William J. Bennett, who is known as one of the United States' pre-eminent moral crusaders, said Monday he was walking away from the gambling table, saying he had "done too much gambling" and had been setting a poor example.
Two magazines reported last week that Bennett, the author of "The Book of Virtues," had lost $8 million at casinos over the past decade. The disclosure generated unflattering headlines around the world like "Anti-Drug Crusader Can't Say No to Gambling" (The Ottawa Citizen) and "Morals Advocate Fritters $8m" (The Times of London).
In a brief statement on Monday, Bennett said he was calling it quits.
"A number of stories in the media have reported that I have engaged in high-stakes gambling over the past decade," the statement said. "It is true that I have gambled large sums of money. I have also complied with all laws on reporting wins and losses."
He added: "Nevertheless, I have done too much gambling, and this is not an example I wish to set. Therefore, my gambling days are over."