Problem Gambling Treatment in Alaska

Casino gaming: Alaska has the largest number of federally recognized Native American tribes in the USA, totaling 229. While land-based casinos are permitted by the state on tribal lands, there are only three approved Indian gaming facilities in Alaska authorized to operate under provisions of the U.S Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. Furthermore, online casino gaming is illegal. Despite all of this, harms associated with casino gaming are on the rise in the state due to the infiltration of unregulated offshore operators.

Sports betting: Sports betting in all of its forms remains illegal in Alaska. But as with mobile casino gaming, offshore entities illegally accept deposits and wagers from Alaskans, leaving residents with no legal recourse against them (for failed payouts, etc.) and without consideration of Responsible Gaming mandates.

State specific research on gambling disorder in Alaska is limited. However, considering the large proportion of Native Alaskans (NA) in the state, researchers have conducted studies to assess vulnerabilities to problem gambling (PG) among this population. Statistics on the matter include the following:

• PG rates among NA are higher than the national average, ranging from 6.6 to 22% which is four to 16 times higher than the PG rates found among non-AN American adults (Science Direct)

Meanwhile, Alaska residents overall may share the following problem gambling statistics with the rest of the country:

• 20% of sports bettors are in or have been in debt from sports betting ( source )
• Average gambling addict (male) debt is between $55,000 and $90,000 ( source )
• About 3% of problem gamblers in the USA are $300,000 in debt due to their addiction ( source )
• Nearly 15% of problem gamblers have committed a crime to support their addiction ( source )
• Divorce rate for habitual gamblers is 31% compared to 21% for those who rarely gamble ( source )
• Suicide rate is 16 times higher for problem gamblers ( source )

Kindbridge provides powerful counseling in a confidential and welcoming virtual environment. Our therapists are accessible whether you’re in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juno, Nome, Sitka, Wasilla, or any of the other cities, towns, and communities within The Last Frontier. In addition to problem gambling treatment, Kindbridge therapists are qualified to treat other mental/behavioral health issues that you may live with, such as anxiety and depression which impact more than 43% of the AK population. Further, at 10 percent, Alaska has a higher share of military veterans than any other state. Research confirms that problem gambling among military is 3.5 times higher than among civilians. This, combined with the high proportion of PG among Native Alaskans (above) puts Alaska in high-risk category. This is what separates Kindbridge apart from all other providers, as we specialize in PG treatment and cooccurring issues experienced among NA and members of the military.

Alaskans have the option to select one-on-one therapy, group therapy, or a combined approach. You may also sign-up for our 8-week problem gambling coaching program (register above).

Your problematic relationship with gambling also has an impact on loved ones. In addition to gambling addiction treatment for individuals in Alaska, Kindbridge provides couples and family counseling.

Kindbridge Behavioral Health offers flexible pricing for online counseling. Gambling addiction therapy rates and subscriptions can be found here. Alaskans may also qualify for direct billing through our insurance partners. We are also pleased to announce that we offer coverage through TriCare West for active and retired members of the military and their immediate family households.