NurseWeek

Bozeman, Mont. (H24N). Gambling addicts will get a little help from the state of Montana starting this week, when a new law requiring roadside casinos to chip in for treatment programs goes into effect.

The law, passed earlier this year, will give the state one penny out of every $10 gambled at any of Montana’s 150 mini-roadside casinos. The estimated $500,000 a year will be used to raise awareness about compulsive gambling and to fund treatment programs.

"We all have been very excited about this," said Jeanne Galliher, manager of the state’s compulsive gambling counseling program. "It will allow us to do some direct education and public awareness that we really haven’t been able to do in the past."

Gambling is considered compulsive when it disrupts one’s daily life. It is a progressive addiction characterized by a preoccupation with gambling. Pathological gamblers experience a need to bet more money and gamble more frequently despite negative consequences. Many sufferers deny that they lack control or have an addiction, and they may become restless or irritable when attempting to stop, according to the National Council on Problem Gambling Inc.

"They go back to try and recoup their losses," Galliher said. "They lie about where they have to go and say, ‘No I’m not gambling.’ They start to ask for bailouts to cover loan sharks and to pay bills."

Problem gambling affects an estimated 0.9 to 1.5 percent of the adult population, according to the National Center for Responsible Gaming. And it can lead to more than financial troubles. About 24 percent of gamblers seeking treatment report that they have attempted suicide.

"It’s not a large percentage of people, but the problems are large for people who have it," said Jim Whiteley, a board member with the Montana Council on Problem Gambling Inc.

A recent study from the University of Montana shows that gambling addictions may be linked to genetic factors similar to those that increase the risk of alcoholism. Research shows that 19 to 50 percent of those treated for compulsive gambling also have drinking problems. Males, living in remote areas, who have low incomes and who have substance abuse problems are more at risk of developing gambling addictions.

The treatment is similar to that for alcoholism. Addicts attend one-on-one or group therapy sessions to discuss their problems. They also may voluntarily ban themselves from gambling by joining the state’s "List of Disassociated Persons." Those on the lifetime ban may be arrested for trespassing if caught in a local casino. Montana also provides programs for family members or friends of gambling addicts to educate them about how to handle the problem.

"So often family members bail out the gambling client, and that is the last thing they need—to always be rescued," said Galliher, a certified compulsive gambling counselor and a licensed clinical social worker.

The gambling industry supports the state’s efforts, acknowledging that problem gamblers need help. The new law will provide the state with a secure funding source to address compulsive gambling without limitations, says Mike Ryan, executive director of Montana’s Gaming Association.

Last year, 1,034 people called the state’s crisis line for problem gambling (800-BETSOFF), compared to the 871 who called for help the year before. About 425 people have participated in the free counseling service since it began four years ago, Galliher said. The state hopes to increase participation with the help of the additional funds.

"There are so many people out there who are not in treatment," Galliher said. "We know that those people exist."

The National Council on Problem Gambling offers these 10 questions to determine whether someone’s gambling might be a problem:

Have you often gambled longer than you had planned?
Have you often gambled until your last dollar was gone?
Have thoughts of gambling caused you to lose sleep?
Have you used your income or savings to gamble while letting bills go unpaid?
Have you made repeated, unsuccessful attempts to stop gambling?
Have you broken the law or considered breaking the law to finance your gambling?
Have you borrowed money to finance your gambling?
Have you felt depressed or suicidal because of your gambling losses?
Have you been remorseful after gambling?
Have you gambled to get money to meet your financial obligations?

If you or someone you know answers "yes" to any of these questions, the council says you should consider seeking assistance.