Audit: 1 person counseled through gambling addiction program

The Department of Human Services is facing criticism over an audit that has lawmakers saying a state gambling addiction program is not working.

The Denver Post reports the audit found five out of 23 counselors who received state money were able to successfully obtain national accreditation in gambling addiction. From 2014 to 2015, one person received counseling while administrative and marketing costs accounted for 83 percent of the budget for fiscal year 2015.

DHS Executive Director Reggie Bicha says changes are being made and that the program will no longer be associated with the contractor administering the program.

Lawmakers criticized the department and Bicha over the audit, saying the program is ineffective.

The $100,000 program is funded by taxes, fees and fines paid by casinos.