9-26-12: Addressing Gambling Addiction

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GamblingCenter-0926.mp3

This November, Marylanders will vote on a measure that would allow for a new casino to be built in Prince George’s County, and for table gaming to be allowed throughout the state.  Meanwhile, the state is creating a new center to address gambling addiction.  The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene is partnering with the University of Maryland School of Medicine to form the Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling, which will provide addiction training for up thousands of health care providers in every field. The Center is backed by a 3-year, $5 million dollar grant from the state's Problem Gambling Fund, which is made up of fees paid by slot operators.  The Center takes up close to 60% of the money available in the fund.

A study from UMBC examines how increased opportunities for gambling can affect the prevalence of gambling addiction in a neigbhorhood.
 
Sheilah talks with Joanna Franklin, the deputy director for the Center, and Doris Moxley, the program director for Worcester County’s addictions program, which is the where the new Ocean Downs casino is located.  

The new center also has a 24-hour hotline--it's 1-800-522-4700