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Missouri Problem Gambling Program Restored
SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI --
After facing losing its funding to state cost-cutting measures, a treatment program for problem gamblers in Missouri has been saved by last-minute action. The state House budget committee this week voted to restore funding to free counseling for problem gamblers.
The appropriations subcommittee had acted to cancel the $500,000 marked for compulsive gambling therapy, saying Missouri needed the money to go to food stamps and medical assistance. But the full budget committee reinstated the money to the Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse, the branch of the Mental Health Department guiding the program.
Observers had considered it an ironic move for the legislature to loosen gambling laws only a few months ago to create massive new state revenue, then deny the piddling amount spent on treating social ills created by the gaming increases.
Missouri lifted a loss limits law, allowing gamblers to wager as much as they choose without the restraint of a state-imposed ceiling. The change in law has already boosted business at state casinos, as patrons who had traveled to neighboring states are returning to local gambling venues.
But half a percent of all casino admissions fees is earmarked by law to fund problem gambling programs, to combat deleterious results from the gambling changes. However, the legislature has to approve the earmark every year.
Seventy-six of every thousand adults in Missouri has said they have experienced financial problems resulting from indulging in gambling.
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