“Iowa Gambling Trends Reveal Higher Levels of Addiction ”

Much has been said about the problems caused by the easy and anonymous accessibility to gambling offered by the online gaming industry. But new figures taken from a survey of Iowa residents’ gambling activities may offer some proof of just how real these concerns are.

The state of Iowa has seen a rapid increase in the number of casinos operating there in recent years. Also on the increase has been the number of reported cases of gambling addiction, especially in relation to online poker sites. The gambling hotline in Iowa reported receiving a record 2000 calls in 2005, representing an increase in calls of 43 percent on the previous year.

Further studies have shown the widespread popularity enjoyed by many internet gambling sites. At one site alone specializing in the Texas Holdem version of poker, 69 thousand people were playing the game at the same time.

Problem gambling has reached such proportions that Iowa now has no less than ten treatment programs from those suffering from gambling addiction. Of particular concern is the rising number of young people reporting problems with gambling, dispelling the myth that the stereotypical gambling addict is in his forties. However free and effective support is available from a range of state-funded facilities. The number to call is 1-800-BETS-OFF.