New Mexico Eyeing Statewide Fund For Problem Gambling

In the state of New Mexico, there is strong support for casino gambling. There is also, however, a glitch in the treatment programs that the state offers for gambling addiction. That is according to the New Mexico Compulsive Gambling Council.

The Council has suggested that there needs to be one fund set up for the entire state. The current system allows for individual programs to operate independently, and the Council believes that these programs do not do enough to cover the entire state.

On Friday, the Council sent a report to Governor Bill Richardson outlining what they felt needed to be changed in the current system. Among their other recommendations were a new problem gambling office, a toll-free help line, and a program for children.

"Basically, what the Council is suggesting is that there be one governing body that handles problem gambling in New Mexico," said observer Jack Brown, "under that governing body, there would be many resources that would be available throughout the state."

Racetracks and tribal casinos are currently paying a portion of their revenue for problem gambling treatment. The problem, as outlined by the Council, is that they pay to many different programs that are not linked together.

Other state have also started to look at their problem gambling offerings. many states have expanded the amount of money that casinos pay towards these programs to ensure that anyone who does have a gambling addiction can find help easily.

The hot line numbers have been successful in areas around the country. For states that are just starting their casino gambling expansion, they have looked at the shortcomings of programs in other states and have tried to come up with sufficient problem gambling treatment plans.

August 9, 2009
Posted By April Gardner
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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