MADISON, Wis.—The average debt for gambling addicts who called a state hotline for help is up 22 percent.
The Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling says in 2010, the average debt for callers was nearly $44,000. That’s an increase of $8,000 from the previous year.
Council executive director Rose Gruber says that while the economy played a big role in the soaring debt, another reason is access. Gruber says it’s getting easier to find places to gamble, such as online or at a corner bar.
Gambling-addiction counselor John Court of La Crosse has seen his workload double in the last year. Court believes there’s a greater awareness of the possible addiction to gambling.
Wisconsin Public Radio News says more than 14,000 people called the hotline last year.
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Information from: Wisconsin Public Radio, http://www.wpr.org
