 Newsletter Signup
Stay informed with the
NEW Casino City Times newsletter! Related Links
|
Gaming News
Bill Would Help Nevada's Problem Gamblers15 March 2001CARSON CITY, Nevada – March 15, 2001 – As reported by the Associated Press: “A compulsive gambler who's a member of a pioneer Nevada casino family urged lawmakers Thursday to back a bill to help prevent problem gambling and treat those afflicted by the disease. ”Rex Williams, son-in-law of the late Raymond `Pappy’ Smith who founded Harold's Club in Reno, told the Senate Judiciary Committee that SB335 won't do much - but at least it's a start. ”…Williams said there are as many as 20 million compulsive gamblers in the U.S., and he's one of them - just as his own father was. ”…Judiciary Chairman Mark James, R-Las Vegas, who sought SB335, said the measure is the first of its sort in this casino-dependent state - and shouldn't be seen as a criticism of gambling. ”…SB335 would allocate $250,000 from the state general fund to the Department of Human Resources for gambling addiction programs, add a member from the Nevada Council of Problem Gambling to the state's Gaming Policy Board, and require courses on problem gambling in public schools. ”James also said the bill will give problem gamblers the same legal standing that alcoholics or drug addicts have in seeking access to sentencing alternatives - providing they finish treatment programs. ”…Rob Hunter of Problem Gambling Consultants said more treatment programs are needed. He added gambling addicts often wind up broke, and only recently have some insurance companies started covering problem gambling in their policies…” |