HIDDEN ADDICTION: Gambling Awareness Week

Statistics show 88-percent of Iowans gamble in some form and 3-percent develop a problem, but only a fraction of problem gamblers seek help.

It’s National Problem Gambling Awareness week and experts say it’s more important than ever to get the word out.

With technology today, there are more ways to gamble which makes the problem worse for those struggling with an addiction.

“It’s important for people to understand what problem gambling is, where they can get help, what the signs and symptoms are and to raise that awareness. We just don’t get educated commonly about this problem,” said Nicolas Foss with ADDS gambling Treatment Services.

Gambling is labeled as a hidden addiction because it’s hard to see that someone has a problem. If you need someone to talk to you can call 1-800-bets-off.