Frequently Asked Questions on Proposed Elimination of Problem Gambling Services
Updated 5/5/09
Are these proposed cuts to Oregon Problem Gambling Services real?
Yes. Here is the actual language from the Department of Human Services 30% Essential Budget Level – Reduction Options, March 27, 2009:
- “Eliminate Problem Gambling Treatment & Prevention Program - Services to prevent or treat problem and pathological gambling behaviors.” (Savings: $10,824,774 over two years)
- “Cut Problem Gambling Program Support
The staff that are responsible for the policy, development, management and monitoring of the problem gambling prevention and treatment program in Oregon will be eliminated.” (Savings: $2,812,134 over two years)
How can the state cut Problem Gambling Services? I thought the funds were dedicated, and they couldn’t get cut?
While the Problem Gambling Treatment & Prevention Program is NOT part of general fund, and is a dedicated fund as part of the Oregon Revised Statutes, it CAN be eliminated. Oregon legislature can choose to modify or not re-authorize the problem gambling appropriations. The legislature has authority to transfer these dollars to the General Fund.
Economic development and Problem Gambling Services are the two areas from Lottery funds that are NOT in the Oregon Constitution. This means that both areas are susceptible to reallocation.
When the Lottery was asked to implement line games by the Oregon legislature in 2005, the legislature and Lottery gave full support of Problem Gambling Services to keep pace with the expansion of gambling. This is consistent with the Lottery’s mission statement, “Operate a Lottery with the highest standards of integrity and security to earn maximum revenues for the people of Oregon commensurate with the public good.”
What can I do?
Several hearings were held around the state through the Oregon legislature’s Ways and Means Committee.
If you were not able to testify, you may also write letters to legislators; click here for names of Ways & Means Committee members.
How can I get started? What messages are there to send to the legislature?
Messages should be consistent and to the point. Keep in mind the following messages:
- Problem Gambling Treatment saves money. Every problem gambler costs Oregon taxpayers at least $11,304. per year in increased crime, lost work time, bankruptcies and financial hardships. It costs only $1,224 to treat one problem gambler.
- No Tax Dollars Involved! Paying for Gambling Treatment and Prevention requires no new money. Oregon statutes stipulate that money be set aside from Lottery profits to pay for the costs of treatment.
- The prevalence of problem gambling has remained stable or declined while gambling revenue has more than doubled. This is due to the funding of Prevention and Treatment system.
- Feel free to use information from this fact sheet from Oregon Problem Gambling Services.
Other points & questions:
- Oregon Problem Gambling Services were established and reauthorized by Oregon legislature in awareness that Lottery, specifically video lottery products, are associated with the greatest number of people with problems. Nine in 10 Oregonian problem gamblers report video lottery games (video poker/slots/line games) as being their preferred means to gamble.
- There is no other structure in Oregon for problem gambling services. Counselors and prevention specialists are especially trained in this area.
- Oregon Problem Gambling Services are effective and efficient. They are a good return on the small investment of one percent of net lottery revenues.
- Are we willing to look at revenue packages to help maintain DHS programs, such as Problem Gambling Services? (e.g., Rainy Day Fund, repeal of kicker, beer/wine tax, corporate tax, other revenue packages…)
- Ask yourself: Is this the Oregon we want to live in?
- Remember, no entity is the “enemy.” We are all in this together, and must remember that the biggest enemy is the budget shortfall we are all facing.
