Arizona is spending $350,000 to build and run a peer support program for people with gambling problems.
Gambling has been legal in Arizona since the early 2000s, and this is the fifth year of sports betting, which lets people use their phone to gamble.
“We do see numbers increasing as far as folks seeking treatment, seeking helpline support and other services,” said Elise Mikkelsen, director of the state’s Division of Problem Gambling.
The state Gaming Department has contracted with a firm called Dezerve Counseling to build a program offering help from those who’ve lived the same experience.
“When someone talks to a peer who has been there, shame and isolation is reduced. People are more likely to seek help when they feel understood and not judged,” Mikkelsen said.
Financial advice will be included with the program.
“Maybe by the end of this fiscal year, towards the summer, they will have programming in place and resources available for those in need here in Arizona,” Mikkelsen said.
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