Mental Health Services for Gambling Addiction Supported by Nevada Senators
Senator Randolph Townsend, Mr. Dan Shapiro, Bea Aikens, Senator Aaron Ford (Left to Right)
November 9, 2014 – At a presentation on Gambling History in Las Vegas, Nevada Senators Ford and Townsend promised to pursue help in providing healthcare services for gambling addiction.
“ There’s no wrong door Bea.” This is what ran through my mind when Nevada Senator Aaron Ford called me earlier this year asking if I would be a part of the Gambling Panel for the “British American Project.”
It’s a phrase I often use when called upon to speak about problem gambling or to serve those impacted by gambling addiction.
The woman credited with this phrase was a pioneer in advocacy for problem gambling services, Dr. Rena Nora ncpgambling.org/files/public/DrNora_Pioneer.pdf While I never met this much beloved woman, I am honored to be a benefactor of Dr. Nora’s wisdom by way of her mentee Carol O’Hare of the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling nevadacouncil.org, and her daughter Judge Cheryl Moss , both inspiring champions of the cause, who carry the torch that Dr. Nora ignited.
When asked to speak I answered “Absolutely,” even though I knew little about “the British American Project” or what their interest was in Gambling and Gambling Addiction.
There was a “Knock.” I answered….and the door swung WIDE OPEN as Senator Ford publicly committed that he and Senator Townsend could and would advance the ball in assuring equal services are made available for Nevadans struggling with a gambling addiction!
Compulsive Gamblers Can’t Be Anonymous
Compulsive Gamblers can’t be anonymous anymore. If people don’t know about our disease, there’s never a hope for treating it and maybe, someday, curing it.
These are the sentiments of recovering compulsive gambler and Las Vegas attorney Doug Crawford, who will forever be linked to the very public case which resulted in his 2009 suspension from the practice of law. In a January 2012 trial, Doug was the first defendant in a Clark County, NV criminal case to be sentenced in accordance with provisions of the Nevada Problem Gambling Diversionary Law The Diversionary sentencing mandates therapy and attendance at mutual aid support meetings as well as restitution for crimes committed in furtherance of the disease of gambling addiction.
I recently had the opportunity to interview Doug. He candidly shared his story …from early dependence on alcohol and drugs to a gambling addiction that lead him down a path he never imagined he would take – stealing from his clients’ trust account in furtherance of his addiction.
Doug Crawford’s Interview can be seen at youtube.com/user/lanieshope
Internet Cafes: What are they selling?
July 22, 2013
If one were to Google “Internet Cafe”, a consortium of choices will confront you. What are these Internet Cafes and what are they really selling? Some would describe them as storefronts conducting gambling operations (unlicensed, unregulated, untaxed, and illegal.) Proprietors of these cafes describe their operation as providing a service or product; phone cards and Internet time, as well as a chance to win prizes. In fact, they compare their operation to that of a sweepstakes such as the McDonald’s Monopoly game or one of the big companies (like Home Depot, Olive Garden, K-mart) that offer customers an opportunity to win a prize if they complete an online survey (after purchasing a product). Read more →
Comprehensive Problem Gambling Act Needs Your Support
Support the Comprehensive Problem Gambling Act (HR 2334)
If you support federal funding for compulsive gambling awareness, prevention and treatment, isn’t it worth five minutes of your time to complete the simple form and let your Representatives hear from you?
Click on link to “Support” govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h112-2334
Gambling is legal in 48 states. Casinos are proliferating, additional slot machines are being added to existing venues and convenience stores, and table games are being added to horse tracks. Gambling is spreading across the country as more and more states try to solve their budget woes by increased gambling tax and licensure revenues. At the same time, state budgets for Problem Gambling Councils and treatment have been cut significantly. Nevada’s budget to address problem gambling was cut by 50% in 2010 and Florida was cut by 90% in 2011! That’s right! NINETY percent! That is just the tip of the iceberg.
To date I am only the 50th person to respond. Let’s double that this weekend! Every voice counts!
Problem Gambling Law Invoked in Compulsive Gambler Sentencing
Today was a historical day at the Clark County Nevada Courthouse, as District Judge Donald Mosley became the first to invoke NRS 458A, Nevada Problem Gambling Diversion Program, in his ruling and sentencing of an admitted compulsive gambler who had embezzled client funds to feed a gambling addiction.