The prototype American casino gambler is a financially stable middle-aged woman who enjoys travel, classy eateries and spending a night on the town, according to a recent industry survey.

        “Profile of the American Casino Gambler,” a study conducted by two national research firms for casino operator Harrah's Entertainment, Inc., contradicts stereotypes of younger, financially unstable gamblers with dicey employment. The survey, released last month, says 35 percent of Americans with a household income above $95,000 gamble in casinos compared to 22 percent in homes earning less than $35,000.

        The survey, which included more than 68,000 participants, defined casino gamblers as those who had visited a casino in the year prior to the survey, which was conducted in 2000 and 2001. Frank Fahrenkopf, the president and chief executive officer of the American Gaming Association said public policy debates on casino gambling are often “fueled by stereotypes.”

        He added that the survey should “debunk these myths about our industry and our customers.”

        Ohio and Kentucky have not approved casino gambling despite repeated attempts by their legislatures in recent years. Indiana has 10 riverboat casinos, including five on the Ohio River, and some recently expanded their gambling hours.

        Research conducted by firms Roper ASW and NFO WorldGroup Inc. delves into the investment habits, financial concerns and music taste of gamblers.

        For example, the survey says 91 percent of casino gamblers own cars and 52 percent communicate via cell phone. In addition, 36 percent often travel during leisure time and 92 percent are likely to been seen eating at restaurants.

        The survey, though, does not dig into the darker side of habit-forming gambling. Industry critics fear that Indiana's recent decision to allow dockside gambling — versus its traditional gambling boat cruises that allowed boarding only every hour or two — could make it easier for problem gamers to deposit cash on board.

        Nancy Jo Kemper, a spokesperson for Kentucky Citizens Against Gambling Expansion, says companies such as Harrah's are working to capitalize on state budget problems and expand operations into new areas. She says the survey overlooks research that says about 2 percent of participants are compulsive gamblers and account for a significant portion of gaming revenue

        Outside of problem gamblers, “the rest — and clearly a majority — are casual gamblers and do it properly.” The survey “makes sense in terms of a simple majority,” Ms. Kemper said.

        But that doesn't mean gambling is a positive for society, she said.

        “Casino gamblers have nothing better to do with their time,” Ms. Kemper says, refuting survey results. “It is a self-destructive and societally dangerous enterprise and activity that does nothing to improve the individual's understanding of the world, outlook on life or capacity to make a difference.”

        Dean Hestermann, a spokesman for Harrah's, classifies typical gamblers as those who have “above average incomes” and as “enthusiastic participants across life's dimensions and engaged in communities.”

        Rick, a member of Cincinnati's Gamblers Anonymous, a group that helps to rehabilitate pattern gamblers, agrees that many gamblers participate without becoming addicted. But he says the profile of a recreational gambler is very similar to that of the problem gambler.

        “We come from all walks of life,” said Rick, a store owner who did not want his last name published. “They could be retired people, young people, executives or normal people working in a factory. It has no bearing on your social background.”

        Argosy general manager Larry Kinser wouldn't elaborate on the issue of problem gambling on his boat, but said, “The casino associations in every state in the Midwest have sponsored gambling hot lines. We urge them to continue to use them.”

        A gambler who explored dockside gambling Thursday said, “Having to go out to the river may have saved a few compulsive gamblers. But I think it is minute” said Brian Haycock, 54 of Swayzee, Ind.

        “I don't think it was right to inconvenience everyone to save some lost soul from losing his last few dollars.”

        Enquirer reporter Tom O'Neill contributed.

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