The paper reports that forty three percent of calls involving card players had to do with blackjack. That figure is up from nine percent the previous year. Ironically, that is a direct relation to the fact that blackjack was not offered in the state a year ago.

"These figures are completely normal when a new casino game is added. People tend to overindulge themselves after going without the game for so long. The idea is not to shock people with these statistics, but to educate them on how they can get help if needed," said observer Pauline Freelanjer.

The state help line is receiving a larger number of calls than in the past. That too, is to be expected. With the expansion at the Seminole casinos, residents of South Florida have many more options than in the past.

The number of problem gambling calls should go even higher in the next couple of years. The Seminoles still have plans of bringing the blackjack games to their Coconut Creek Casino, and lobbyists are fighting to have the game added at state pari-mutuels as well.

The state of Florida, like many other states around the country, has expanded gambling laws in order to provide financial relief. Similar to other states who have done the same, Florida has been slow to offer the necessary resources that are needed to help problem gamblers.

"It is a common problem around the US. States are seeing the dollar signs that can come from expanded gambling, but they are not properly preparing for the problems that gambling can bring. More education is needed for these lawmakers before they sign off on these expanded gambling laws,' said Freelanjer.

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