Iowa Department of Public Health warns that tough economic tmes may increase problem gambling.

The IDPH says that for most Iowans, uncertain economic times mean tightening the purse strings on many things, including recreational gambling. In fact, the national recession has impacted some gaming revenues in recent months. However, people who are financially desperate may turn to gambling as a last resort. Most of those individuals will control their own behavior when they stop having fun, or when they've reached their gambling limits. However, for some people, a switch is flipped that begins a downward spiral into problem gambling.

"Problem gambling is progressive," said Iowa Dept. of Public Health (IDPH) Gambling Treatment program manager Mark Vander Linden. "It begins as a fun pastime. When gambling increases in frequency and intensity, and an individual starts chasing their losses in hopes of winning big, they may have a gambling problem." There are two key questions that help determine if social gambling for fun has turned into something more serious:
Have you ever felt the need to bet more and more money?
Have you ever had to lie to people important to you about how much you gambled?

Vander Linden says a 'yes' answer to either or both of these questions could signal a problem with gambling. IDPH urges Iowans to look out for signs that they or a loved one may have a gambling problem during National Problem Gambling Awareness week, March 1-7. "Problem gamblers can get their lives back through a variety of treatment options offered through a network of providers," said Vander Linden. "A new option now available is distant treatment by phone or email for those whose work schedules, family responsibilities or transportation issues prevent them from traveling to a treatment provider."

Calls to the 1-800 BETS OFF helpline have increased 41 percent from FY 2002 to FY 2008. In the first six months of the current fiscal year that began July 1, 2008, more than 3,200 people called 1-800 BETS OFF, including 700 individuals who were referred to treatment programs. For more information about problem gambling and the Iowa Gambling Treatment program, visit www.1800betsoff.org