Problem Gambling Treatment in North Dakota

Casino gaming: Land-based casinos are permitted on federally recognized tribal lands in North Dakota. The five tribes (and one Indian community) is collectively responsible for the operation and regulation of 13 Indian gaming locations that are authorized under the U.S. Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. Each location is owned and operated by one of five North Dakota tribes. Online casinos remain illegal, although mobile social and sweepstakes casinos are permitted. The latter are problematic because they too come with the same set of behavioral risks for vulnerable members of the ND population.

Online sports betting: Sports betting became legal and regulated in 2021. However, traditional sports wagers can only be made in-person at one of three tribal casinos in the state. Curiously, residents can freely engage in Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) contests because stakeholders in the state have defined it as a skill-based gaming activity that is classified differently from traditional sports betting. Despite this assertion, DFS involving real money is very problematic for individuals who are vulnerable to developing a problematic relationship with gambling. Many of those in search of problem gambling treatment in North Dakota (yourself included?) can attest to this. Compounding the concern even further, is that offshore sportsbooks have been able to bypass regulations and accept players from within North Dakota, even though they do not abide by Responsible Gaming practices.

The North Dakota Racing Commission reports the following statistics:

• An estimated 3-4% of North Dakota residents struggle with compulsive gambling

A study conducted by WalletHub reports the following data:

• North Dakota ranks 12th in the nation as the most gambling addicted state

Meanwhile, ND 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 effective treatment in a virtual (online or by-phone) environment. Our counselors are accessible, whether you’re in Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks, Jamestown, Mandan, Valley City, Williston, or any of the other cities, towns, and communities within the Peace Garden State.

In addition to problem and disordered gambling, Kindbridge counselors have expertise treating other mental/behavioral health issues that you may live with, such as anxiety and depression which impact over 29% of the populatiojn in ND. You get to choose if you prefer one-on-one therapy, group therapy, or a combined approach. You also have the option to switch therapists at anytime, should you feel as if there is a better personality match.

A problematic relationship with gambling also has an impact on loved ones. In addition to gambling addiction treatment for individuals in ND, 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. ND residents may also qualify for direct billing through our insurance partners. Kindbridge also offers military households coverage through TriCare West.