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Missouri Compulsive Gambling Aid Running Out of Funds

"A law adopted last year allows the state to set aside a penny out of each $2-per-gambler entrance fee at riverboat casinos to go toward treatment for and education about compulsive gambling.

"Casinos paid $94 million in entrance fees last year to state and local governments. A penny per gambler from the state's share would have provided $470,858 to help addicted gamblers.

"But less than half that amount wound up in the compulsive gamblers fund, with the rest going toward preschools.

"Though officials differ on the reasons for the shortfall, they agree that without a legislative bailout early next year, the state's free counseling program for addicts and their families is likely to go broke.

"But Kevin Mullally, executive director of the Missouri Gaming Commission, said Monday that no compulsive gambler in need will go untreated.

"…Meanwhile, calls have increased every year to the state's toll-free hot line for gamblers and applications to a voluntary program that bans troubled gamblers from the state's casinos.

"…Dewey Price, the division's mental health manager, also credited increased advertising and public awareness of state assistance for the sharp increase in those seeking counseling.

"…When casinos first opened in Missouri in 1994, state regulators asked home-dock cities to make voluntary contributions to fund programs for problem gamblers. Some cities questioned the need and refused to contribute, making funding unreliable. That led to passage of the law that allowed the state to use a penny of entrance fees. It took effect in August 2000…"

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