The manager of the Iowa Gambling Treatment and Prevention Program says only a small percentage of Iowans who have a gambling disorder are getting the help they need. Eric Preuss  provided a report to the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission on the program’s progress in 2013. “About 678 Iowans received services for problem gambling and we had a little over 4,000 calls for assistance through our 1-800-BETS-OFF Helpline,” Preuss said.

The program’s 1-800-BETS-OFF website was launched three years ago and receives around 14,000 visits annually. Preuss said relatively few people, around 18,000 Iowans, are described as problem gamblers. “Although point-six percent (0.6%) of Iowans have a gambling disorder, approximately 13.1 percent of Iowans are at risk of developing a gambling disorder,” Preuss said.

In addition, a problem gambler’s activities can impact a lot of family members and friends. “Although the percentage of Iowans with a gambling disorder is low, our behaviors and attitudes studies have indicated that more than one in five adult Iowans say they’ve been negatively affected by gambling behavior by someone that they know,” Preuss said.

This week is designated as National Problem Gambling Awareness Week. An American Gaming Association report estimates two-point-one billion dollars ($2.1 billion) is spent on illegal gambling in the U.S. in the month of March, when many people are betting on the outcome of the NCAA Basketball Tournament.

(Radio Iowa)

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press…

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — After a warm and sunny Saturday, Iowans received another reminder than winter isn’t over yet on Sunday. The Des Moines area received about one inch of snow, but roads remained clear because ground temperatures were warm enough to melt it. The Iowa Department of Roads did not report any road closures due to weather.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Five-term Iowa Governor Terry Branstad will face a challenger in the June 3rd Republican primary, and one Democrat has been disqualified from his party’s race. The Des Moines Register reports that 53-year-old Tom Hoefling of Lohrville collected enough signatures to appear on the Republican primary ballot. He will face Branstad, who is seeking re-election.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A resident at a Des Moines group home is accused of strangling and punching one of his caretakers. The Des Moines Register reports that 27-year-old Joseph Vanzant Bonner is charged with willful injury and a probation violation. Des Moines police say Bonner was arrested after officers were called to Optimae Life Serivces on Friday evening. Bonner was still listed as an inmate in the Polk County Jail yesterday and could not be reached.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa law enforcement is stepping up its patrols through Monday for St. Patrick’s Day festivities. The Des Moines Register reports that local and state officers will be out in greater numbers to keep watch for drunken drivers.

(Updated 7:14-p.m.)

Firefighters from Griswold responded to a fire at the home of one of their own members, Sunday afternoon. A neighbor reported seeing smoke coming from the Josh and Megan Chambers residence at 308 5th Street, at around 1:40-p.m. Griswold Assistant Fire Chief Kevin Carlisle told KJAN News the fire started in a bathroom exhaust fan and spread to the roof. No one was home at the time, but 2 hamsters and a cat were rescued. A section of the roof sustained extensive damage, while the rest of the home sustained some smoke and water damage. The couple was staying with family in the area following the blaze. Firefighters were on the scene for about 3 1/2 hours. No injuries were reported.

Griswold Rescue, deputies with the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, Cass County Emergency Management and the American Red Cross also responded to the scene.

Photo courtesy Mike Kennon, Cass Co. Emergency Management Coordinator

The City Council in Audubon will hold a Special Work Session Monday evening. During the session at the Memorial Building/City Hall, which begins at 7-p.m., the Council will discuss plans for the City Clerk’s position, including a job description of the position for prospective applicants.

In other business, the Council will discuss the 408 Market Street property and funding to purchase the property for possible condemnation and demolishing. The meeting will conclude with a review of the City’s finances.