166 poker-related theft cases in last four years
At least 634 crimes and offenses took place at poker establishments in the last four years, according to the Department of Public Safety.
DPS data, as reported by a Northern Marianas College class, showed that theft was most common crime committed at poker rooms. The police department recorded 166 poker-related theft cases between Jan. 1, 2001 and June 30, 2005.
Assault accounted for 140 of the cases. Criminal mischief cases totaled 133 while incidents of disturbing the peace numbered 132. There were 22 burglary cases and 12 child abuse or neglect cases that were linked to the poker industry.
The police also registered two rape incidents that occurred at poker establishments. One homicide and another case of a dead person were also recorded in the three-and-a-half-year period beginning January 2001.
In a September 2005 report, former public defender Masood Karimipour noted that gambling-related problems cost the community.
According to Karimipour, the problems include addiction, depression, child neglect and abuse, domestic violence, divorce, lack of productivity, loss of employment, and criminal involvement ranging from curfew violations from juveniles to major offenses such as theft, substance abuse, and violence.
“While gambling does also bring in revenues, we need to study the hidden costs. While estimating a dollar amount for the cost of gambling-related problems can be difficult, we must study the problem and take remedial action to stop the damage being done,” Karimipour said.
