Queensland Government Tackles problem Gambling With $1 Million

Problem gambling is not an issue that many governments take seriously when they expand their gambling laws. In Queensland, however, the government is preparing to make up for lost time by throwing more money at the problem.

The Queensland government believes that more problem gambling services are needed in the state, that is why they have agreed to give an additional $1 million to new problem gambling services in Longreach and Bundaberg.

"The gambling help service system provides face to face counseling, community education and training, there's a residential in-patient treatment program in Brisbane and also the gambling helpline which is available twenty-four hours, seven days a week," said Fair Trading Minister Peter Lawlor, speaking of the need for even more services.

There are already thirteen regional service centers across Queensland, and Lawlor claims that only .5% of the population has a gambling problem. Still, Lawlor feels more can be done to ensure that the number of problem gambling cases stays low.

That is a contrast to what is taking place in other areas of the world. In the US, many states have expanded their gambling options, but have done nothing to address the issue of problem gambling treatment.

Other states have set aside a portion of gambling revenue to treat problem gambling, but it still is not enough, according to problem gambling centers. With the emphasis on gambling expansion, the treatment has become an issue over the past several years.

July 11, 2009
Posted By April Gardner
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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