Nebraska Considers Changes to Gambling Addiction Program as Funding Shrinks

Nebraska might soon change how it deals with gambling addiction. This shift links to Governor Jim Pillen’s budget plan. The proposal aims to get rid of the Nebraska Commission on Problem Gambling. Its duties would then move to the state’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

Nebraska Plans Major Reduction in Gambling Treatment Budget

The bill put forward for the governor would do more than just end the commission. It would also cut down the money for treatment and education programs. Right now, 2.5% of gaming money goes to programs that help with gambling problems. The new plan would drop this to 1%. This means the total resources would go down from about $1.5 million to around $900,000, reported KETV.

Experts caution that the timing could not be worse. Since Nebraska expanded legal gambling after 2020, more people have asked for help and support. The Nebraska Council on Problem Gambling says requests for treatment have gone up by about 40% in recent years. Officials link this trend to more betting options across the state.

Mike Sciandra, who heads the council, stresses that gambling addiction is not just a behavior problem but a serious health issue. He points out that many people rely on these services to rebuild their lives and avoid severe personal fallout. He argues that cutting funds while getting rid of the commission could leave families without crucial help, just as the need keeps growing.

Dave Geier, the program director, has voiced his worries, too. He pointed out that gambling companies are pushing their products more and offering new ways to bet. This will lead more people to take risks. He thinks that cutting back on how the state helps problem gamblers could cost society much more in the long run than it saves now.

Nebraska Officials Defend Shift of Gambling Addiction Services to DHHS

Some people in the state government who back this plan say it is meant to make things work better. Senator Robert Clements, who leads the Legislature’s Appropriations Committee, thinks putting gambling addiction help in with DHHS could make care smoother. It would put these services next to other mental health and drug abuse programs that already exist.

The governor’s office backed this stance in a statement. They said moving oversight to DHHS would put gambling addiction treatment in line with expert behavioral health care. Officials think this change could improve teamwork, responsibility, and results for those affected.

However, some people worry about how less money would be shared in a bigger agency. They also wonder if gambling-specific programs would get enough attention. The bill is now with a legislative committee, but they have not set a date to talk about it yet.

As lawmakers keep looking at the governor’s budget, they might still make changes. Right now, the future of Nebraska’s special gambling addiction commission is up in the air. The same goes for how much help will be available for people who are struggling.