The challenges for an individual struggling with problem gambling go beyond just the problem itself. Those with a gambling problem find themselves facing a greater difficulty getting health care than others with other dependency issues.

During the 16th Annual Michigan Problem Gambling Symposium last week, University of Oklahoma Law Professor Stacey A. Tovino discussed the institutional bias that those with a gambling problem face.

“Individuals who have gambling disorder have not been treated as well by the public health care programs and by private health plans, when you compare them to any other individual with any other physical or mental health condition,” Tovino said.