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Our goal is to provide a forum where interested citizens can discuss issues related to the proposed Cowlitz casino-resort. Although views from all sides are welcome, we reserve the right to reject posts we deem irresponsible or irrelevant.

Thursday, April 1, 2010

OREGON GAMBLING TREATMENT TAKES HUGE BUDGET HIT

State programs in Oregon designed to help problem gamblers will be sharply curtailed beginning this month due to falling lottery revenues. According to the Oregonian, treatment and prevention services will no longer be provided to some 265 persons through programs funded by lottery profits. Those profits have fallen off by some 20 percent from their high in 2008, due largely to a smoking ban in bars and taverns and the generally lagging economy.



The Oregon State Legislature has set aside one percent of lottery profits for problem gambler treatment, without regard to the form of gaming. The state program will now operate on a budget of $ 9.4 million when some $ll.3 million had been anticipated for the period 2009 – 2011. More than 1,900 Oregonians received treatment from these programs last year through lottery proceeds.



In the State of Washington, a full five percent of adult residents have had gambling problems. Through the Cowlitz Tribe’s now defunct agreement with Clark County, the Tribe was offering $50,000 a year to assist with casino gambling problems.