This is “Responsible Gaming Week” in Iowa. The president of the Iowa Gaming Association, Wes Ehrecke, says the theme this year is “be responsible, get educated.” Ehrecke says the week highlights the things that the casinos are doing all year to promote responsible gaming.
Ehrecke says studies are taken every year, and he says they find a majority gamble responsibly. He says the results over the last five years have consistently show only one to one-and-a-half percent of the people who gamble have a problem. Ehrecke says they need to help the minority who have a problem.
Ehrecke says there are all types of information and programs available to help people determine if they have a gambling problem and how to get help. He says that includes questions that help you determine if you have a gambling problem. Ehrecke says they have an on-line quiz that can be taken privately to help you determine if you have a problem.
Ehrecke says gambling treatment providers will be in the casinos working with employees to identify problem gamblers, and to provide information to anyone who needs it. Ehrecke says you can call the 1-800-BETS OFF helpline , or surf to the association’s website at:www.iowagaming.org, for more information.