Project Worth has debuted in Nevada, an online service designed to connect locals experiencing gambling problems to available state-funded treatment resources, including treatment centers as well as call, text or chat helplines

Introduced by The State of Nevada Department of Health and Human Services problem gambling services division, it comes as 180,000 residents, approximately six per cent of the state’s population, may experience a problem related to gambling.

Despite this it is stated that “few of these individuals seek assistance, largely due to the stigma associated with seeking help,” with gambling “woven into the fabric of Nevada’s culture and history” and comprising “an essential part of the state’s economy”.

Project Worth is designed to reduce the stigma that surrounds gambling harm by reminding Nevadans that they’re worthy, and that the state makes free and low-cost resources accessible to individuals and families who need them.

“Project Worth was created to help people in the state of Nevada learn that everyone is worthy of support if they find themselves experiencing any of a range of harms from gambling — from mild to moderate to severe,” said Alan Feldman, chair of the Advisory Committee of Problem Gambling

“We want Nevadans to know that if they struggle with any kind of a gambling problem, there are treatment resources available on both the state and national levels to help them redefine their personal worth. And these resources are free or very low cost.”

Project Worth connects website visitors to six state-funded treatment centres – three in northern Nevada and three in southern Nevada. Northern Nevada treatment centres include Bristlecone Family Resources in Reno, Reno Problem Gambling Center, and New Frontier Treatment Center in Fallon. Southern Nevada centres include The International Problem Gambling Center, Mental Health Counseling and Consulting, and Finding Hope Therapy – all located in Las Vegas. 

The website also connects visitors to the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling, a local resource that connects people with information about gambling disorder, and to the National Council on Problem Gambling’s online chat service and 24-hour call or text helpline. Project Worth also directs users to Nevada 2-1-1, a site committed to helping Nevadans connect with the services they need.