Iowa Casinos Host Increased Number of Compulsive Gamblers
27 July 2005
Iowa-based problem gambling hotline 1-800-BETS-OFF reported a dramatic increase in calls last year, due to the fact that Iowa casinos introduced new slot machines and table games. The hotline referred thousands of gamblers to gambling treatment centers all over the state.
Executive officer of the Iowa Gambling Treatment Program Frank Biagioli said that the Treatment Program hopes that people will avoid overdoing their gambling in casinos, and not allow themselves to reach the state of desperation associated with gambling problems.
It is estimated that about 60,000 adults in Iowa are compulsive gamblers, and land-based casinos are not the only source of this problem. Online gambling has also proven to be a major problem.
People who suffer from compulsive gambling issues have been negatively impacted by their habit, many having experienced great financial difficulties due to this problem. However, they are often willing to lose out on everything, just so they can get their next casino fix.
Nonetheless, the fact that more people are getting help does not necessarily indicate an increase in the rate of gambling problems, according to Wes Ehrecke, president of the Iowa Gaming Association. In previous years, only 0.3 percent of gross revenue from state-regulated casinos was allocated to gambling treatment programs. Since then, however, more money has been allocated to this cause, as Iowa plans to expand the gambling industry and open four more casinos in the state.
According to Poweshiek county attorney Mike Mahaffey,, casinos and gambling are among the main motivations for embezzlement. He reportedly opposes to the fact that casinos are spreading in the state, and is not shocked at all that more and more people are looking for help.
Source: Authorized Online Casinos News Staff
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