The manager of the Iowa Gambling Treatment and Prevention Program is warning that 1 out of every 10 adult Iowans is “at risk” of becoming a problem gambler. Eric Preuss delivered a presentation before the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission meeting in Altoona…
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Governor Terry Branstad is due to sign a proclamation recognizing March as National Problem Gambling Awareness Month in Iowa.
The Iowa Gambling Treatment Program operates the 1-800-BETS-OFF hotline. There were over 6,300 calls placed to the hotline in fiscal year 2015 — the most calls since 2009. More than 600 Iowans a year enter an Iowa Gambling Treatment program.
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March was selected as National Problem Gambling Awareness Month because of the NCAA Basketball Tournament. The FBI estimates that more than $2.5 billion is wagered illegally each year on “March Madness.”