Oregon Video Slots Craze

Oregon - Video slot machines, also referred to as line games, are collecting about $14 million from gamblers each week. 

In the single year that the lottery game has been in extant, it has multiplied the state treasury.  Unfortunately, the video slot machines are reportedly having the same effect on gambling addicts in the state. 

Oregon resident Zane Cleverley claims it is the gamblers responsibility never to play more than they can afford to part with.  “You have to understand when you put the $20 in that you lose that 20 and there are too many people who think they’re going to make money on it.”  Cleverly plays his luck on video slot machines several times each week. 

The Oregon Lottery introduced video slot machines to their gaming menu back in May of 2005.  Almost immediately the lottery witnessed a spike in play.  Over the course of last year, video slot revenues have risen 27%. 

Owner of Rick’s Pub, Rick George, has paid attention to the patrons that frequent his pub’s video slot machine.  He says, “There are a few people who really, really love ‘em.”

The Oregon lottery, however, is not the only group experiencing growth.  Local meridian gambling treatment received a spike in phone calls this summer.  A boost in awareness has attributed to the increase requests for help, but the new video slot machines can take a lot of credit as well.   

“Its a faster paced game which can involve an engagement in the game itself and cause people to play longer and spend more, hence more problems,” deduced Michele Tantriella-Modell.

The state of Oregon may have as difficult a time giving up the video slot machines as many of its patrons.  The lottery has raked in record profits and contributed an astounding $483 million to economic development.   

Retailers too have an incentive to hang on to the video slot games, as lottery officials have promised them a larger cut in profits, should the machines continue to meet success.  Rick George is not counting on that promise coming to fruition. “I think the excitement and novelty is going to ware off,” he said doubtingly. 

Gambling councilors would love to think that the spike in addiction cases is due to a temporary, novel fascination with the video slot machines.  In the meantime they plan to stay on board to assist those in need.  “That’s the whole bad thing, nobody can afford to lose any money these days.”

Oregon’s new money is also going toward the states addictions problems.  This past week, Salem became home to the first residential treatment facility for gambling. 

The gambling help line can be reached at 877-2-stop-now.

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