Rell Adds Keno, Cuts Problem Gambling Funds In Proposed Budget

When a state increases their gambling options by changing existing laws, the common idea is that problem gambling treatment should also increase. That is not the plan, however, in Connecticut.

Governor M. Jodi Rell has included keno gambling as part of her proposed budget. On the other hand, the state is expected to cut funding for problem gambling by almost a half million dollars under the new budget. That discrepancy is causing heads to turn in the state.

"What's necessary is some consistent level of funding," said Lori Rugle, Director of Connecticut's Problem Gambling Services, "When you're providing treatment for patients it's really difficult to not know what kind of funding is going to be available. Once you've reached out to people, you can't abandon those people."

Rugle believes that more money, not less, should be used for the treatment of problem gambling, especially if the gambling addiction cases may go up with more gambling options. "I can't imagine it wouldn't increase demand for our services," said Rugle.

The state is facing some tough budget decisions and the cuts would not be only to the problem gambling treatment. The economy and budget deficit has caused for cuts to be made across the board. In the next fiscal year, $500,000 is expected to be trimmed from the Problem Gambling Services' $1.9 million budget.

The budget for Connecticut will not be decided this session. A special session will be called before the end of the month to try and finalize the new budget.

June 7, 2009
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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