Huntington, W.V. (AP) -- A toll-free help line for problem gamblers in West Virginia has received 7,000 calls since it was established eight years ago.
The Problem Gamblers Help Network of West Virginia released the statistics Monday. Calls come not only from gambling addicts, but also their family members or loved ones.
Kanawha County, with the highest population and most gambling establishments in the state, accounted for 1,141 calls. That's more than double the second-highest number of calls, which came from Wood County.
Nearly half of those who called or were the subject of the call had full-time jobs, and 1,176 reported income of $50,000 or more. Video Poker Machines were the main problem for 4,348 callers.
The number is 1-800-gambler.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)