Oregon | Gambling Recovery | Support

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The total funding for services to prevent and treat gambling addiction was $61 million in 2013 according to the National Survey of Problem Gambling Services released today by the Association of Problem Gambling Service Administrators (APGSA) and the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG). On a state-by-state basis, the amounts ranged from Washington, D.C. and the 11 states that did not provide any dedicated funding for problem gambling services to $8.7 million in California. Although total funding on problem gambling services is up from past years, the report pointed out that substance use disorders are about 3.6 times more common than gambling disorders, while the $17 billion in public support for substance abuse treatment is about 281 times greater than the $61 million in funding for all problem gambling services.

“It is clear that spending of $61 million—25 cents per capita—is completely inadequate. NCPG calls on government and gambling industry to dedicate 1% of revenue for programs to prevent and treat gambling addiction, which would equal $1.1 billion last year based on the surge in 2013 legal gambling revenue to $119 billion. Current spending of $61 million is only 0.05% of revenue, leaving a massive gap that devastates individuals, families, businesses and communities” stated NCPG executive director Keith Whyte. Dr. Lori Rugle, APGSA president commented “There is tremendous variation in the services available at the state level. Spending ranges from nothing in a dozen states to $1.42 per capita in Delaware. We hope the detailed information available, including profiles for each state, will facilitate collaboration and cooperation among all stakeholders to ensure these limited resources are spent in the most efficient and effective way possible.”

APGSA and NCPG commissioned Problem Gambling Solutions (PGS) to conduct this first-ever survey. Dr. Jeff Marotta, PGS president, noted “This report provides vital information for policy development and problem gambling service development. Readers can see what is being done in their state to address problem gambling and how their state’s investment compares to others.” The survey provides the most comprehensive collection of information ever gathered about problem gambling services in the United States and is the 4th in the series.

Copies of the survey are available at www.ncpgambling.org and www.apgsa.org

The Association of Problem Gambling Service Administrators (APGSA) was formed in 2000 to support the development of services that will reduce the impact of problem gambling.

The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) is the national advocate for programs and services to assist problem gamblers and their families. NCPG was founded in 1972 and is neutral on legalized gambling.

Drawing Dead

Drawing Dead, an online poker documentary, had its TV debut on October 10th 2013 on DirecTV's Audience Network as a part of the documentary series "Something To Talk About." Drawing Dead was also released digitally, so those without DirecTV can watch the film. The documentary can be found on Mike Week's website www.DrawingDeadPokerDoc.com, on iTunes, and on Amazon.

Please come join us from 9:00-10:30 AM on Saturday's at Lewis &

Clark Community Clinic for coffee. For more information on Lewis & Clark's

Saturday morning coffee breaks for gamblers, please click here

Drawing Dead Poker Documentary

Drawing Dead is a 77 minute documentary discussing online poker. The film premiered April 4th at 7:00 PM at the NW Film Center, and will now be featured in Seattle. For information regarding showing times, please visit http://www.drawingdeadpokerdoc.com/#!screenings/ck0q

What is VPGR?

Problem gamblers and their families need a voice in Oregon. This is why the Oregon Council on Problem Gambling organized a ready group of people to provide first-hand witness of the effects of problem gambling and serve as advocates for community action. Meetings consist of sharing ideas, creating initiatives, and educating members about topics such as the legislative process and effective communication.Members have a place where they can give back to their community, positively harness their energy, and promote recovery.

Where do we stand?

Voices of Problem Gambling Recovery believes that problem gambling is not a bad habit or moral weakness. It is a psychological condition that can be changed. We are an organization devoted to education and advocacy. Anonymity is optional and our organization is not designed as a substitute for treatment or 12-step group participation.