Nevadans are reminded that there is hope through effective and low-cost services.
(Las Vegas, Nev.) – March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month, a nationwide grassroots campaign to increase public awareness of problem gambling and the availability of prevention, treatment, and recovery services. Throughout the month, Nevada’s statewide effort will focus on raising awareness about problem gambling and providing hope to those in need. Gambling is a key facet of Nevada’s culture and economy, but there is a downside. In Nevada, it is estimated that 6% of the population struggles with a gambling problem.
Those who face problem gambling also face increased stress and isolation, which has likely been compounded by the burden of the COVID-19 pandemic. But help is available virtually and in-person for free or at little cost through a state-funded online service that connects Nevadans to recovery resources, including treatment centers in northern and southern Nevada, telehealth options, and call, text or chat helplines.
There are five state-funded treatment centers – three in northern Nevada and two in southern Nevada. Treatment providers in the state offer resources for problem gambling recovery to anyone who needs it. Providers have adapted to new COVID-19 regulations, with most offering telehealth services to protect clients and bring treatment to those who do not live near centers.
“For treatment providers, the month of March is mostly about awareness and prevention,” said Denise Quirk, CEO and clinical director at the Reno Problem Gambling Center. “Our goal is to help people understand their relationship with gambling and educate them on what resources are available. No one has to tackle problem gambling alone. We are here for them.”
The Nevada Council on Problem Gambling is a statewide resource that provides information about gambling disorders and resources for help and offers an online chat service and 24-hour call or text helpline at 1-800-522-4700.
Additionally, the state created Project Worth, a campaign to help raise awareness about problem gambling. It directs users to find more information about the available resources, including 2-1-1, a site committed to helping Nevadans connect with the services they need.
“Project Worth was created to help people better understand their gambling habits and understand if they need to seek help, whether for themselves or for a loved one,” said Alan Feldman, chair of the Advisory Committee of Problem Gambling (ACPG). “This is especially true during the month of March, when we focus on bringing attention to problem gambling. Most resources are free or come at an extremely low cost.”
For those unsure of whether they have a problem, Project Worth offers a virtual self-assessment quiz that people can take for themselves or on behalf of a loved one. The quiz is not a diagnostic tool and is anonymous, but it can help gamblers better understand their habits and easily connect to resources.
To learn more about Project Worth, or find resources for yourself or a loved one, visit ProjectWorthNV.org.
About Project Worth
Project Worth is part of the State of Nevada Department of Health and Human Services Problem Gambling Services and uses the guidance of the Advisory Committee on Problem Gambling. This is a state-funded online tool designed to connect Nevadans to free and low-cost problem gambling treatment resources. Project Worth’s top priority is to encourage Nevadans to seek treatment for problem gambling to enhance the safety, health and welfare of all Nevadans. Project Worth is supported by the Nevada State Division of Public and Behavioral Health through Workorder 5225 from Revolving Account for the Prevention and Treatment of Problem Gambling. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Division. For more information about Project Worth, visit ProjectWorthNV.org.