Nevada Moves To Curb Problem Gambling With Treatment, Not Jail

Gambling can be very similar to drugs when it comes to addiction. People who are addicted to either will do almost anything to get the money they need for their habit. Sometimes that includes breaking the law.

The state of Nevada is a place where problem gambling is more prevalent than in any other state across the US. Currently, their judges have no jurisdiction to send problem gamblers to treatment instead of jail when they commit a crime, but that may soon change.

Lawmakers have argued the issue and have come up with a Bill that was passed on Friday that would allow judges in the state to order treatment for problem gamblers, much the same as they do for some drug or alcohol addicts. The move is being made in a state that prides itself on being the gambling capital of the country.

"The reason it matters is that we're talking about people with a mental health diagnosis," said Carol O'Hare, Executive Director of the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling, "Simply punishing them doesn't change anything."

The treatment option would be based on a judge ordering evaluation for any criminal with a suspected gambling problem. During the evaluation it would be determined whether the criminal would be benefited from a treatment program.

The treatment would only be another option for judges, it would not be mandatory. The treatment costs and supervision costs during the treatment would be the responsibility of the gambler. There would be an option for state and federal grants to handle the costs if the gambler cannot afford the treatment.

April 18, 2009
Posted By Tom Jones
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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