Many studies support the link between gambling and crime.
But less publicized is how gambling addiction turns people into criminals. More than half of all pathological gamblers will commit crimes embezzlement, tax evasion, fraud to pay off debts. The Florida Office of Planning and Budgeting researched projected costs of legalizing casino gambling in the state. The largest potential government expense came from incarcerating new gamblers who turn to crime. The managers of gambling establishments who see these addicts daily should understand.