VEGAS VIRTUES

EVEN if the gambler on a perpetual losing streak weren't self annointed
morals czar William Bennett, it wouldn't have been a pretty sight.

During the past decade, according to Newsweek and The Washington
Monthly, Mr. Bennett - author of The Book of Virtues and arguably the
leading right-wing general for 20 years in the culture wars - has
lost up to $8 million at casinos playing slots and video poker.

According to the magazines' sources, he once wired a casino more than
$1.4 million to cover losses. Just last month, he lost more than
$500,000 in two days at the Bellagio in Las Vegas. A few years ago, he
won a $25,000 jackpot but still left the casino down $625,000.

"There's a term in the trade for his kind of gambler," a casino
source who witnessed Mr. Bennett playing high-limit slots told the
magazines. "We call them losers."

There's another word to describe Mr. Bennett and this type of
behavior: sick.

Mr. Bennett displays all the hallmarks of a gambling addiction. He
tries to keep his activities secret, generally gambling between
midnight and 6 a.m. He is in denial about the size and impact of his
losses, insisting that he doesn't lose the "milk money."

And he lies. Oh, how he lies.

He says he has broken even on slots over 10 years, which prompts
laughter at the casinos he frequents. And, of course, like every
addict he claims not to have a problem; his gambling is "under control."

In theory at least, some good could come from these revelations. Frank
talk from Mr. Bennett could help other problem gamblers and provide
insight and support for their families.

But that is unlikely to happen. Mr. Bennett is the leader of a social
movement that heaps scorn on anyone in the grip of a vice, and that
sees addiction as the result of failure to exercise personal
responsibility.

Like any other addict coming off a bender, Mr. Bennett now swears that
his gambling days are over. Perhaps, perhaps not. If Mr. Bennett does
give it a shot, he will find it's the hardest thing he ever tried to
do.

But maybe, just maybe, it could lead him to what his sermonizing brand
of morality lacks: humility and compassion.