Some people are so addicted to gambling that they feel compelled to voluntarily sign up to be barred from Missouri's riverboat casinos.

Harvard University researchers hope those people have something to teach the rest of the nation.

The researchers plan to study a 750-person sample taken from the more than 5,000 people who have placed themselves on the state list of patrons permanently barred from Missouri casinos.

The researchers hope to learn more about the characteristics of problem gamblers, such as pinpointing the demographics and figuring out what happened to these people. Did they go into treatment? Did they stay away? Or did they relapse?

The information will help shape problem-gambling programs in Missouri and elsewhere. It also will help us know more about the disorder at all stages.

This study presents a opportunity to learn more about the problem. Not until you fully understand a problem can it be resolved. This is a good step in the right direction.