Arizona Department of Gaming looks to help those with gambling problems with new program

The Arizona Department of Gaming is launching a new peer support program to help those in the state dealing with gambling problems.

BY JEFF VINTON

Jan 12, 2026, 7:41 PM Updated: Jan 13, 2026, 11:23 am

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) is launching a new program to help those throughout the state who are dealing with a gambling problem.

The department’s Division of Problem Gambling announced Monday that it has awarded a contract for a new peer support and recovery services program to Dezerve Counseling LLC, a comprehensive treatment center in Phoenix that focuses on outpatient services.

Dezerve Counseling was selected through a request-for-proposal process and will develop, launch and manage the program, according to the ADG.

“Creating an additional pathway to recovery for Arizona community members negatively impacted by problem gambling — via the peer support and recovery services program — is exciting for our agency and the people we serve,” Division of Problem Gambling Director Elise Mikkelsen said in a press release.

How will the problem gambling peer support and recovery program work?

After entering the program, each patient will be paired with a trained specialist who has experience with gambling problems, either personally or through a close friend or family member. ADG said this will give clients a “non-clinician point of view with real-time, confidential advice and support.”

The program will be available statewide and will offer counseling sessions in person, virtually and over the phone. One-on-one and group sessions will also be available.

The program will be available at no cost and insurance will not be required.

Deserve Counseling and the Division of Problem Gambling plan to launch the program in the spring and are currently looking for specialists.

Anyone interested in working as a specialist or participating in the program can get more information by calling 1-800-NEXT-STEP (6398-7837), texting “NEXTSTEP” to 53342 or going online to problemgambling.az.gov.