The Problem Gambling Services department of the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services has created Project Worth, an online service that connects Nevadans experiencing gambling problems with free and low-cost state-funded resources, including treatment centers and call, text and chat helplines.
Gambling is woven into the fabric of Nevada’s culture and history and comprises an essential part of the state’s economy. At the same time, it’s estimated that up to 180,000 residents, 6 percent of the state’s population, may experience a problem related to gambling, ranging from overdoing it once to almost total control over an individual’s life. Few people seek assistance, largely due to the stigma associated with problem gambling. Project Worth’s is designed to reduce that stigma by encouraging Nevadans to seek treatment.
“Project Worth was created to help Nevadans learn that everyone is worthy of support if they find themselves experiencing any of a range of harms from gambling — from mild to moderate to severe,” said Alan Feldman, chair of the Advisory Committee of Problem Gambling (ACPG). “We want Nevadans to know that if they struggle with any kind of a gambling problem, free or very low-cost treatment resources are available on both the state and national levels.”
Project Worth connects website visitors to six state-funded treatment centers, three each in northern and southern Nevada. Northern Nevada treatment centers include Bristlecone Family Resources in Reno, Reno Problem Gambling Center, and New Frontier Treatment Center in Fallon. Southern Nevada centers include the International Problem Gambling Center, Mental Health Counseling and Consulting, and Finding Hope Therapy, all located in Las Vegas. The website also connects visitors to the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling, a local resource that connects people with information about gambling disorder; the National Council on Problem Gambling’s online chat service and 24-hour call or text helpline; and Nevada 2-1-1, a site committed to helping Nevadans connect with the services they need.
Project Worth is funded and managed by the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services and received a grant from the Revolving Account for the Prevention and Treatment of Problem Gambling.
