 Newsletter Signup
Stay informed with the
NEW Casino City Times newsletter! |
Gaming News
Gambling Addiction Focus of Campaigns31 March 2003INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana – As reported by the Associated Press: "Indiana's casinos are taking in more money than ever before - $2 billion in the most recent fiscal year - but the number of compulsive gamblers seeking help through the state has remained steady. "…The state Family and Social Services Administration is trying to reach the younger audience with an ad campaign that has begun airing during the NCAA basketball tournament. "The radio and TV ads target 12- to 18-year-olds and show teens driving in a car adorned with fuzzy dice. The spots also will air during Indiana Pacers games, "The Osbournes," "The Real World" and other shows aimed at young viewers. "A campaign focusing on elderly gamblers is slated to be launched this fall or winter. "…`Problem gamblers are easily missed. They don't smell like alcohol, they don't look like they're strung out on anything. They see themselves differently,' said Tom Rich, acting deputy director of transitional services for the state social services agency's Division of Mental Health and Addiction. "Of particular concern are the elderly, who can lose retirement savings and home equity if they gamble too much. Of the callers to the state's gambling hot line in 2002, just eight were older than 65…" |