March is recognized as National Problem Gambling Awareness Month.

Wild Rose Jefferson General Manager Travis Dorak says all 19 regulated casinos in Iowa look at problem gamblers as a year round topic, not just one month. He notes that there is literature about getting help with gambling addiction throughout the casino, restrooms and gift shop area of the facility, along with having all staff members trained in getting someone assistance. There is also 1-800-BETS-OFF.

Dorak points out another solution is a statewide ban list that people can voluntarily sign up for.

“They’ll give you two options where you could say, ‘I want to take five years off,’ or you could say, ‘I want to take lifetime off.’ It’s a little bit of what I call tough love because once you commit to it we make you adhere to it and so does the state on a legal level. If you do bar yourself and you do get caught in the casino there may be repercussions (by) the County Attorney may get you for trespassing.”

For more information about gambling addiction, contact Wild Rose to get in contact with different resources.