Problem Gambling Program Funding Cut In Oregon

In the US, the casino gambling industry is growing at an alarming rate. State lawmakers are using casinos as a way to help ease the financial burden left in the wake of the economic recession.

As gambling grows, there is a bigger need for problem gambling treatment and prevention programs. In Oregon, gambling has been down in recent years, and it has led to a cut in funding for the problem gambling programs.

The state budgets one percent from lottery revenue to fund these treatment programs. Over the past year, profits for the lottery have dropped by twenty percent. While gambling is down, officials claim that the number of problem gamblers is not dropping.

"We should be redoubling our efforts, and instead we have to tread water just to stay afloat," said Paul Potter, the person in charge of overseeing gambling treatment for the Oregon Department of Human Services.

The amount of funds cut will reach beyond $1 million by July 2011. That may leave over 250 people to be turned away from the programs that have helped thousands over the years. In the past year alone, almost 2,000 people have sought help with a gambling addiction.

States all across the US have been searching for ways to combat the growing number of problem gamblers. Gambling addiction can be fueled by many legal outlets such as casinos, video machines, and the lottery.

March 27, 2010
Posted By Tom Jones
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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