SignalsAZ.com Prescott News Podcast - Arizona Expands Free Financial Counseling for Problem Gambling

Episode Date: August 10, 2026

Send us a text and chime in!Arizonans participating in the state’s gambling voluntary self-exclusion program are now eligible for no-cost, problem gambling-focused financial counseling sessions facilitated by GamFin. The Arizona Department of Gaming’s Division of Problem Gambling (Division) announced today that Arizonans enrolled in the state’s gambling voluntary self-exclusion program are now eligible for no-cost financial counseling through GamFin, a state-contracted provider. “Financial harm is one of the most significant problem gambling impacts felt today,” said Elise Mikkelsen, Division Director. “Broadening access to financial counseling strengthens Arizona’s continuum of care by ensuring more individuals have the tools, support, and guidance they need to rebuild as they...   For the written story, read here >> https://www.signalsaz.com/articles/arizona-expands-free-financial-counseling-for-problem-gambling/ Check out the CAST11.com Website at: https://CAST11.com Follow the CAST11 Podcast Network on Facebook at: https://Facebook.com/CAST11AZFollow Cast11 Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/cast11_podcast_network

Text-to-speech audio articles made possible on the Cast11.com podcast network by Fane Signature Group. Arizonaans participating in the state's gambling voluntary self-exclusion program are now eligible for no-cost, problem gambling-focused financial counseling sessions facilitated by Gamfin. The Arizona Department of Gaming's Division of Problem Gambling, Division, announced today that Arizonans enrolled in the state's gambling voluntary self-exclusion program are now eligible for no-cost financial counseling through Gam Fin, a state contracted provider. Financial harm is one of the most significant problem gambling impacts felt today, said Elise Mickelson, Division Director. Broadening access to financial counseling strengthens Arizona's continuum of care by ensuring more individuals have the tools, support,

and guidance they need to rebuild as they continue in recovery. Under the program, each client works with a financial counselor equipped to support individuals affected by problem gambling in a confidential, non-judgmental setting, and is scheduled for an initial virtual session to identify immediate financial priorities and establish long-term goals. In subsequent sessions, counselors provide personalized guidance on an array of financial concerns, budgeting, debt management, rebuilding damaged credit, and developing long-term financial stability. Because participants may enter the program shortly after choosing to voluntarily self-exclude, financial counseling provides timely, evidence-based support that builds on their commitment to end

participation in gambling. Choosing to self-exclude is a real active commitment, but ending gambling doesn't erase the financial harm it may have caused. Rebuilding your financial life is part of recovery, not something that can be set aside for later, said Alex DeMarco, founder, Gamfin. Providing people with practical, judgment-free financial guidance is at the heart of what we do, and we're proud to team up with the Arizona Division of Problem Gambling to expand access to that support for more Arizonans. Previously, financial counseling was only available for individuals in the state's treatment assistance program, which offers affordable outpatient treatment services for problem gambling. The financial counseling expansion follows the Arizona Department of Gaming's public

awareness campaign launch, take back the game, which uses TV, radio, and digital channels to spread the word that Arizona offers gambling self-exclusion. In fiscal year 2026, 6151 Arizonans enrolled in self-exclusion for casino gaming, event wagering, daily fantasy sports contests, or all of these state-regulated forms, a record-breaking year. Arizonans choose from a one-year ban, five-year ban, or 10-year ban when self-excluding. To learn about financial counseling and self-exclusion, visit gaming.os.gov slash exclude, which contains a link to start the client's sign-up process. Information about the division of problem gambling and its work to provide a sustainable continuum

of services that reduce the impact of problem gambling across Arizona is available at problemgambling.orghumble.orghumed about the Arizona Department of Gaming. Established by the Arizona State Legislature in 1995, the Arizona Department of Gaming, ADG, is the state regulatory agency for tribal gaming, event wagering and fantasy sports contests, racing and pari-mutuel slash simulcast wagering, and unarmed combat sports. ADG also provides and supports education, prevention, and treatment programs for people and families affected by problem gambling through its division of problem gambling and 24-hour confidential helpline, 1-800 next step.

Problem gambling awareness. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, you can get help now by calling the confidential helpline at 1-800 next step, 1-800-639-8783, texting next step to 53,000. or using the chat feature at problemgambling.auz.gov. The helpline connects callers with statewide providers specializing in low and no-cost treatment for problem gambling and financial counseling. Help is available 24-7 for individuals, family members, friends, and coworkers. Learn who else is making a difference in the Quad Cities with more stories from community connections on signals aZ.com. Subscribe and be the F-1 RST 2-No.