Advocates say more must be done to address problem gambling in Nevada

At a time when there are diminishing resources for people to get help treating compulsive gambling disorders amid continued growth in the gaming industry statewide, some academics and problem gamblers themselves say the issue has reached the crisis stage.

Alan Feldman, chair of the Advisory Committee on Problem Gambling, said there’s not enough awareness about what problem gambling is and how those affected can find help.

“I think that we have isolated gambling counseling from other substance use disorders,” he said. “That’s not unusual. A lot of states do that, but we here in Nevada can do better. And we need to find a way to better integrate those two communities.