Slot Machines Bring Gambling Addicts

Common sense tells us that the closer you live to a slot machine, the more likely you are to be addicted to it - which makes sense because if you don’t live anywhere near a slot machine it would be kind of tough to play it. But there are those who make it their job to help those that are addicted to slot machines, and are getting prepared for the estimated increase.

Luzerne County officials say that they are taking steps to prepare for the increased number of slot machine addicts that they will be facing with so many slot machines coming into the area. More than 100 counselors statewide are taking the 30-hour gambling addiction training that the state has set up for those who would be counseling slot machine addicts. The state checked into counselors across the state and realized that very few of them had any experience in dealing with slot machine addiction, and thought it might be prudent to try and head off potential problems before they become a reality.

The state has faced much criticism from those who would like to see slot machines illegal in the state. Their detractors say that by bringing in slot machines without a counseling basis, or an addict program in place is irresponsible and a recipe for disaster. The state replied by sending at least one counselor from each of their agencies to the slot machine addiction training, as a first attempt to help those that will need it. The state will also make the classes available to the public once the state has trained its own.

The state has twenty counselors from Wilkes-Barre that will complete their training today, so those with a slot machine gambling problem will have someone to talk to. AS the other counselors finish the slot machine gambling training, it will be easier and easier for addicts to get the help they need.



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