Calls to Iowa gambling hot line reach record level

Calls to the state's gambling hot line are up as more casinos open in Iowa.

State public health officials say the hot line -- 1-800-BETS-OFF -- fielded over 7,300 calls during the last fiscal year. That's up 15% from the year before.

Officials say the increase in calls is likely tied to new casinos in Riverside, Emmetsburg and Worth County and several remodeling expansions at existing casinos.

Last week, the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission said the state-regulated casinos had adjusted gross receipts of more than $1.3 billion in fiscal 2007.

In the last 15 months, Iowa has added four state-licensed casinos. The newest one is in Waterloo.