(WWJ) With online gaming and sports betting being finalized in Michigan, an expert and former gambling addict is worried about a jump in the number of problem gamblers.
Michael Burke, Executive Director of the Michigan Association on Problem Gambling, says one to three percent of Michigan's population already has a gambling problem.
"Every time we introduce a new form of gambling the number of people with problems will increase," he told WWJ Newsradio 950's Vickie Thomas
According to Burke, one in five gambling addicts will attempt suicide... And he was one of them.
"It seems to be their way out of it," said Burke, who put a gun to his head after stealing $6 million from clients at his former law firm.
"A gambler will take money from their family or from their work to have money to gamble with," Burke said. "But normally to take care of problems that were created by their gambling."
Burke spent three years in prison for embezzlement and now has a new mission: Assisting other problem gamblers.
"I ended up losing my license to practice law; I just about destroyed my family," he told Thomas. "And so I've dedicated the rest of my life to helping others."
Burke shares his life story in a book available from Amazon here.
Remember, never gamble more than you can afford to lose. Facing a gambling problem can be an overwhelming experience, and people who get in over their heads can feel like there is no way out. If you need help, call the Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-270-7117.
The Michigan Gaming Control Board on Tuesday authorized nine operators to begin online sports betting, or both online gaming and sports betting, at noon on Friday, Jan. 22.
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