Arizona has introduced free financial counseling for residents who voluntarily exclude themselves from gambling after the state recorded 651 people using its self-exclusion programs, the highest total reported so far.
The Arizona Department of Gaming’s Division of Problem Gambling has expanded access to financial support through a new initiative linked to its Take Back the Game campaign. Previously, free financial counseling was available only to people participating in the state’s treatment-assistance programs.
Residents who exclude themselves from Arizona casinos, internet-based sportsbooks or both can receive the service. The state offers self-exclusion periods of one, five or ten years.
“Helping to address immediate financial problems resulting from gambling,” stated Elise Mikkelsen, director of the Division of Problem Gambling, “is an important function of the services we provide through our Take Back the Game campaign.”
Financial Support Follows Self-Exclusion
Participants will work with a financial advisor or counselor to develop guidance suited to their circumstances. The support focuses on managing debt, improving credit and establishing a spending plan.
“Financial counseling services help address immediate financial issues that people may be encountering because of their gambling,” said Elise Mikkelsen. “It helps them take control, manage their debt, come up with a spending plan, and set up guardrails, so to speak.”
Officials said self-exclusion marks an important step, although ending gambling does not automatically remove existing financial difficulties.
“Stopping gambling is a big first step, however it does not correct all the damage caused by gambling; therefore, creating and implementing an effective debt-rebuilding strategy is also a key component of successful long term recovery,” added state officials.
The program adds financial planning support for people who voluntarily remove themselves from legal gambling opportunities.
Gambling Access Continues To Grow
Arizona introduced the expanded service as gambling opportunities become increasingly accessible through mobile devices, while casinos continue to open.
Mikkelsen said the trend extends beyond 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.”
The Division of Problem Gambling said the counseling service is voluntary, confidential and non-judgmental. Residents can choose whether to participate after entering the self-exclusion program.
The department has directed people seeking information about gambling problems, self-exclusion or financial assistance to its official resources. The program provides additional help to people who have already chosen to stop gambling and need assistance addressing the resulting financial consequences.
The record total of 651 self-excluded residents includes people who selected one-year, five-year or ten-year exclusion periods. By extending free counseling to this group, the Division of Problem Gambling has made financial assistance available beyond those already enrolled in treatment programs.
Support Addresses Financial Consequences
Officials said counselors can help participants assess debt and create personalized plans for rebuilding their financial position. The department has emphasized that residents can access the service without participating in treatment-assistance programs.
Information and registration resources for self-exclusion and related services are available through Arizona’s official gaming and problem gambling websites.
Source:
“Arizona Sees Record 651 Self-Exclusions From Gambling, State Rolls Out Free Debt Assistance”, iredellfreenews.com, Sep 3, 2026
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