One of the major issues discussed during the Maine Gambling Control Board had to do with gambling addiction and assistance for those who suffer from problem gambling. The board is making sure that the help needed for these individuals is provided, and work on developing and providing this help began before the November opening of Hollywood Slots at Bangor, the states first casino gaming establishment. As the law stands today, the state has little to offer casino gamblers who have a gambling addiction, according to gambling Executive Director, Robert Welch.
Two main Gamblers Anonymous chapters exist in Maine, both located in Portland. But Bangor has yet to see one built and operated. Additionally, a mental health providers training program is also in the works for casino gambling problem gamblers. As a first step, however, the state has taken some steps to helping gambling addiction in Bangor. Firstly, a percentage of the revenues from the Bangor racino will go towards developing counseling services related to casino gambling addiction. Also, state agencies and Hollywood Slots are directing problem gamblers to call a nation-wide, toll-free hotline.
Although the law has a long way to go before it can implement the necessary services for problem casino gamblers, it seems the state government of Maine is trying to move in the right direction. With the various creative outlets they have thus far provided, problem gamblers who want to steer clear from a casino do have somewhere to turn. Hopefully, it will not take the state very long to pass a law that will help problem gamblers get on the road to recovery. |
