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Few Options For Problem Gamblers in Washington State

"Although the state brought in $452 million last year in lottery sales, none of that money goes toward treating problem gamblers.

"…Alcoholics have hundreds of places to turn for help, such as clinics, hospitals, treatment centers and support groups.

"But gambling addicts have just a handful of choices, which include Gamblers Anonymous and a couple hospitals, said Gary Hanson, executive director for the Washington State Council on Problem Gambling.

"…A big reason why problem gamblers have fewer places to turn is the prevailing attitude that they can just stop, that their compulsion really isn't a disease, Hanson said.

"…Compulsive gambling also draws less attention because it appears to be a fairly small societal ill, he said.

"In 1998, the council did a study that suggested Washington's burgeoning gambling industry had not led to a rise in problem gambling.

"The study also showed that the portion of Washington residents who had wrangled with addiction at some time in their lives had remained at 5 percent since 1992.

"…Still, that translates into nearly 200,000 people who have had a gambling problem at some time. The study also estimates that as many as 102,600 state residents are currently problem gamblers.

"…`I do think the industry has a responsibility to address that,' said John Setterstrom, general manager of Lucky Eagle Casino…"

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