As the economy sours, Wisconsin gambling addictions apparently are getting worse.
That's according to Rose Gruber of the Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling, who says calls to their gambling hotline have dramatically increased this year. The hotline in currently on track to handle a record 12,000 calls this year.
Gruber says many compulsive gamblers think they can solve their economic woes by betting, expecting that a "big win" is just around the corner. But many don't win, and she says that can lead to even more economic hardship for them and their families.
Gruber says many of the calls they're receiving are just "heartbreaking," with people losing their homes, jobs, and families because of gambling addictions.
