Number of Gambling Addicts in Virginia Triples Since 2000
The number of West Virginians seeking help for an addiction to online gambling has more than tripled in the past three years. In 2000, counselors at the state Problems Gamblers Help Network hadn't met anyone with an addiction to Internet poker and roulette.
This year, they're on track to see at least 60 people who have serious problems with online betting and gaming. "You can't go to the racetrack to play blackjack at 3 a.m. in your pajamas, but you sure can hole up in your den on the computer," said Mia Moran-Cooper, director of the gamblers' helpline. Local psychologists say the number of patients they're treating for addictions to online games is increasing, and one Huntington-area specialist is warning that it's going to be the "addiction of the future.
"It's like it came out of nowhere," psychologist David Frederick said. "What we're finding is it's starting with adolescents who are so computer savvy these days, and it's just taking hold. It's so easy to do, it's anonymous and I can just see it coming like a train."
June 17, 2006
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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