Nevada’s government has taken to addressing problem gambling issues in recent years. Four years ago, the legislature initiated a program to prevent and treat problem gambling. Last month, Governor Jim Gibbons signed into law a bill that allows judges to sentence criminals to treatment facilities instead of jail for some crimes.

The new law essentially creates a gambling version of so-called “drug courts.” The idea is that pathological gambling, like drug abuse, is a disease and should be treated rather than simply punished.

The new law allows a judge, if he has reason to believe a criminal is a problem gambler, to order a mental screening. If it is determined the person is, in fact, a problem gambler, the judge can impose a sentence that calls for supervision for up to three years.

During that time, the convict’s sentence would be deferred while undergoing outpatient treatment. The convict would also have to perform community service.

Ultimately, if the convict completes all components of the sentence—treatment, community service and any others—the conviction will be set aside.

The law applies only to those whose crime is somehow related to the gambling problem. Child abusers, for example, are not eligible.