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State of Play
- Arizona is pioneering a peer-based recovery program targeting problem gambling, backed by a $350,000 state investment.
- As gambling accessibility grows, including mobile sports betting, this initiative offers a supportive alternative for those seeking help outside traditional clinical settings.
Arizona’s Department of Gaming is funding its first peer support and recovery program aimed at individuals affected by gambling-related harm.
The program, spearheaded by the Division of Problem Gambling, was awarded through a competitive bid to Dezerve Counseling LLC. It offers free, confidential peer support services statewide, designed to reduce isolation and shame with the help of trained specialists who share lived experience with problem gambling.
This approach complements existing clinical treatments and removes barriers like insurance requirements or prior treatment plans, making support accessible by phone, online, or in person.
Program could be a national model
For Arizona bettors, this program represents a promising resource amid increasing gambling access and rising demand for help.
Peer specialists provide empathetic, understanding support that can encourage more individuals to seek assistance. The program also addresses financial challenges linked to gambling harm, expanding its practical support.
For operators and regulators, this initiative highlights the growing commitment to responsible gambling and innovative care models, potentially setting a new standard in recovery services.
Arizona plans to launch the program fully statewide by the spring, with ongoing recruitment and training of peer specialists to sustain long-term support capacity. This model could influence future programs nationally, reflecting a shift toward recovery strategies rooted in connection and shared experience rather than purely clinical treatment.
Based on reporting by Alex Warren for GamingAmerica.
