A new report says in Nebraska, the average gambling debt is nearly $27,000. But officials say help is available.
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services on Monda released its annual report on the Nebraska Gamblers Assistance
Program. The program aims to reduce the effects of problem gambling
by connecting Nebraskans with counseling professionals and other
help.
The program's 24-hour hotline handled more than 2,100 calls during the 2008-09 fiscal year. The share of calls asking for information or help because of financial problems stemming from gambling increased from 20 percent in 2008 to 47 percent in 2009.
The program also provided more than 500 hours of training forhealth professionals who address problem gambling.
