Workshop Being Held To Combat Oklahoma’s Growing Epidemic: Compulsive Gambling

Rusty Surette, News 9

EDMOND, Oklahoma -- Compulsive gambling is a problem affecting families all across Oklahoma, and that's why several local groups and an Edmond church are teaming up for a workshop on one of our state's growing epidemics.

The workshop is scheduled for January 29 at the Henderson Hills Baptist Church on I-35 in Edmond. One of the guest speakers is Dorothy Grimes, a 60-year-old grandmother from Choctaw who is also a former gambling addict.

"For me it was the slot machines. I would go everyday," said Grimes. "There are no boundaries on this. No age, sex, race. Addiction to gambling attacks everyone and it's just like an alcohol and drug addiction. It gets a hold of you and you have no control."

Before moving to Oklahoma, Grimes would visit casinos three or four times a year. After moving to Oklahoma, she began going everyday and spending up to 16 hours at a time in front of slot machines.

She said the availability and accessibility of casinos in Oklahoma makes it tempting and easy to get addicted to the games.

"At the time, it was about getting that high. A high of winning that jackpot," said Grimes who finally sought help from groups that support compulsive gamblers.

This month's workshop is open to anyone who wants more information about gambling addictions and is free of charge, but donations will be accepted.

The event is sponsored by Henderson Hills Baptist Church, A Chance to Change Foundation, the Oklahoma Association for Problem and Compulsive Gambling and Problem Gamblers.

Get more information on the workshop or register by e-mail at gamblingokc@aol.com.