NATIONAL GAMBLING IMPACT STUDY COMMISSION

SUBCOMMITTEE ON RESEARCH

SUBCOMMITTEE MEETING

Saturday,
October 18, 1997

OPENING

The Subcommittee on Research met at the Doubletree Hotel, 3205 Quebec Street, Denver, Colorado, at 10:30 a.m., Leo T. McCarthy, Commissioner, presiding.

SUBCOMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT:

DR. JAMES C. DOBSON, Commissioner

LEO T. McCARTHY, Commissioner

JOHN W. WILHELM, Commissioner

COMMISSION STAFF:

ALLISON C. FLATT, Policy Analyst

DR. TIM KELLY, Research Director

DR. PETER REUTER, Principal Research Consultant

P-R-O-C-E-E-D-I-N-G-S

(10:50 a.m.)

COMMISSIONER McCARTHY: This is a meeting of the National Gambling Impact Study Commission Subcommittee on Research. We welcome everyone in the audience who is here. Thank you for taking the trouble to come on a Saturday, when you could be enjoying a private day at home; we're grateful for your participation.

I have listed only two witnesses who intend to offer testimony to the three members of the Subcommittee and the Staff. And this is Mr. Dobson and Mr. Wilhelm, and my name is Leo McCarthy. And we have Dr. Peter Reuter, Dr. Tim Kelly and Ms. Allison Flatt, who are capably helping us in our work.

I only have two witnesses here. One is Pat Savage. Is that correct?

MR. PUTSAVAGE: Close. It's close, but not quite right.

COMMISSIONER McCARTHY: P-U-T, Putsavage?

MR. PUTSAVAGE: Putsavage is the last name.

COMMISSIONER McCARTHY: For Putnam?

MR. PUTSAVAGE: Pardon me?

COMMISSIONER McCARTHY: Put is short for what full name?

MR. PUTSAVAGE: That's my full last name.

COMMISSIONER McCARTHY: Oh. I'm sorry. The whole thing is your last name?

MR. PUTSAVAGE: Yes.

COMMISSIONER McCARTHY: And your first name?

MR. PUTSAVAGE: Telisport.

COMMISSIONER McCARTHY: Okay. Thank you.

MR. PUTSAVAGE: Are you prepared now?

COMMISSIONER McCARTHY: Yes -- I will be in a minute.

MR. PUTSAVAGE: All right.

COMMISSIONER McCARTHY: Then we have Nancy Lantz of the Colorado Council on Compulsive Gambling. Now, that's all I have on the sign-up sheet. And I take it the rest of you are here to listen and observe. And you're very welcome.

All right. Let's start with you, Mr. Telisport Putsavage.

MR. PUTSAVAGE: Thank you.

COMMISSIONER McCARTHY: I've finally found a name that can compete with my middle name that causes wonderment; my middle name is Tarsisius.

DR. REUTER: And you admit it?

COMMISSIONER McCARTHY: That manages to stop people.

MR. PUTSAVAGE: I suspect you would have more trouble than I. Let me also give you each a card.

COMMISSIONER McCARTHY: Thank you.

As both of those who are going to give testimony know, this is about what research the Subcommittee should recommend to the full Committee this pertains to what should be undertaken and authorized to outside contractors -- independent contractors -- who will do the research. I phoned both these witnesses and left a message to explain that.

I think I left a message on your voice mail, Ms. Lantz. I hope you got it.

MS. LANTZ: Yes, I did.

COMMISSIONER McCARTHY: I am asking that, rather than talking in more general, universal terms, that your comments be directed and your thoughts be directed toward the issue of what research we should undertake. Thank you very much.