LAS VEGAS (AP) — Clark County has launched a special diversion court for problem gamblers charged with non-violent crimes to seek help instead of face time in prison.

Family Court Judge Cheryl Moss started accepting referrals last week from judges who hear criminal cases.

She told the Las Vegas Review-Journal it's an "historic" development.

Her late mother, Rena Nora, was a psychiatrist. She also was the leader of a group that pushed for criminal diversion for those with gambling addictions for years.

Nevada first implemented specialty court programs in 1992 for people who face criminal charges that might have stemmed from other addictions, typically drugs or alcohol.

Instead of prison or probation, judges will be able to order intensive counseling for gambling addicts and retain oversight of their recovery.