Arizona expands access to financial counseling for problem gambling

(PRESS RELEASE) -- The Arizona Department of Gaming’s Division of Problem Gambling announced 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 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 act of 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 De Marco, 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, 651 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 1-year ban, 5-year ban, or 10-year ban when self-excluding.

To learn about financial counseling and self-exclusion, visit gaming.az.gov/exclude which contains a link to start the client signup 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.az.gov.