Slot Machine Addicts Need Help

Pennsylvania has their focus in the wrong place as far as many are concerned. They are looking to bring in slot machines, and legalized them years ago. However, since the legalization of the slot machines they have done nothing except worry about where the slot machines are going to go, how many in each location, etc. What they have not given any thought to is how they are going to deal with the slot machine addicts.

According to the law that legalized the slot machines, they are supposed to come up with a system that will provide aid for compulsive gamblers. However, the first slot machine parlor is now open in Wilkes-Barre, and still nothing has been set up. The state has a legislative obligation to help those with a slot machine and gambling problem, and yet they have not done so.

The measure that legalized the slot machines said that they were to spend at least $1.5 million a year for the treatment of compulsive gamblers. However, since the funds come from the slot machines, and the Mohegan Sun is the only casino open at the moment, the funds are not coming in as quickly as expected.

Governor Rendell said that the procedures for getting the money to the slot machine addicts are in place, but state officials said that it will actually be several months before the help will be ready. There will be a toll free hotline to answer questions and provide treatment referrals for slot machine addicts, as well as subsidies to pay for necessary treatment.


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