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Gambling addiction spreads across Pennsylvania

By Staff Writer

Drug rehab programs can help individuals who have become dependent on illicit substances, but a limited amount of resources are available to people who have become addicted to gambling. In regions of the country where casinos are established, it can be difficult to tackle the issue of gambling addiction and provide resources to individuals who have developed a problem.

Pennsylvania is one state that has legalized casinos to generate revenue, but has seen an increase in the number of people with a gambling addiction, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Governor Ed Rendell recently defended the decision to allow casinos to move into the state on 60 Minutes, but his critics are beginning to shed light on another growing problem: the lottery.

Experts say that state-wide lotteries and scratch tickets are another habit-forming problem for individuals. Gambling addicts have a big problem stopping themselves from spending money on tickets, similar to the adversity they face in casinos.

Officials from the local Gamblers Anonymous chapter told the news source that more individuals are seeking help from the group for their addiction to lottery tickets.

In 2002, legal gaming revenue in the U.S. reached $68 billion, according to the National Problem Gambling Awareness Week organization. Rehabilitation facilities can help individuals suffering from addiction.