USA - Arizona Takes Bold Step in Addressing Problem Gambling

USA - Arizona Takes Bold Step in Addressing Problem Gambling Arizona has launched the nation's first state-funded peer support program specifically designed for problem gamblers, a significant milestone in addiction recovery services. With sports betting legal since 2021, Arizona saw nearly $970 million wagered in October 2025 alone, a 22% increase from the previous year. As the industry grows, so does the need for comprehensive support systems. The Arizona Department of Gaming's Division of Problem Gambling has awarded a contract to Dezerve Counseling LLC to implement this innovative program, investing $350,000 annually. The initiative pairs individuals struggling with gambling addiction with Peer Support and Recovery Specialists who have lived experience, either in recovery themselves or supporting loved ones through it. What makes this approach powerful: peer support has proven effective in substance abuse recovery, and Arizona is now applying these same principles to problem gambling. As Pam Koopman, Executive Director of the Arizona Council on Compulsive Gambling, reminds us: "Gambling is an addiction. We really need to take it seriously, just as we take drugs or alcohol seriously." The program represents a shift toward holistic care, recognizing that recovery often begins with connection to someone who truly understands the struggle. Expected to launch this spring, it could serve as a model for other states navigating the expansion of legal gambling. A reminder that with industry growth comes responsibility, and Arizona is leading the way.