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Nebraska Commission on Problem Gambling

General Information
  • Formal Name:
    Nebraska Commission on Problem Gambling
  • Contact Person:
    David Geier, Executive Director, 700 South 16th Street, Lincoln, NE 68508 402-471-4450, david.geier@nebraska.gov
  • Purpose:
    LB 6, effective July 1, 2013, directs the Commission to oversee the staff and functions of the Nebraska Gamblers Assistance Program(GAP). The GAP is authorized to direct gambling proceeds collected by the State of Nebraska to help pay for problem gambling counseling for Nebraskans and their families who suffer a problem gambling disorder. The GAP is also authorized to educate the public about problem gambling and to generate public messages that may prevent problem gambling.
  • How Many Affectable:
    According to the University of Northern Iowa Prevalence of Gambling 2015 Survey indicates that between 1-2% of the adult population (over 18), or 14,000 - 28,000 persons who are residents of Nebraska may be addicted gamblers, with an additional 15% more w
  • How Many Served:
    641
  • Year Created:
    2013
  • Year Active:
    2013
  • Sunset Date:
    NA
Authorization
  • Authorization Citation:
    Nebraska Revised Statutes, Chapter 9-1003 - 1007, Laws 2013, LB 6, SS 7
  • Parent Agency:
    Independent Commisstion with Department of Revenue limited administrative services only
Memberships and Meetings
  • Number Of Members:
    Nine
  • Who Appoints:
    Governor
  • Legislative Approval:
    Yes.
  • Qualifications Of Members:
    1 - medical or mental health expertise1 - education 1 - banking1 - legal1 - data analysis2 - problem gambling consumers2 - public-at-large
  • Per Diem:
    No
  • Expense Reimbursement:
    Mileage for scheduled meetings at state rate, meals away from home
  • Term Length:
    three years
  • Terms Rotate or Expire At Once:
    Terms Rotate
Meetings Required In:
  • Required FY 13-14:
    4
  • Held FY 13-14:
    6
  • Required FY 14-15:
    4
  • Held FY 14-15:
    6
  • Required FY 15-16:
    4
  • Held FY 15-16:
    6
Operations
  • Support Staff:
    Anne McCollister, AA
  • Shared or Separate:
    Separate
  • FY 13-14 Budget:
    $1.670M appropriation
  • FY 14-15 Budget:
    $1.870M
  • FY 15-16 Budget:
    $1.876M
  • Other Funding Sources:
    None
  • Spending Authority:
    Yes
Accomplishments
  • Since July 1, 2012:
    Since July 1, 2013, the Gamblers Assistance Program has increased the number of total clients served (Nebraska residents and their families who suffer a problem gambling disorder) from 166 to 641. 21 new therapists trained and providing counseling in six new Nebraska communities in a previous under-served region. Certified problem gambling counseling is now available in Omaha, Lincoln, Grand Island, Kearney, North Platte, Scottsbluff, Chadron, McCook, Broken Bow, Norfolk, O'Neill, and Auburn. So, since 2013, the GAP has expanded both certified problem gambling treatment services in Nebraska and the number of new Nebraska clients seeking treatment. GAP has developed a process for evaluation and approval of contracts with treatment providers and other contractors; developed standards for training and certification of counselors; gathered and analyzed evaluation data on which to base program initiatives; inform the public about problem gambling and prevention; and created and implemented an outreach and prevention program in schools, legal system, state probation, tribal organizations, military, family and mental health practitioners, service organizations, and clergy.