PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -- Rhode Island has eliminated funding for a program that offered help to compulsive gamblers.
Since 2001, psychologists at Rhode Island Hospital have provided therapy to 1,600 uninsured or under-insured problem gamblers. The program received $67,000 last fiscal year.
This year, state lawmakers discontinued its funding, instead voting to require the Newport Grand and Twin River slot parlors to pay $100,000 for problem-gambling programs -- but only if voters pass referendums this fall that would authorize table games there.
Psychologist Bob Breen, the program's director, says he worries compulsive gamblers will go without help.
Larry Berman, a spokesman for House Speaker Gordon Fox, says the state Lottery is working to find money for gambling-addiction programs. The Lottery also operates a problem-gambling helpline.