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Addicts often realize that they are gambling with their lives photo by Jim Craven Mark Sorensen of Medford plays a hand of video poker at the Trophy Club in Medford Saturday. Most people can play video poker for recreation, but for 10-12 percent of those who play, it can become a dangerous addiction. The grass-roots Campaign to Unplug Video Poker is gaining ground in Oregon, but lawmakers say the $235 million generated in 1999 for state coffers would be difficult to replace. By JOHN DARLING for the Mail Tribune As a grass-roots campaign to ban video poker gains support statewide, Southern Oregon reformed gamblers agree with its organizers: Video poker is one of the most addicting games around. There are four things necessary to create a gambling addict, said Julie Dalia, a counselor on the Gambling Recovery Team of Josephine County Mental Health: immediacy of response, control over the amount of bet, a feeling of skill and the ability to get lost in the game. Video poker does all four at the same time and does them better than any game yet devised, Dalia said. Brenda, a member of Gamblers Anonymous (which does not use members' last names), said she knows from first-hand experience how addictive the game can be. "The lights and sounds do something to your brain," she said. "Nothing else mattered. I had to go every day, even when I woke up and said I wouldn't go." "They hypnotize you," said Sandy, Grants Pass, also a member of Gamblers Anonymous. "Video poker is the worst form of gambling. You don't see anyone else. You don't think of anything else. And when you run out of money, your chest and gut and head all just hurt and you're ready to throw up." While most people can play video poker on a recreational basis, about 10-12 percent of video gamblers become addicted, said Rep. Rob Patridge, R-Medford, who has served on the state Ways and Means Committee. The committee budgets the state's income, including $235 million a year from video poker. "The state has become addicted to lottery dollars," Patridge said. "It's a terrible way to balance the budget, but it's become a critical piece of the puzzle when we're looking to fund K-12 education, economic development, social services and health insurance for children in poverty. It's very difficult to give up that revenue." While the stereotypical "action gambler" likes bright lights, excitement and attention, the video poker addict, called an "escape gambler," is the opposite, craving escape from the problems of reality, said Dalia. "The addiction comes on much more quickly than other forms of gambling, with a much bigger impact on the addict's life. It's common for addicts to borrow, embezzle and steal. Many lose homes, marriages and jobs, spend enough to buy several homes and end up as homeless people," Dalia said. Many video poker players can avoid addiction, however. "I know my limitations," Pete Kempik of Ashland said as he poked at cards on the video screen at Omar's Restaurant and Bar. "I sense when the machines aren't paying. If I drop $20 (without winning), I quit. It's like drinking. You need to know when to stop." "It kind of sucks you in," said Elisha Wells, also playing at Omar's. "I'm not addicted. This is my first time in five months. I just do it to pass the time." As for winnings, Brenda said she started by winning $600 on $20 gambled, then repeated the feat the same day "and that just did it." Kempik said he won $1,500 two weeks ago and saved most of it to pay bills, then "pulled another $250 out" last Thursday. "The illusion of skill makes people especially vulnerable to addiction," said Dalia. "The game's designed to keep your money, and it's designed to make you think it's not doing that." Brenda said her four years in Gamblers Anonymous has shown her that women are especially vulnerable to video poker. "A woman does it to escape problems at home. Mine didn't start until my children were grown and I wanted to get out of the house to get away from the loneliness." "It's highly addictive to women," said Clarence, Medford, a two-year member of Gamblers Anonymous. "They get away from everyone. No one bothers them. They're in their own little world." Wherever states have sponsored gambling, the addition rate has gone up, Dalia said, and so has the gambling-related bankruptcy rate. However, even when video poker was illegal, gamblers found ways to do it in the back rooms of bars, said Patridge. He sees the state's mission as continuing to improve treatment of gambling addiction. The poker Pandora's box seems to be wedged open. Sandy and Brenda would like it banned but, said Sandy, "there's nothing you can do. It's bigger than we are. You can say get rid of it, but it's like trying to get rid of alcohol and close the bars. It's not poker's problem -- it's my problem." Recovery from video poker is extremely difficult, Dalia said. For Brenda, it took eight months and strong support, with her Gamblers Anonymous group urging her to get through just 30 days, then another 30. "It feels wonderful," she said. "I don't know how to express it. Absolutely great." Today's Edition : News | Sports | Business | Weather | Tempo | Classifieds Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 2000, Medford, Oregon USA