Problem Gambling Treatment in Nebraska

Casino gaming: Casino gaming is available at state regulated racetracks known as “racinos”. These facilities are in Columbus, Grand Island, Lincoln, Omaha, and South Sioux City. An additional five land-based casinos exist on federally recognized tribal lands, offering table games and electronic gaming systems.

Many Nebraska gamblers are surprised to learn that online casinos are illegal, given that they (yourself included?) have been registered with and playing on one or more platforms that purport to accept Nebraska players. In truth, these are unregulated offshore platforms that are not legally permitted in the state, but have subverted regulations by getting licenses in regions such as Curacao, Malta, or Costa Rica. These offshore operators put vulnerable Nebraska residents in harm’s way because they do not adhere to Responsible Gaming regulations, nor do players have recourse for failed payouts and withdrawals when they attempt to self-exclude and close accounts.

Online sports betting: The Nebraska legislature approved sports betting in 2021 with the passing of LB 561. However, sports betting is only permissible in-person at the aforementioned gaming facilities. Mobile betting remains illegal, although as with online casinos, offshore operators have been able to register NE residents without receiving punitive measures from state or federal regulators.

The Nebraska Commission on Problem Gambling (NCPG) reports the following statistics:

• More than 82% of problem gamblers in the state who receive long-term care are males
• More than 50% of problem gamblers who receive state mental health services live in urbanized areas such as Omaha and Lincoln. Nearly 42% live in urban clusters, and 8% live in rural areas
• 35% of problem gamblers in the state cite financial problems as they primary motivation to seek help, followed by 25% citing relationship problems
• 66% of problem gamblers in-treatment in NE state they want to outright quit gambling, while 34% desire to change their gambling behavior from harmful to manageable
• Slot machine gambling accounts for the bulk of problem gambling activity in the state, at 39%, followed by sports betting at 15%

Meanwhile, NE residents 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 treatment in a confidential and welcoming virtual environment. Our therapists are accessible whether you’re in Blair, Columbus, Grand Island, Lincoln, Omaha, Wayne or any of the other cities, towns, and communities within the Cornhusker State. In addition to problem and disordered gambling, Kindbridge therapists have expertise treating other mental/behavioral health issues that you may live with, such as anxiety and depression which impact nearly 34% of the populatiojn in Nebraska. Residents have the option to select one-on-one therapy, group therapy, or a combined approach.

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

Kindbridge Behavioral Health offers flexible pricing for online and telehealth counseling. Problem gambling treatment rates and subscriptions can be found here. NE residents may also qualify for direct billing through our insurance partners. Military households will also be pleased to know that Kindbridge offers coverage through TriCare West for active and retired members of the military and their immediate families.