Created in 2018, the GTDC enabled eligible individuals convicted of crimes committed because of or as a result of problem gambling to participate in a comprehensive treatment program. The program is supervised by the court and aims at helping individuals with problem gambling.
To join the program, people who have been convicted of a crime related to problem gambling undergo an examination by a qualified mental health professional. With that in mind, suspects who have committed a crime against a child, a violent crime or a sexual offense cannot participate in the program.
The treatment program lasts between 12 to 36 months. During that time, the individuals participate in counseling on problem gambling. Moreover, they may be required to complete mental health, substance abuse counseling as well as drug and alcohol testing.
Although the treatment costs are covered by insurance or state grant funds, the participants are required to pay a $1,500 administrative fee. Additionally, the participants must agree to restitution as a condition of the treatment. Currently, the program has only 11 participants, which is significantly lower than other diversionary programs such as ones for mental health or substance abuse.
