Gambling conference taking place in the Wisconsin Dells

Gambling conference taking place in the Wisconsin Dells

By: Michael Stevens




Posted: Thursday, March 20, 2014

Wisconsin Dells --- Diana Abelt, is a recovering gambler.

"I was the most irresponsible person in the world. I didn't care about anything, other than going to the casino," said Abelt.

A single mother with three kids, Diana says she never saw the addiction coming. Until a trip to Las Vegas and a big win.

"I think I had $20 in the machine, and I won $25,000," said Abelt.

Rose Gruber, is in charge of this years, "Compulsive Gambling Conference," in the Wisconsin Dells.

"We have workshops on adolescence, children affected by gambling problems, treatment issues.
She says, more than 300,000 people in Wisconsin have a gambling problem.

Thursday, more than 100 are sitting in on the two-day event, scheduled during the NCAA tournament.

It could be the biggest time for betting all year, and something Gruber says, can trigger those fighting a gambling issue.

"Most people can gamble and never have an issue. But for someone with an addictive personality, or has other things, that certainly could be the start of it," said Gruber.

After spending thousands of dollars, and almost losing her marriage, Diana has called it quits on gambling. But she knows there's still an addiction looming on the sidelines.

"I know that I'm only one bet away from going back into the abyss that I was in when I was in action," said Abelt.

If you think you know someone with a gambling problem, you can always call 1-800-GAMBLE-5.

That's the number for Wisconsin's helpline.


http://www.nbc15.com/news/headlines/Gambling-conference-taking-place-in-the-Wisconsin-Dells--251327031.html