West Virginia Lottery: More Slot Machines Means More Addicted Gamblers
According to a report recently introduced by the West Virginia Lottery, calls to the government-sponsored Problem Gamblers hotline have increased by 100% over the past two years. At the same time, the number of video slot machines installed in different locations across the state has grown to almost 20,000.
In 2005, 1,337 individuals contacted the Problem Gamblers Help Network seeking help to resolve their gaming addiction problem.
An analysis of the previous year's calls to the hotline demonstrates that 87% of compulsive gamblers were playing video slots, which are oftentimes called the "crack cocaine of gambling" for the quick and addictive nature of the play.
Over 50% of the calls concerned financial problems resulting from gambling losses. Of the total 1,337 calls, 789 reportedly said they had spent all their income on their gambling addiction, and 724 confessed that they could not pay their bills. Over 80% of the callers to the hotline identified their main source of income. The two top sources, both tied at 11%, were employment and disability pensions.
However, Lottery Commission Marketing Director Libby White was reported as saying that up to 50% of those who completed addiction treatment, and were reached six months later, said that they either stopped playing altogether or greatly reduced their visits to gaming venues.
