OLYMPIA, WA -- The first few weekends in September revive classic college football rivalries and are a wellspring for the new-season enthusiasm of professional football fans. But the first big football weekends of autumn can have a darker side for problem gamblers trying to fight off the lure of wagering.

Thanks to legislation passed in 2005 and funded by the gambling industry, Washington State does offer help for problem gamblers and their families through consultation and access to treatment.

The new law levied a tax on all gambling establishments licensed by the Gambling Commission, Washington's Lottery, and Washington's Horse Racing Commission, and it directed that the money fund a statewide program for preventing and treating problem gambling.

Some tribal casino operations have also voluntarily contributed to the Problem Gambling Fund, registering their awareness of problem gambling and their commitment to assist in prevention and treatment efforts.

The programs are administered by the Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse in the Health and Recovery Services Administration of the Department of Social and Health Services. Hundreds of problem gamblers and their families have received help since the program began.

"One of the significant activities supported by the tax is the state's Gambling Helpline," says Problem Gambling Program Manager Linda Graves. She said the toll-free helpline, which is always open for calls, is staffed by trained operators who can provide crisis stabilization and referral services, including treatment as well as the contacts for local Gambler's Anonymous chapters.

"Sometimes, they just need to listen, too," she said. "In the middle of the night, that may be the most important thing someone needs – a person they can level with about what they're going through."

Graves said that goes for gamblers' families, too.

"A gambling problem isn't just one person's concern – it affects family members, coworkers, and friends," she said, noting that women make up the majority of those seeking treatment.

The state's program currently funds treatment for problem gambling at 32 sites around the state. It includes treatment for underage gamblers, and several sites that specialize in treatment of Asian/Pacific Islanders and Spanish-speaking clients in their own languages. About three-quarters of those seeking treatment are in the Puget Sound region, with most of the rest in larger cities.

Here are some signs of problem gambling:

• Am I spending more time and more money on gambling than I used to?
• Am I spending a lot of time thinking about gambling?
• Have I tried to cut back or stop, but can't?
• Am I irritable or restless when I can't gamble?
• Does gambling help me escape the troubles of life and make me feel better?
• Have I gone back another day to win back my losses?
• Have I lied to people I care about to hide my gambling?
• Have I taken money that wasn't mine, written bad checks because of gambling, or broken any laws?
• Have I neglected my family or job because of gambling?
• Have I borrowed money from others to pay bills?

HOW TO GET HELP: If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call the Washington State Problem Gambling Helpline, 1-800-547-6133.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND BACKGROUND:Jim Stevenson, Communications Director, HRSA, DSHS, 360-902-7604 (pager 360-971-4067)