Oregon May Cut Problem Gambling Funds Under Worse Case Budget

The state of Oregon has no problem taking in gambling revenue from their residents, but it does now appear that they may be unwilling to continue helping problem gamblers. This is according to a worst case scenario exercise that has played out in the legislature.

If pressed, one of the cuts to the state budget would be the elimination of treatment and prevention programs for gambling addicts. The Department of Human Services added the cuts when asked to trim thirty percent of their operating budget.

"Over time, voters have passed legislation that eats up large parts of the budget,' said House Speaker Spokesperson Geoff Sugerman, to KVAL, "We're going to get to the point where the voters' decisions themselves will eventually come in conflict with each other."

It will not be easy for legislators to simply cut out the problem gambling treatment. The law states that one percent of all lottery gambling revenue must go towards a problem gambling fund. Legislation would have to be passed to take away that one percent.

Some people have been in an uproar since learning the state may cut the problem gambling programs. The idea that Oregon could offer legalized forms of gambling and no treatment for people who became addicted is weighing on people's minds.

"If they allow us to gamble and they take our money," said observer Francis Gergen, "Then they have the responsibility to help anyone that should get themselves into emotional or financial trouble from the gambling."

April 15, 2009
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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