A late amendment to a bill that would fund problem gaming programs in Colorado has left those who advocate for gambling addiction treatment and prevention efforts with mixed feelings.

While the estimated $3 million that would be apportioned by the bill for a grant program is a stark improvement over Colorado’s previous funding of such programs, the Senate changed the wording for the allotment from “continuously” to “annually.” The change would mean funding for the program would have to be reapproved each year.

That was not a welcome development for advocates, who contend problem gaming funding “is often the last funded and the first cut.”