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July 31 - Problem gambling in Botswana is on the rise and two groups have joined together to try and combat the issue.
Life Line Botswana and the Responsible Gambling Program have launched a toll free line for problem gamblers or their families to contact, in a bid to keep down the numbers of those getting addicted to games such as one armed bandit in the country.
The groups have turned to South Africa for inspiration on how to tackle the problem.
Last weekend, Life Line Botswana asked the Responsible Gambling of South Africa to train some it staff to equip them better with the skills to assist problem gamblers when they call the counseling line.
"Our belief is that we understand the social problems associated with gambling," said the director of Life Life, Maungo Mooki. "We can't run away from it."
The problems begin, however, when problem gamblers seek rehabilitation. Unfortunately, Botswana has no center to treat compulsive gamblers and counselors are then left with the only solution - to determine whether gamblers have the means to make their way to South Africa and seek assistance at the rehabilitation centers in this country.
As the success of the toll free line grows, the group believes that it could extend its services to other points in Botswana. "We would like to see how we can open satellite offices in all places where there are casinos," said Mooki.
In many cases, it was the casinos themselves that referred the gamblers to the help line after identifying problem gambling habits.
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