Compulsive Gambling Council Receives Donation From Seminoles
The Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling has attempted for years to help problem gamblers, but the aid they have been able to offer hasn't always been sufficient. The program suffers from inadequate funding, and is unable to do much more than just redirect people in need to groups better able to assist.
But this may be changing, as the Seminole Tribe of Florida Tuesday announced a $300,000 donation to the organization. The funds are earmarked for treatment of problem gamblers.
Pat Fowler, executive director of the council, told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, "As you can imagine, many people facing this issue don't have the funds to go out and pay for treatment. Some do fine with just a support group, but one size doesn't fit all, and there are people who need clinical help."
Fowler's group ran phonelines for troubled gamblers, but did not have any way to provide therapy for needy applicants. The Seminole donation will help the council give necessary care.
The president of the Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Tampa, John Fontana, made the presentation to Fowler and the council. Fontana is a member of the council's board of directors.
Seymour Bradley, OCA gambling analyst, said, "The Seminole donation was a nice gesture, but considering the millions made daily by the tribe that is not currently taxed, perhaps more substantial numbers will be forthcoming."
