Advocate Critiques State for Ignorance on Problem Gambling
Nevada – Virtual — January 29, 2021 — Today at the Advisory Council on Problem Gambling's Legislative Workgroup, Group Six Partners delivered an extensive critique of two state agencies demonstrating ignorance of problem gambling in their public protection duties over the past year: the Nevada Gaming Commission and the Department of Health and Human Services.
Gaming Commission – “Gambling” and “Gaming”
Since 2019, the Commission has addressed charitable lotteries and cashless wagering. During these regulatory hearing processes, "Problem gaming," "responsible gambling," and "responsible gaming" were used interchangeably. "To this observer – it appears that the Nevada Gaming Commission doesn't know the difference between "gaming" and "gambling," said Trey Delap, Director of Group Six Partners. "Hopefully, raising awareness will improve their awareness," he concluded.
Sr. Adviser Dr. Woodard offers Raffle Prizes for Addiction Treatment Survey
"Since the special session, the Department (DHHS-DPBH-SAPTA) has consistently maligned problem gambling" Delap. From a proposed 75% disproportionate cut to problem gambling services during the first special session in July to inducing addiction treatment providers with raffle tickets for survey responses. Dr. Stephanie Woodard, Senior Advisor on Behavioral Health, asked substance use disorder treatment providers through a state listserv for their input on a survey with an opportunity to enter a raffle for a gift card on January 20, 2021. "It is ignorance or incompetence that someone who should know better is encouraging addiction treatment professionals to engage in behavior that is risky for their patients," Delap said. 70% of people with addictive or co-occurring mental health concerns are at risk for a co-occurring concern.
Call to Action – Advisory Council on Problem Gambling Needs to Speak.
Delap encouraged the Council to live up to their legislative mandate, which includes advising the state on problem gambling issues, trends, treatment, and prevention. "Gambling is not gaming, gambling addiction is real, and people die because of it, and ignorance of these essential points should not be tolerated.", Delap said.
"Most urgently, Dr. Woodard needs to be held accountable for her use of raffle prizes to induce survey responses – and make it clear that the state is only encouraging best practices and standards of care consistent with treatment for people with addictive disorders," Delap concluded.
The complete statement and supporting documents can be found at this link: