Arkansas Problem Gambling Council to work as state racing commission’s treatment provider

The group will provide educational and treatment services for Arkansans with gambling disorders next week.

Starting next week, the Arkansas Problem Gambling Council will start work as the Arkansas Racing Commission’s provider of educational and treatment services for Arkansans with gambling disorders.

This move comes four years after voters approved a constitutional amendment that required the Commission to provide at least $200,000 a year for gambling disorder and treatment programs. 

The council’s $200,000 contract with the racing regulator begins Tuesday and runs through 31 October 2023. Per the mutual agreement, the contract can be renewed for up to six additional one-year terms. 

The organization’s statewide relationships with mental health professionals along, with its work with the National Council on Problem Gambling, is the reason state officials awarded the contract to the Arkansas Problem Gambling Council according to Department of Finance and Administration spokesman Scott Hardin.

Hardin added: “This will meet Amendment 100’s intent to provide problem gambling education and treatment.”

Hardin went on to say that only the Arkansas Problem Gambling Council and Harbor House responded to a state request for proposals, for providers of educational and treatment services for Arkansans with gambling disorders. 

Vena Schexnayder, currently the Chairwoman of the council’s board will become the council’s executive director next week. 

Schexnayder commented: “I am excited and hopeful for the new services and treatment opportunities for all Arkansans.”

Schexnayder revealed that Arisa Health Mid-South will provide counseling and treatment services in northeast Arkansas while the Centers for Youth and Families will provide services to Central Arkansas.

Exodus Life will cover south Arkansas and Arisa Health Ozark Guidance to provide services in Northwest Arkansas.

Ricky Gray

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