New Orleans Senator Karen Carter Peterson spoke publicly for the first time about her struggles with gambling addiction Tuesday at a committee hearing on the legalization of sports betting. Peterson says she’s dealt with the disease for some time, but had managed to keep it a secret.
“No one around this capital would have ever known that Karen, if you didn’t see me in a casino, has a real problem. Nobody would have known because it is shameful, it is embarrassing. It’s the highest suicide rate of any addiction.”
A 2015 report showed those labeled “problem gamblers” were 2.5 times more likely to attempt suicide than the general population.
Peterson credited her ability to cope with the disease to a supportive family, but says not all problem gamblers have the luxury of strong family support, which is why she’s taking a public stand to bring awareness to the issue.
“I’ve been blessed to sit here today to be able to fight for those who I hope don’t have to go through some of the pain that I have experienced with this disease.”
The revelation of Peterson’s addiction led to accusations of hypocrisy related to her criticism of a 2017 New Orleans city council candidate’s pill addiction.
The Crescent City Democrat was the lone dissenting vote in Tuesday’s 3-1 committee approval of the legislation. She says the public outing of her addiction has given her the freedom to more openly voice her views.
“You know, it is something to be liberated when you have no secrets anymore. It’s a dangerous thing. The light is always good, it is powerful, and god always has a plan.”
Peterson was issued a misdemeanor citation earlier this year for entering a Baton Rouge casino. The Senator had voluntarily signed up for a program where problem gamblers ban themselves from casinos.
