What efforts have Midwestern states made to promote responsible gambling and treat those with gambling problems?
Every state in the Midwest attempts to prevent problem gambling through various programs. One common approach is the use of a telephone help line that provides crisis intervention and professional assistance for problem gamblers. Some states report receiving several thousand calls a year to their help lines. Public dollars also are earmarked for those interested in seeking professional training in the area of gambling treatment. Iowa uses its communications network to broadcast training sessions for sites across the state, while in Illinois, a five-day, 30-hour certification course is available. Nebraska has created a specific certification program for compulsive gambler counselors. Nearly half of state dollars for problem gambling goes toward treatment, with most states offering some kind of outpatient therapy service. The funding of inpatient services is less common, although contracted agencies are reimbursed in both Indiana and Minnesota. Various public awareness and preventative p
