Gamblers Anonymous Treating State-Funded Patients
More addicted gamblers in Indiana are receiving state-funded treatment than ever before.
So far this fiscal year, 414 people, up from 376 at this time last year, have received problem-gambling services through the Hoosier Assurance Plan, a state mental-health program available only to Hoosiers.
Next year the state is budgeting enough money to serve 560 problem gamblers, a fourfold increase since the program began five years ago, said John Viernes, deputy director of the Office of Addictions in the Family and Social Services Administration.
"There's been an increase in the availability of gaming venues, both the riverboats and on the Internet," he said.
Those who advocate on behalf of problem gamblers say the state needs to do more.
"The state makes a huge amount of money from every person who goes to a casino," said Chuck B., a Central Indiana volunteer for Gamblers Anonymous, who stressed that he doesn't speak for the group.
One approach the state is considering involves establishing a regional in-patient treatment center, Viernes said.
Because they're located on the state's borders, Indiana casinos draw heavily from neighboring states.
Kentucky has no money earmarked specifically for gambling treatment, although lawmakers have discussed the possibility.
Although there isn't enough demand in Indiana to justify an in-patient center, a cooperative arrangement involving border states might be feasible, Viernes said.
Mike Stone, executive director of the Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling, said that he would be interested in talking to Indiana officials about a regional center or regionalized treatment and that he hopes Kentucky might someday be home to such a center.
June 19, 2006
Posted By Susan Torres
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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