Nebraska’s problem gambling treatment centers report increase in people seeking help

Experts say this is a trend that will likely continue.

Experts in the state of Nebraska recently said the state has “seen a graduate increase in the number of people seeking assistance for problem gambling,” according to a local report in the Lincoln Journal Star.

Choices Treatment Center Education and Outreach Coordinator Mike Sciandra shared with the Journal Star that the organization “has seen more people seeking counseling for gambling problems this year.”

Nebraska Problem Gamblers Assistance Program David Geier attested to the increase in those reaching out for problem gambling help, since Nebraska welcomed casino gambling a year ago.

Geier told the Journal Star that his office helped 200 to 220 per month on average from 2019 to 2021. He said during the first half of the year, the organization saw nearly 260 people a month.

He noted that the increase in activity has been gradual and he anticipates a continued increase in people seeking assistance.

During the first six months of this year, both the WarHorse Casino in Lincoln and the Grand Island Casino Resort opened to welcome casino guests.

WarHorse Gaming recently signed an on-property sportsbook agreement with Kambi that resulted in the launch of Nebraska’s first sportsbook at WarHorse Casino Lincoln. Under the terms of the deal, WarHorse Gaming will debut its Lincoln casino sportsbook, with another sportsbook launch scheduled next year at WarHorse Casino Omaha.

The Kambi sportsbook features 400 new slots, as well as simulcast and live thoroughbred racing. Players can access both the Bring Your Own Device technology and Bet Builder tool, along with on-site Kambi sportsbook technology in the form of in-person kiosks.

WarHorse Gaming is a division of its parent company, Ho-Chunk, Inc. The company is currently regulated by the Nebraska Gaming Commission.

Isabella Santos

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