Missouri Lawmakers Restore Problem Gambling Counseling Funds

Voters in the state of Missouri decided to expand gambling in the state in the November election. When expanded gambling happens in an area, there is always the hope that treatment for problem gambling will be expanded as well.

This week, the opposite was set to take place in Missouri. Republican lawmaker David Sater, the Chairman of the House Appropriations subcommittee on Health and Social services, stripped away money that was supposed to go towards a problem gambling counseling program.

On Thursday, lawmakers alleviated the potential problem by restoring the funds to the program. The program will receive the previously appropriated $499,745, according to the Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse in the Mental Health Department.

Sater had been on record as saying that the money needed to go to more important social needs. That statement created quite a stir among counselors who deal with problem gamblers on a daily basis.

By Thursday, lawmakers had heard the please of the counselors and restored the money. The money comes directly from the casinos in the state, each of which pay $.01 for every $2 casino admission fee that is paid.

March 13, 2009
Posted By Tom Jones
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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