
Solving the Problem
Simply put. There are no simple solutions. Requiring machines be placed in a visible location would lessen the risk for minors having access and developing a gambling addiction.
Raising public awareness. We are the designated voice for problem gamblers statewide.
Talk with your legislators. Tell them something must be done. That loopholes in the law must be addressed.
The Georgia Council is here to help. If you have a Georgia video poker machine addiction or any compulsive gambling problem, get help now. 888-236-4848.
The Georgia Council on Problem Gambling: Georgia’s source for unique, relevant and breaking information on the social impact of gambling.
