Problem Gambling Laws Change In The State Of Nevada

The state of Nevada constantly has to deal with problem gambling stories. They are the casino gambling capital of the US, and along with all of the glamour and the big lights of the casinos, comes the potential for gambling related crimes.

Up until now, the way that the state has handled these crimes is by throwing the problem gamblers in jail. That will no longer be a requirement of judges in Nevada.

Late last week Governor Jim Gibbons signed a new Bill into law that will give judges the right to send criminals to treatment centers if they feel the crimes were committed as a result of problem gambling. too many crimes were related to the addiction, and the state wants to make sure these people have the opportunity to get help and clean up their lives.

"If you don't create a problem gambling court, you do nothing to address the underlying problem," said Alan Feldman, Senior Vice President of Public affairs for MGM Mirage, as reported in the Las Vegas Sun. Feldman also is a board member for the National Center for Responsible Gaming.

Judges already had the ability to send people with drug or alcohol problems to treatment should the addition have been the cause of committing a crime. Many of the criminals that have went through the treatment have come out of the programs rehabilitated.

One of the main reasons that the new Bill passed was a change in how lawmakers view problem gambling. They now understand that gambling can create an addiction, much like cigarettes, drugs, or alcohol. They are now taking steps to help problem gamblers instead of simply punishing them for their addictions.

June 1, 2009
Posted By Tom Jones
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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