Welcome to the U.S. Gambling Courts Virtual Center. Here, you will find helpful information, related articles, and other resources to learn more about Gambling Treatment Diversion Courts.
In 2001, the late Judge Mark Farrell established the first Gambling Treatment Diversion Court (GTDC) in Amherst, New York.
In 2018, Judge Cheryl Moss (Ret.) established Nevada’s first gambling court in Las Vegas, and currently, it is the only active court of its kind in the US. Judge Moss presided over the court for two years.
In 2021, Chief Judge Linda Bell succeeded Judge Moss and is the current Nevada GTDC judge.
With the expansion of gambling, particularly online and sports betting, the government should be concerned with the predictable increase in the number of disordered gamblers.
There are no programs or treatments available to disordered gamblers in prison. Prison is not the answer. A court diversion program such as GTDC saves taxpayer money and reduces recidivism.
Imagine a problem gambler going through the criminal justice system, spending several years in prison with no treatment for their addiction, only to find themselves back behind bars.
GTDC diversion provides treatment, monitoring, guidance, support, and encouragement from the Judge and the GTDC team. Participants who graduate from GTDC are persons who sincerely want to make changes in their lives.
In cases where restitution is owed, the victims will begin to receive compensation. If the person is incarcerated, there is no ability to pay restitution, no treatment, and no motivation to pay.
GTDC Courts make sense. GTDC Courts save money. GTDC Courts reduce recidivism. GTDC Courts SAVE LIVES AND FAMILIES.