Gaming briefs for June 17, 2004

Thursday, June 17, 2004 | 10:55 a.m.

Problem gambling calls increase

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. -- More gambling addicts and their relatives have been turning to a group that provides counseling referrals and education about problem gambling.

The Charleston-based West Virginia Problem Gamblers Help Network received 155 calls for help in March, a one-month record.

Since it formed in 2000, the help line has received 2,250 calls for help. The network is seeking more counselors to train, with the goal of having one available within 30 miles of every West Virginia resident.

"If you call, we're going to schedule you with a counselor -- in some cases that same day," said Steve Burton, a network counselor specializing in adolescent awareness and prevention. "In most cases we're able to set them up within 72 hours. The call is free and the first session with a counselor is free."

The network, which the state Department of Health and Human Resources funds from lottery money, will offer 30 hours of free, specialized training to state certified social workers or counselors this fall. Those selected will join 70 statewide clinicians paid to treat referrals from the help line.

Senators reject higher tax

LANSING, Mich. -- The Michigan Senate today put off a vote on legislation to increase the tax on cigarettes when it appeared short of the needed votes.

The Senate also rejected doubling the tax on Detroit casinos and continuing an estate tax that would expire at year's end. It also voted down a higher liquor tax.

The various tax increases were aimed at balancing the state budget. There is a $250 million shortfall in this year's spending plan and a projected $1.3 billion hole in the budget for the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1.

Senate Majority Leader Ken Sikkema, R-Wyoming, said recent budget negotiations with Gov. Jennifer Granholm's administration have "gotten absolutely nowhere."

Senators are tying the tax increases to their request that the Democratic governor sign a package of Republican bills aimed at increasing jobs and boosting the state's economy.