Mohegan Tribe Connecticut Teams Up With Yale for New Problem Gambling Initiative

Summary

• Mohegan contributes $2 million to develop a digital tool to combat problem gambling
• The Yale School of Medicine will be primarily involved in the app’s development
• Gov. Lamont welcomes the new initiative

The Mohegan Tribe of Connecticut is teaming up with Yale University to fight problem gambling. The federally-recognized Indian tribe is allocating $2 million to expand treatment services for those suffering from gambling addiction.

The funds will be used on a new treatment initiative spearheaded by the Department of Psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine. It will include the development of an app that will provide cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for problem gambling victims. The new initiative aims to give those struggling with problem gambling greater access to treatment.

It will address one of the main challenges in combating problem gambling – the lack of treatment services that would help individuals cope with gambling-related issues.

The Mohegan Tribe’s commitment to fighting problem gambling is in adherence to state legislation that requires gambling operators to support problem gambling programs in Connecticut.

The state legalized online gambling, including sports betting, back in October 2021. Since then, there has been an increase in the volume of calls to the helpline set up by Connecticut’s Council on Problem Gambling. This means the demand for problem gambling treatment services has also gone up.

New Initiative Welcomed

Expanding and modernizing the tools and resources available for people who need help is an important step in combating problem gambling, and that’s exactly what the new initiative, made possible through the collaboration of the Mohegan Tribe and Yale University, is all about, according to Governor Ned Lamont.

Bill Miller, President and CEO of the American Gaming Association, also welcomed the partnership, saying it illustrates the unified commitment needed to tackle issues that come with gambling expansion. He added that innovative leadership and productive collaboration among industry stakeholders are essential in creating a sustainable marketplace. Miller also said that the tribe’s latest investment will provide better protection for customers.

Brian Kiluk from the Yale School of Medicine said they will use their experience in creating digital therapy treatment tools for substance use disorders to help those suffering from gambling addiction. He said computer-based platforms help deliver treatment services to more people.

Apart from the $2 million that the Mohegan Tribe has allocated for the new initiative, it has also pledged to contribute nearly $300,000 each year to the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling. Overall, the tribe has so far contributed over $10 million to problem gambling programs and initiatives since it first opened its casino.