Funds cut for compulsive gamblers

Rhode Island has eliminated funding for a program that offered help to compulsive gamblers, and the psychologist who ran the program says he's being forced to turn away potential patients even as two slots parlors seek to expand into full casinos.

Since 2001, psychologists at Rhode Island Hospital have provided therapy to 1,600 problem gamblers who are uninsured or who lack the ability to pay for treatment. The state originally dedicated $150,000 a year to the program but the amount dropped to $67,000 in the most recent fiscal year that ended June 30.

This year, the General Assembly eliminated funding altogether. Instead, lawmakers voted to make Newport Grand and Twin River slot parlors contribute at least $100,000 to gambling addiction treatment, but only if voters pass referendums this fall that would authorize table games like poker and blackjack at the two facilities.

Bob Breen, the psychologist who directed the program at Rhode Island Hospital, said it's "beyond comprehension" that the state eliminated funding for his program to await the uncertain outcome of the referendums. He said he's already had to turn away potential patients because of the program's elimination.

"What happens to people who have severe gambling problems between now and then? Or the referendums don't pass? They get kicked to the curb," Breen said.

The Rhode Island Lottery is working on a plan to continue funding for gambling addiction treatment before the November referendums, or in case the ballot questions fail, according to Larry Berman, a spokesman for House Speaker Gordon Fox. The lottery also operates a gambling addiction helpline.

Breen said he has not been contacted by the state about continuing the program, and said he only learned the funding had been eliminated last week. He said the amount the state had been spending was already far too low.

Aubin was unavailable on Friday, according to a lottery spokeswoman, who said she had no information on the funding that had gone to Rhode Island Hospital.

The state made $355 million last year from its lottery and its share of slot parlor revenues.

Rhode Island already spent far less than most states on problem gambling services, according to a 2010 survey of state programs by the Association of Problem Gambling Service Administrators. The survey found that in 2010 Rhode Island spent less than 10 cents per capita on problem gambling treatment programs, compared to a national average of 34 cents.