Help for problem gamblers increasing

Friday, March 12, 2004 | 11:26 a.m.

PHOENIX -- Arizona Department of Gaming officials hope to expand problem-gambling treatment in more parts of the state and to boost education as funds generated by a 2002 Indian gambling measure increase.

The gaming department, which monitors Arizona's $1 billion Indian gambling industry, took over administration of problem-gambling treatment and education efforts from the state Lottery last fall.

So far, the department's Office of Problem Gambling has launched a new website for help and information, contracted with a new hotline service and is funding treatment services and education, essentially maintaining prior Lottery efforts.

But armed with more money from Proposition 202, which allocates a portion of Arizona tribes' gambling revenue to fight problem gambling, department officials hope to treat more addicts and prevent more suffering, not just by casino players.

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