Poker stakes increase in Florida

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by Change | 31 Mar 2009

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New plans in Florida could see the state usher in a new era of high-stakes gambling, in a move that could result in more people looking for rehab clinics.

People in Florida could soon be heading to rehab clinics in droves as the state prepares to launch new regulations that would allow high-stakes poker to be played, it has been reported.

According to the Miami Herald, Florida lawmakers are considering allowing high-stakes poker in the state, in a move that many fear would lead to an increased number of people suffering from gambling addiction problems.

The Florida senate is looking to introduce new laws that would considerably expand gambling in the state, with proponents claiming the move would help to boost the region's revenue by $1 billion (£700 million).

"People will come and have a unique experience, not just in the casino, but in the community," Steve Lipscomb, founder and chief executive of the World Poker Tour series, told the newspaper.

However, there are concerns surrounding the impact the new rules could have on gambling addiction rates in the state, after recent figures showed a rise in the popularity of people suffering from blackjack addictions.

Blackjack recently overtook poker as the number one gambling problem in Florida and there are fears that offering people higher jackpots will only entice more gambling.

As the global recession hits, many people appear to be turning to gambling in an effort to dig themselves out of financial holes, resulting in a rise in the number of people suffering from addictions.

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