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Report: Pennsylvania social services not ready23 January 2008PENNSYLVANIA -- As reported by the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: "Social service agencies in Allegheny County aren't ready for as many as 10,000 problem gamblers who could need help next year after the Majestic Star Casino opens, according to a University of Pittsburgh report released Tuesday. "About 75 percent of the 137 agencies surveyed for the report don't treat or screen for problem gamblers, who make up as much as 2 percent of all gamblers, researchers said. Statewide, researchers estimate there are 97,000 problem gamblers and about 10,000 in Allegheny County. "The researchers, from the university's School of Social Work, urged county and state leaders to figure out how many problem gamblers are in the area. They said the $1.5 million set aside statewide to treat them is not enough. "Majestic Star Casino, expected to open on the North Shore in May 2009, anticipates eventually making more than $1 million a day, owner Don Barden has said. State and local governments will get 55 percent of that profit, and the money is earmarked for property tax relief and paying down Pittsburgh International Airport's debt, among other things. "The minimum $1.5 million set aside to help treat gambling addicts across the state will amount to about $15.45 per problem gambler, said Daniel Rosen, one of the researchers..." |