November 8, 2023 |
Photo – Gambling Addiction poster – Courtesy Addiction Experts.com
The Carbon County Prevention Network is receiving $15,000 in state funding to fight against gambling addiction.
In 2021, the Wyoming legislature legalized online betting operations. As part of House Bill 113, the first $300,000 the state collects from sports wagering will be set aside for gambling addiction treatment programs. While Carbon County isn’t home to any casinos, a variety of sports betting is available. The Wyoming Department of Health is offering the Carbon County Prevention Network $15,238.62 to increase the awareness of gambling addiction resources.
During yesterday’s Board of Carbon County Commissioners meeting, Prevention Specialist Tracy Young asked the board to sign a letter allowing her to accept a yearly contribution from the Wyoming Department of Health. Young said the increasing number of betting parlors in the state had made gambling addiction a legitimate problem.
Young said she will use the money to advertise gambling addiction services during the remaining University of Wyoming Cowboy’s home games. The prevention specialist said gambling has gotten very easy to do and addiction support information isn’t widely available.
The prevention specialist said she will also create drink coasters with a QR code that will take users to a website with gambling addiction resources.
Young said she is working closely with Albany County officials on the Cowboy’s advertising project. Because Albany County has more than twice as many people as Carbon County, they will receive more money from the Wyoming Department of Health. Young said she wants to ensure that everyone in the area has access to the gambling addiction services.
The county commissioners agreed to allow the Carbon County Prevention Network to accept $15,238.62 from the Wyoming Department of Health. The money will be used to educate the public about gambling addiction and the available treatments.
