Gambling is a multibillion-dollar industry in Arizona, which means some people are losing a lot of money. The Arizona Department of Gaming is now offering free financial counseling services for people enrolled in the state’s self-exclusion program.
Arizona previously offered financial counseling only for gamblers enrolled in a treatment assistance program. But the counseling service has expanded through a partnership with GamFin, which specializes in advising people with gambling debts.
Elise Mikkelsen is with the department’s division of problem gambling.
“The way that they are connected with the program is either through our providers who provide treatment services across Arizona. And then the latest iteration is through those patrons who choose to self-exclude, they will be offered to participate in GamFin,” she said.
The state recently increased the program’s budget.
“We recently experienced a much welcomed budget increase. So we were able to expand the program. And that's our goal here in Arizona to bring as many resources as we can to those in need,” she said.
Last fiscal year, 651 residents enlisted in the state’s self-exclusion program — the highest total ever.
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