SALEM (AP) — For people addicted to the Oregon Lottery’s video games or other gambling, help now is only a mouse-click away.

Oregon’s state-sponsored problem gambling treatment program now is sponsoring live chat on its Internet site in addition to the more traditional telephone counseling.

More than 4,000 people call the program’s toll-free telephone help-line each year, and officials say the electronic chat room will make help available to others uncomfortable with seeking assistance by phone.

“We expect it to be especially popular with younger, Internet-savvy people who don’t often come into treatment for gambling issues,” said Bob Nikkel of the Oregon Department of Human Services.

The effort comes as Oregon Lottery’s sales have surged to more than $1 billion a year, an increase fueled in part by the advent of video slots in retail outlets statewide.

Under state law, at least 1 percent of lottery revenue is earmarked to treat problem gamblers.

Although the chat room function is new to the program’s Web site, it’s already been of assistance to one problem gambler who found the chat room on his own.

Carole Seeley, a gambling counselor with the program, said the man told her he’s already run up $35,000 in gambling debts but didn’t feel comfortable talking about his problems over the phone.

The Web site is http://www.1877mylimit.org.

From there, they can initiate live chat on weekdays, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The program plans to add instant messaging and e-mail to the site soon.

For those who still prefer to use the 24-hour telephone helpline, the toll-free phone number is 1-877-695-4648.