A program that helps problem gamblers in West Virginia is preparing to launch a free online chat service with counselors.
The Problem Gamblers Help Network of West Virginia’s new service is set to go live Dec. 7 at www.1800Gambler.net.
Director of Development Sheila Moran says the network hopes to reach younger people with gambling problems.
The network’s telephone help line, 1-800-GAMBLER, has received about 530 calls from people age 25 and under since it was launched in 2000, compared to more than 3,700 calls from people ages 36 to 55.
Moran says the goal is to connect people with the network and inform them about its services.
