Sixteen free counseling sessions (almost free) are available for any citizen in Michigan who suffers from a compulsive gambling problem. In 1997 legislation was enacted that created the Compulsive Gaming Prevention Fund and directs funds from the lottery, horse races and casinos into the fund. The fund is to be expended to provide treatment,prevention, education training research and evaluation of pathological gamblers and their families. As a result there is approximately three and a half million placed into the fund each year. Part of this fund is used to pay for the ten counseling sessions.

There are two ways receive the benefits that are available. The first is to simply call a therapist who has been certified to offer these services and set an appointment for an evaluation. To qualify you must answer affirmatively to a number of screening questions. This is not a time to lie. If you are honest and answer yes to most of the questions you will receive the therapy at either very little or no cost at all.

The second way to receive the free therapy is to call the Help-Line at 800-270-7117. Once again you will be screened by an operator/counselor and if you are not honest with answers you will probably not receive treatment. BE HONEST- Answer yes to the questions. The sessions will also include the spouse of the problem gambler.

For those who reside outside of the state of Michigan contact your local Mental Health Department or the Gambling Help Line and ask what services are available. Remember, weather or not you receive assistance will probably depend on your ability to be totally honest.

BOARD PANELED GAMBLING THERAPISTS

The state of Michigan has created a program to provide Board Paneled Gambling Therapists for compulsive gamblers. These therapists are authorized to give up to 16 sessions of free (or almost free) therapy to the gambler and the gambler's family. To qualify for these services, the gambler can contact the individual therapists listed on the Michigan government's website at the link "Gambling Treatment Providers List" and he or she will start the process.

For those of you not in the State of Michigan, you should contact your state gambling help line or your State Department of Community Mental Health to gain information about services offered in your area.