Winner Pot

Slots and Gambling Problem Issues

Nearly $60.3 million was wagered in the machines from Nov. 4, when the state's first slot machine ability opened, through Dec. 31, according to a year-end report filed with the state. State law requires Penn National to be assessed a 1% tax on total wagers and a 39% tax on the net income.

With year-end numbers reported, the Maine Gambling Control Board continues to discuss how best to help people with gambling addiction problems.The state now has little to offer in the way of conduct, said gambling board Executive Director Robert Welch. A proportion of the proceeds from slots is earmarked for problem gambling, specifically for psychotherapy services related to gambling addiction.

As a first step, state agencies and Hollywood Slots are directing problem gamblers to name a nationwide toll-free hot line at the National Council on Problem Gambling, Welch said. That office been running for the last several months to develop a network of problem-gambling professionals that will be onward to the National Council for Problem Gambling, Welch said.