Gambling Counselors Honored in Event

Twenty-five people from across the US state of Massachusetts are to be recognized by the Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling at the organization's 25th anniversary breakfast in Boston on September 22.

One of those being recognized is Edmund Talbot, a former gambling addict who went on to become a licensed alcohol and drug counselor.

"I've been in recovery from a gambling addiction for almost 30 years now," Talbot said. "I knew that if I ever had the chance, I'd do what I could to help others."

Talbot, who is now a community services representative at a Massachusetts hospital, is being recognized for his personal commitment and professional contributions to the council and to problem gambling, said the Council's executive director, Kathleen Scanlon.

Founded in 1983, the Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling is a private, non-profit health agency dedicated to reducing the social, financial and emotional costs of problem gambling.

According to the council, studies indicate that about 6% of Massachusetts' general adult population has had some significant adverse effect from gambling in their lifetimes.  About 4% (or nearly 250,000 of state residents) have had a gambling problem within the past year.