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Colorado is now testing an innovative pilot program designed to link problem gamblers with easy-to-access mental health care.
This week, BetMGM and Tennessee-based Kindbridge Behavioral Health announced the launch of a new initiative that will provide access to mental health services for self-excluded gamblers. In a BetMGM press release, they said:
“The first-of-its-kind partnership will empower self-excluded players with direct access to comprehensive mental health assessments and group support services. The pilot program provides resources for players in need to schedule appointments immediately with specialized problem gambling outpatient treatment providers via telehealth services.”
BetMGM and Kindbridge program make it easy for people to get help
As BetMGM described it, the partnership with Kindbridge is a progressive approach to offering care to problem gamblers in Colorado.
A gambler that self-excludes (voluntarily bans themself from gambling) with BetMGM will receive a free mental health assessment from Kindbridge. Additionally, participants get access to multiple support and educational groups with other problem gamblers.
The hope is that the new program will help participants to jumpstart their recovery from gambling addiction.
“Relationships like this make it considerably easier for individuals seeking care to find swift access to the services they need,” Kindbridge CEO Daniel Umfleet said in a statement.
“Together, Kindbridge and BetMGM are pushing the envelope in creating the right kind of connectivity between the gaming industry and healthcare services that will positively impact lives.”
Colorado’s new responsible gambling rules spurred pilot program
Earlier this year, the Colorado Division of Gaming (CDG) approved a new series of responsible gambling rules. Among other things, they require gaming operators to implement a scoring system that’s meant to detect and respond quickly to problem gambling.
BetMGM noted that the CDG’s decision to implement its new set of responsible gambling regulations played a “pivotal role” in the partnership between BetMGM and Kindbridge. BetMGM CEO Adam Greenblatt said:
“Kindbridge is a leader in developing world-class mental health care that comprehends the unique challenges associated with gambling addiction. We are eager to champion the growth and expansion of connecting problem gamblers with the crucial services they need.”
