State to Help with Gambling Disorders

The NH Council for Responsible Gambling received approval to use $290,000 in state funding to enhance gambling-related clinical, prevention and intervention services throughout the state. With approval from the Executive Council following a standard Request for Proposal process, the Council for Responsible Gambling will enter into a three-year contract with the NH Council on Problem Gambling to build training and clinical capacity, advance self-exclusion services and facilitate outreach and awareness activities.

The Council for Responsible Gambling was established through the 2019 legislation legalizing sports betting in the Granite State and is tasked with education, prevention and treatment related to gambling disorders. The NH Council on Problem Gambling is a private nonprofit agency providing information, education, advocacy and prevention services, along with referrals to treatment for those affected by gambling addictions.

“We are proud to be able to use this critical funding to implement meaningful programming and services,” said Maura McCann, chair of the Council on Responsible Gambling. “Our goal is to create a robust statewide clinical workforce to provide a safety net and support system for those suffering from gambling addiction."

With this funding, the Council for Responsible Gambling and the Council on Problem Gambling will train clinicians to provide individual and group counseling for problem gambling and will perform outreach to at-risk individuals. The two organizations will also support a variety of services beyond professional treatment, such as self-help meetings, recovery support, a 24/7 helpline and voluntary self-exclusion.

“This is an important step for the state of NH and we are excited to be able to play a role in increasing services for those suffering with gambling problems,” said Edmond Talbot, executive director, Council on Problem Gambling. “We estimate upwards of 20,000 NH residents suffer with gambling addictions, and we anticipate that number continuing to grow as gambling opportunities expand. These individuals and their families need a support system now more than ever.”

For the past seven years, the NH Lottery has provided $25,000 annually along with in-kind donations to support those with gambling addictions. Until now, that was the extent of state funding dedicated to this cause.

The Council for Responsible Gambling is composed of five board members, all of whom have experience in the field of addiction or mental health services with a focus on problem gambling. The Board was established through the 2019 legislation legalizing sports betting in the Granite State. http://nhproblemgambling.org/