Even while two new casinos are scheduled to open in Kansas this year, state legislators have reduced the amount of money targeted for a fund meant to help people struggling with gambling addictions.

By law, 2 percent of gambling revenue in Kansas must go to a special fund for treatment of problem gamers and people with other
addictions. The casinos and Kansas Lottery are expected to generate about $3 million for the fund this fiscal year.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that lawmakers approved $717,000 to fight gambling addiction this fiscal year, including salaries of three gambling specialists. That’s a drop from $740,000 invested in the fund last year.

Only 6 percent of the fund’s overall receipts, or $200,000, is budgeted for direct counseling of gambling addicts.