Vermont’s Department of Mental Health* (DMH), in collaboration with the state legislature and the Department of Liquor and Lottery*, has unveiled a new initiative aimed at addressing problem gambling across the state.
Starting January 13, a free, 10-week online training program will equip mental health and substance use treatment providers with the skills necessary to support individuals struggling with gambling disorders. The course, designed to fill a critical gap in clinical resources, will offer 30 continuing education credits and the opportunity to become a certified Vermont Problem Gambling Specialist.
Officials estimate that more than 11,000 adults in Vermont contend with problem gambling, yet only a small handful of clinicians—just 14 statewide—are certified to treat this condition. By expanding professional capacity, the program aims to ensure every community mental health center can offer experienced support.
This effort follows the state’s legalization of sports betting in 2023, which created a dedicated Problem Gambling Program funded through revenue agreements with licensed operators. Vermont officials acknowledge that greater access to mobile sportsbooks and online Vermont casinos has been associated with increased demand for therapeutic services.
Online and Offshore Gambling: A Changing Landscape
While Vermont takes steps to bolster local treatment resources, the wider U.S. gambling environment continues to evolve, presenting both opportunities and risks. Unlike Vermont’s structured initiative, access to many online casinos—especially offshore platforms—remains a concern for state and federal authorities.
Online casinos and mobile betting apps, whether locally regulated or offshore, have made gambling more accessible than ever, raising both economic interest and public health considerations. Vermont’s training initiative directly responds to these trends by preparing clinicians to recognize early signs of gambling harm and engage clients with appropriate care pathways.
Balancing Growth and Public Health
The intersection of legal gaming expansion, technological access, and mental health outcomes places pressure on communities to adapt. Public health experts underscore that problem gambling does not occur in isolation; many individuals experiencing gambling disorder also contend with substance use, suicidal ideation, and financial instability. As digital formats, including online casinos and sportsbooks, reduce barriers to play, states face mounting responsibility to mitigate the harms associated with them.
Vermont’s free training program represents a proactive, structured response, embedding specialized support within local health systems rather than relying on sporadic referral networks. Providers trained through the program will be eligible to appear on the Vermont Gambling Help referral list, offering accessible entry points for residents seeking assistance without stigma.