The fact that a prominent pastor admits he took church money to support his gambling addiction does not surprise addiction counselors.

“Problem gamblers are usually smart people with full-time jobs,” said Marcia Mattoso, an Addiction Counselor for Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare.

Mattoso, who also trains gambling counselors in Multnomah County, called an addiction to gambling, “The worst kind of addiction.”

Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare treats 150 gambling addicts a week in Oregon. According to Mattoso, the state is home to more than 74-thousand problem gamblers.

She blamed the prevalence of video poker and lottery outlets for some of the problems in Oregon.

She claimed addicts also blame the state. “Many gamblers have said they want to move out of Oregon,” said Mattoso.

Mattoso said the worst gambling addicts end up losing their homes, jobs and families.

“We are an emotional ER. When people come to us they are devastated,” Mattoso told kgw.com.

Mattoso said a gambling addiction turns some otherwise law-abiding citizens into criminals. She claimed 23 percent of problem gamblers embezzle funds from their employers.

Portland Pastor Rex Loy said he took $30,000 in chuch funds to support his addiction. Loy told his congregation he is seeking counseling.

“That’s the best thing he could do,” said Mattoso, who claimed treatment is effective for 80 percent of gamblers who seek help.

The State of Oregon Gambling Hotline is 1-877-MYLIMIT.