Office of Problem Gambling - Treatment Assistance Program
TAP Contracting Information
Who is eligible for a contract?
Agencies and individuals interested in contracting with the Arizona Department of Gaming, Office of Problem Gambling (OPG) for the provision of Treatment Assistance Program (TAP) services must meet the minimum criteria found in Section 01 of the TAP Provider Manual. Minimum requirements are available for download or printing by clicking here.
At a minimum, interested individuals must be licensed to provide behavioral health services (mental health or substance abuse) and have completed training specific to problem gambling counseling. Some individuals, depending on amount of training and experience, will be required to provide services under clinical supervision from an OPG approved problem gambling service clinical supervisor.
How do I apply?
Upon meeting the requirements identified above, a complete application form with all supporting documentation must be submitted to the OPG. Individuals will need to complete the individual application and agencies will need to complete the agency application along with staff enrollment forms. The application forms can be found on the OPG website at www.problemgambling.az.gov/contractinfo.htm.
When can I apply?
The OPG will accept applications at any time.
How are funding amounts determined?
The OPG is committed to providing effective and accessible problem gambling treatment services throughout Arizona. In making funding decisions, the OPG will review the application to determine an applicant’s experience in providing effective services, the amount of services available in the applicant’s area, the applicant’s proposed program approach, any special and/or unique skills of the applicant and the amount of funding available at the time the OPG receives the application.
It is important to note that submission of a complete application does not obligate the OPG to contract with you or your agency nor does it guarantee that funding will be available for services you are providing.
Where do the funds come from?
In the November 2002 General Election, the people of Arizona passed Proposition 202. Included in that Proposition was a provision for problem gambling programs. Pursuant to A.R.S. § 5-601.02(H)(3)(a)(ii), of the monies deposited by the Tribes into the Arizona Benefits Fund, the Department of Gaming receives two percent (2%) to fund state and local programs for the prevention and treatment of, and education concerning, problem gambling. The legislature has also appropriated $300,000 in Lottery revenues in each state fiscal year for 2006 & 2007 for problem gambling programs. The Department created the Office of Problem Gambling in September 2003, whose duties and responsibilities include:
A. Providing and supporting problem gambling programs that include prevention, treatment, and education; and
B. Contracting with behavioral health treatment professionals to provide programs for treating and educating individuals with gambling problems, and preventing further gambling problems; and
C. Contracting with behavioral health treatment professionals skilled in problem gambling program training to provide training and education to other behavioral health treatment professionals to enable them to provide quality counseling and training to those needing help with gambling problems; and
D. Monitoring all behavioral health treatment providers and trainers to ensure that they meet the requirements outlined in their respective contracts.
To fulfill these duties in regards to treatment, the Department is making available an anticipated total of $800,000 for each fiscal year for the statewide provision of outpatient treatment services for problem and pathological gambling. Ongoing annual allocations are anticipated to be $800,000. Several contracts will be awarded to meet identified needs across Arizona.
How can I become eligible?
The OPG is making problem gambling specific training available on a continual basis. Training schedules will be available on the OPG website at www.problemgambling.az.gov. Any further questions should be directed to the OPG Treatment Administrator at 602-266-8299 or contact@problemgambling.az.gov.