Gambling-embezzling link seen
9:45 PM 2/08/04
Lesley Rogers Barrett County reporter

Milwaukee County District Attorney E. Michael McCann is weighing in on the Feb. 17 Dane County casino vote, saying he's observed a "powerful link" between problem gambling and embezzlement. <

McCann, along with University of Illinois Professor John Kindt, who studies the links between crime and casinos, will be featured at a news conference this morning hosted by local anti-casino group No Dane Casino. The group is hosting a public forum at 7 p.m. tonight on crimes, casinos and addictions. <

Dane County District Attorney Brian Blanchard has been an outspoken opponent of expanded gambling at the Ho-Chunk Nation's DeJope Bingo Hall, which goes to a referendum Feb. 17. <

McCann said his office has seen more embezzlement cases linked to casino gambling. Milwaukee County is home to the Potawatomi Bingo Casino. He said that while there have been no local studies on whether there's a link between the casino and a crime increase, he has noticed an increase in people pilfering money from friends, relatives and employers to sustain gambling habits. <

Such crimes are likely to lead to other social costs such as divorce, unemployment and bankruptcy, he said. <

"I would absolutely urge voters to say no," McCann said. <

On the other hand, Brown County District Attorney John Zakowski said "we have not seen a dramatic or significant increase because of casino gambling." <

He said he's seen a few more theft and embezzlement cases since the Oneida Bingo and Casino opened in Green Bay, but he's not sure if it's enough to outweigh some of the economic gain brought by the casino. <

Kindt, a professor of business and legal policy, said research shows a link between casinos and crime. <

Kindt, who has written several academic studies on crime and casinos, will speak at tonight's public forum. The anti-casino group is not paying him for his appearance. <

Kindt said the social costs are $3 for every $1 in economic benefits a casino brings. <

"There is no doubt. Crime, crime and more crime is what voters can expect if they allow more gambling," Kindt said. <

Lisa Pugh, spokeswoman for the Ho-Chunk sponsored Coalition for Fair Indian Gaming and Revenue Sharing Agreements, points out that the Dane County Deputy Sheriff's Association is endorsing a "yes" vote after doing its own research. <

"These are the folks in our community who are on the front lines of crime," Pugh said. "They contacted local law enforcement in other areas with casinos and came to the conclusion that increased crime is not a concern." <