More Help for New York State’s Problem Gamblers
2 June 2005
With four casinos located in upstate New York, plus the newly-allowed racetrack video-lottery terminals, New York State has decided to change its tactics and increase funding for problem gambling programs.
The 2.3 million dollar program, previously shared with the state office of mental health, has been increased by one million dollars. In addition, the program was consolidated with the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services.
Currently, the Center for Problem Gambling in Albany has two nationally certified gambling counselors among its staff, with an average of 300 people come to the center for help yearly. This, when the New York State Council on Problem Gambling estimates that there are nearly a quarter of a million problem gamblers in the state. The Center’s only advertising is an advertisement in the Yellow Pages.
Although the increase is significant, critics point out that the new budget is still less than one fifth of the state’s lottery advertising budget of $17.5 million, which is less than 0.5% of yearly lottery sales.
Source: Authorized Online Casinos News Staff
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