Treatment for Gambling Addiction in Utah

Data confirms that the Mormon population accounts for between 42% to 61% of the population. The Latter Day Saints (LDS) church makes it explicitly clear to its members that abstinence from gambling is required to remain a part of the faith. Given that a vast majority of Utah’s legislators are members of the LDS, gambling in all forms is a criminal offense under Utah law, carrying criminal penalties for anyone that engages in, promotes, or permits it on their premises. However, the state has been infiltrated by a number of gambling operators. Further, sports betting adjacent industries are able to serve residents.

Casino gaming: Land-based and online casinos are illegal in Utah. Even the eight federally-recognized Tribes of Utah are not permitted to establish or operate gaming in the state. However, illegal offshore casino websites featuring online slots, table games, video poker, and digital lottery have subverted regulations and have targeted residents.

Online sports betting: Land-based and online sports betting is illegal in Utah. However, as with casino gaming, illegal offshore sportsbooks accept players from Utah, while offering no assistance for problematic gambling behavior.

Daily fantasy sports: DFS is permitted in Utah for select operators. This is a contentious topic in the state because it has come to light that DFS has relatively the same impact on populations who are vulnerable to developing problematic gambling behavior. This is partly responsible for the uptick in search for gambling addiction treatment in Utah.

Given that gambling is illegal by the state, and forbidden by the LDS, research regarding gambling addiction in Utah is limited. What can be confirmed, is the fast rise in Google search for problem gambling help. Google search data confirms that there is strong growth in online search from within Utah for “stop gambling online”, “gamblers counseling”, “quitting gambling”, and semantically related search expressions.

Meanwhile, Utah shares 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 confidential and welcoming virtual environment. Our therapists are accessible whether you’re in Bountiful, Cedar City, Logan, Ogden, Salt Lake City, West Jordan, or any of the other cities, towns, and communities within the Beehive State. In addition to problem gambling, Kindbridge counselors are qualified to treat other mental/behavioral health issues that you may live with, such as anxiety and depression which impact more than 41% of the UT population. Residents 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 below).

Your problematic relationship with gambling also has an impact on loved ones. In addition to gambling addiction treatment for individuals in Utah, 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. Utah residents 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.