Kansas To Cut Funding For Gambling Addictions

Even while two new casinos are scheduled to
open in Kansas this year, state legislators have reduced the amount
of money targeted for a fund meant to help people struggling with
gambling addictions.
By law, 2 percent of gambling revenue in Kansas must go to a
special fund for treatment of problem gamers and people with other
addictions. The casinos and Kansas Lottery are expected to generate
about $3 million for the fund this fiscal year.
The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that lawmakers approved
$717,000 to fight gambling addiction this fiscal year, including
salaries of three gambling specialists. That’s a drop from $740,000
invested in the fund last year.
Only 6 percent of the fund’s overall receipts, or $200,000, is
budgeted for direct counseling of gambling addicts.