Gambling-addiction center opening in Reno

A new center dedicated to helping problem gamblers beat their addiction opens Monday in Reno.

Dr. Robert Hunter, the psychologist who helped convince the 2005 Legislature to fund problem-gambling programs, said the center on Humboldt Street is a first for Reno. He said it will be modeled after the facility he currently operates in Las Vegas.

"Nevada has finally acknowledged problem gambling as a health issue," he said. "It's an illness - but a treatable illness."

Hunter said professionals and lawmakers have long recognized drug and alcohol addictions, but have resisted seeing problem gambling in the same light. Recent studies, he said, are indicating the three may all be linked and problem gamblers often have alcohol or drug problems as well.

"We try to figure out which is the primary addiction. If it's drugs or alcohol, we refer them for treatment and say then come back."

As for who is the problem gambler: "We treat more women than men, and the overwhelming majority of players are machine players."

He said people gamble for escape, and often do it in grocery stores and other such places rather than casinos.

"They want to hide," he said. "They're folks who want to disappear behind the machine."

He said this is the first time the state has agreed to put public money into a gambling- addiction program.

"By the time these guys finally say, 'I need help,' they've got no money, and insurance companies don't cover it," Hunter said. "That's why the public money is so vital."

The Reno center will receive $65,000 in state funding for the rest of this fiscal year and $137,000 for fiscal 2007. Chris Drew, financial manager for the center, said that doesn't cover the entire budget. She thanked corporate contributors including Stations Casinos, IGT and Aristocrat for donations to help pay the bills.

Hunter said the Reno center will be managed by Denise Quirk, a certified gambling counselor. The program is a six-week, intensive outpatient program followed by a full year of after care.

"It's pretty intensive, and it used to be quite expensive," he said.

But with the state funding, he said, the program can now be offered as a public service to those with a gambling problem.

"We ask for a $5 co-pay, but if they don't have it, we won't turn them away," he said.

The Las Vegas program is providing two sessions a day with 12 patients in each. He said the Reno program will begin with one daily session for 12 and expand as needed.

-- Contact reporter Geoff Dornan at gdornan@nevadaappeal.com or 687-8750.

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