Problem gambling treatment funds sought
Monday, July 12, 1999 | 10:58 a.m.
SEATTLE -- A new survey shows problem gambling has leveled off in Washington state the past six years. But some gambling experts are calling on the state to help pay for treatment for compulsive and problem gamblers, the Seattle Times reported.
The state operates a lottery and Washington is home to more than a dozen new Indian casinos featuring slot-like games, while minicasino card rooms and off-track horse betting have grown over the past six years.
"It's obviously very difficult for the state to justify having the largest (gambling) game in the state and not taking full responsibility for the liability side of the product they're selling," said Charles Maurer, board president of the Washington State Council on Problem Gambling, which commissioned the recent survey.
Maurer was quoted in the Seattle Times story.
Based on responses to a 1998 telephone survey of 1,500 people, the study concluded up to 5 percent of Washington residents have experienced severe gambling problems during their lives. That's the same percentage as found in a similar 1993 survey.
Gary Hanson, the problem gambling council's executive director, said the state should provide treatment for problem gamblers who can't afford to pay for such services.
There is no funding now for such state treatment, officials said.
The Times reported Sen. Margarita Prentice, D-Seattle, who chairs a committee whose jurisdiction includes gambling, said she may try to require insurance companies to cover treatment.
"We do have an obligation to them," Prentice said.
archive
- Most Read
- Discussed
- Most E-mailed
- Live Blog: Pacquiao wins by TKO in round twelve
- Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao: The only fight fans want to see
- Bruised and battered, Cotto says he will fight again
- Boulder City struggles with shocking allegations
- Ensign Federal Credit Union fails
- Construction goes bust, equipment goes on auction block
- Temperatures plunge in Las Vegas
- Live game blog: Rebels open season with 91-52 victory against Pittsburg State
- At halfway point, NFL is all about the quick change
- Reid under microscope as lawmakers debate abortion
Blogs
Elsewhere
Nogueira injured, Evans v. Silva to headline 108
Politics: The Early Line
Lawmakers on standby to get health care bill
Robin Leach's Las Vegas Celebrity Watch
Is Donny Osmond’s wife jealous? Is Julianne Hough returning?
Elsewhere
Deutsche Bank drowning in Vegas on Cosmopolitan (12 Comments)
Sands to open Macau resort by 2011, rooms to triple
The Greene Room
MWC Winners and Losers: Week 11 (1 Comment)
Elsewhere
Dana White continues to push for event in Abu Dhabi
Calendar »
- 16 Mon
- 17 Tue
- 18 Wed
- 19 Thu
- 20 Fri
-
Lily Tomlin at the Hollywood Theatre
Hollywood Theatre at MGM Grand
-
The Automatic Tour at The Square Apple
The Square Apple
-
Football specials at Diablo's
Diablos Cantina
-
Rhumbar presents Pink Sugar Mondays
The Mirage Hotel and Casino
The Sun
Locally owned and independent for more than 50 years.
Technorati






