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TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – The Arizona Department of Gaming is expanding its resources to help residents climb out of gambling-related debt, following a record-breaking surge in people choosing to ban themselves from betting.
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The state’s Division of Problem Gambling announced a new program offering free financial counseling specifically for individuals who have voluntarily self-excluded from Arizona casinos and sportsbooks.
According to state officials, a record 651 Arizona residents have voluntarily banned themselves from gambling for periods of either one, five, or ten years.
Previously, free financial counseling was restricted only to individuals actively enrolled in the state’s treatment assistance programs. This expansion makes the resource widely accessible to anyone who has taken the first step of self-exclusion.
“Financial counseling services help address immediate financial issues that people may be encountering because of their gambling,” said Elise Mikkelsen, Director of the Division of Problem Gambling. “It helps them take control, manage their debt, come up with a spending plan, and set up guardrails, so to speak.”
The expansion is a key component of the department’s public awareness campaign, “Take Back the Game.”
Under the program, once an individual chooses to self-exclude from casinos, online sportsbooks, or both, they will be partnered with a financial counselor. Together, they work to create personalized guidance plans to manage debt and rebuild their credit.
Officials emphasize that while choosing to stop gambling is a massive milestone, it doesn’t immediately erase the financial damage already done—meaning practical debt rebuilding is a vital part of long-term recovery.
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The program arrives at a critical time as the accessibility of gambling continues to expand rapidly across the state.
“We know that nationwide, actually worldwide, gambling is increasing,” Mikkelsen said. “There are more opportunities than ever before, more genres. People are carrying around their cell phones, and casinos are opening all the time.”
State officials stress that the financial counseling program is entirely voluntary, completely confidential, and non-judgmental.
If you or someone you know is struggling with a gambling addiction and wants to learn more about the self-exclusion process or the free financial counseling services, resources and direct sign-up portals can be found here.
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