Dr Robert Hunter
Offering hope, recovery and a way forward for thousands of people from all walks of life suffering from a gambling addiction, the Problem Gambling Center was officially dedicated and renamed to honor its founder, the late Dr. Robert Hunter, at a special event on June 26 that included members of the community and local leaders as well asthe PGC board of directors, past and current clients, staff, and new Executive Director Stephanie Goodman.
Known as the world’s leading gambling addiction specialist, Hunter (1955-2018) founded the Problem Gambling Center (PGC) in 1998 as the first nonprofit gambling addiction center. Helping those with gambling problems in Las Vegas, the gambling capital of the world, became the mission of the PGC under Hunter’s direction.
His program at the PGC consists of six weeks of intensive daily counseling, followed by four weeks of weekly sessions, and upon completion one-on-one therapy sessions as long as needed. As a result of his clinical methods, Hunter’s treatment program at the PGC operates with an 80-plus percent success rate for recovery.
Recognising Hunter’s significant impact, city of Las Vegas Councilman Bob Coffin presented a proclamation from Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman that declared June 26 as Dr. Robert Hunter International Problem Gambling Center Day. It said in part: “Dr. Hunter’s efforts in the area of gambling addiction have assisted individuals and their families both in Las Vegas and internationally. Best wishes to the Center as it continues to offer services and important work in his memory.”
At the event, Connie Jones, board member for the now Dr. Robert Hunter International Problem Gambling Center, echoed the sentiments: ““Dr. Hunter was the world expert on Problem Gambling helping our community through his compassion, understanding and science. We are looking to continue his legacy by alleviating the stigma associated with Problem Gambling and helping as many people as we can who are affected by this debilitating addiction.”
Hunter left a legacy of treating more problem gamblers than anyone in the world. The PGC continues his work and methods to help hundreds of Nevadans every year overcome the often invisible addiction of problem gambling and turn their lives around – regardless of their ability to pay for services. And the PGC helps not only those individuals who have gone through the treatment program, but also the family, friends and employers who are also affected by the actions of the problem gambler. To learn more, visit: http://www.gamblingproblems.
