appropriation; department of gaming; telehealth

SB 1251 appropriates $2 million annually from the state lottery fund for a telehealth pilot program targeting problem gambling in Arizona. It directs the Department of Gaming to develop a mobile app offering free, no-cost access to self-guided tools, real-time urge monitoring, expert-developed educational content, family support interfaces, and integration with existing state treatment programs for residents struggling with gambling issues. The bill requires the Department to submit annual reports on program usage and outcomes to state leaders starting in 2026. This is a funding and program implementation measure, not a policy change affecting broader regulations.