Register Dealing with Problem Gambling Webinar Series Spring 2024

3/12/2024 Sports Betting and Gaming Among Emerging Adults

Consistently, there are more creative and fast paced forms of entertainment to help people escape, cope, or adjust to the stressors of life. Whether finding it through substance, technology, or a variety of other methods, individuals are becoming more daring, tech savvy and tech dependent. One area that has seen explosive growth exists in the world of legalized sports gambling.  Join us for an engaging and informative workshop that delves into the world of sports betting on college campuses and explores its profound implications on college aged individuals. In an era where sports betting is becoming increasingly prevalent, especially among college students, it's crucial to understand the risks, rewards, and how we can engage and support individuals.

Presenter: Dan Trolaro

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the current landscape of sports betting on college campuses and around the US.
2. Discuss the unique risk factors to college aged individuals and emerging adults
3. Explore the psychological aspects that come into play

Agenda

12:00-12:05 pm – Introductions of presenters and helpline information
12:05-12:45 pm – Lecture of material
12:45-12:55 pm – Discussion questions, case presentation, interaction (as needed)
12:55-1:00 pm – Closing comments

4/18/2024 Gender and the Social, Economic, Legal, and Criminal Consequences of Gambling Disorder

This presentation explores the social, economic, legal, and criminal gambling-related harms for people who have a history of problem gambling, including how different gambling-related harms may be connected to gambling disorder progression. Findings allow for fuller understanding of the different ways disordered gamblers face gambling-related harms. The presentation includes suggestions for counselors and others who have clients who may be struggling with different types of consequences due to gambling.

Presenter: Michelle Malkin, JD, PhD

Learning Objectives:

1. Explore social, economic, legal, and criminal consequences of gambling disorder based on gender
2. Present an overview of up-to-date research on gambling behavior and risk based on gender
3. Offer practical considerations for practitioners who treat problem gamblers who may be facing gambling related harms

Agenda

12:00-12:05 pm – Introductions of presenters and helpline information
12:05-12:45 pm – Lecture of material
12:45-12:55 pm – Discussion questions, case presentation, interaction (as needed)
12:55-1:00 pm – Closing comments

5/14/2024 What Happened to Come Outside and Play? Youth Gaming as New Playtime

Play is an important part of youth development and includes many benefits such as developing imagination, cognitive processing, problem solving, and social skills. One prominent youth play is gaming. Did you know that over 2 billion people in the world play video games and up to 4% of gamers are currently addicted to playing video games (3.05%). Are you familiar with the most addictive games and Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) (Petry, 2019)? Attend this session to learn 12 factors of possible risk factors of IGD (i.e., stress, long game time, bullying) (Pew Research Center, 2022) and healthy gaming tips.

Presenter: Dr. Deborah G. Haskins, LCPC, MAC, ICGC-II, CCGSO, BACC, CGT

Learning Objectives:

1. Review youth gaming trends and most addictive youth video games.
2. Identify 12 possible risk factors of Internet Gambling Disorder.
3. Review youth gaming prevention tips and identify 2 resources for treatment, prevention, and outreach.

12:00-12:05 pm – Introductions of presenters and helpline information
12:05-12:45 pm – Lecture of material
12:45-12:55 pm – Discussion questions, case presentation, interaction (as needed)
12:55-1:00 pm – Closing comments

5/23/2024 Maximizing the Effectiveness of Psychological Treatment for Gambling Harm

Decades of research supports that psychological treatment significantly reduces gambling behavior and gambling harm. However, reductions in behavior and harm are significantly associated with how much treatment is attended. This webinar will review the status of the research on treatment effectiveness, describe how premature discontinuation is associated with treatment effectiveness, and identify concrete strategies to enhance treatment effectiveness.

Presenter: Rory A. Pfund, PhD 

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand what treatment approaches are most effective in reducing gambling harm
2. Discuss the association between treatment effectiveness and premature discontinuation
3. Identify concrete strategies to enhance treatment attendance

12:00-12:05 pm – Introductions of presenters and helpline information
12:05-12:45 pm – Lecture of material
12:45-12:55 pm – Discussion questions, case presentation, interaction (as needed)
12:55-1:00 pm – Closing comments

6/11/2024 LGBTQ+ & Gambling Disorder: A Cultural Competency Primer

It is generally known that the LGBTQ+ community face addiction at higher rates than the general population. This presentation will provide participants with a richer understanding of LGBTQ+ individuals (including basic knowledge of identities and terms), empirical research to understand the prevalence of LGBTQ+ gambling and risk toward disordered gambling, and how to use LGBTQ+ cultural competency tools to best work with LGBTQ clients and their families around these issues.

Presenter: Michelle Malkin, JD, PhD

Learning Objectives:

1. Provide participants with LGBTQ+ cultural competency.
2. Explore the reasons why LGBTQ+ may be at higher risk for addiction
3. Consider research on LGBTQ+ gambling and risk for gambling disorder
4. Provide advice for working with LGBTQ+ clients

12:00-12:05 pm – Introductions of presenters and helpline information
12:05-12:45 pm – Lecture of material
12:45-12:55 pm – Discussion questions, case presentation, interaction (as needed)
12:55-1:00 pm – Closing comments

Jeremiah Weinstock

Dr. Jeremiah Weinstock is a licensed clinical psychologist, professor of psychology, and the Chair of the Department of Psychology at Saint Louis University. He is an expert in the assessment and treatment of substance-related and addictive disorders with over 65 peer-review publications and research funding from the National Institutes of Health and the International Center for Responsible Gaming. His primary scientific contributions include (1) refining our conceptualization, assessment, and treatment of gambling disorder and (2) the use of contingency management in the treatment of substance use disorders. He has co-authored several scientific papers on cognitive behavioral therapy for the treatment of gambling disorder. Dr. Weinstock maintains a small clinical practice focused on working with individuals diagnosed with gambling disorder.

Brittany Greene

Brittany Greene is a licensed clinical mental health counselor associate (LCMHCA) and licensed clinical addictions specialist associate (LCAS-A) in the State of North Carolina. She also is a National Certified Counselor (NCC). Brittany is the Problem Gambling Program Specialist for Behavioral Health Springboard within the School of Social Work at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Brittany has served as a Behavioral Health Ambassador for the SAMHSA-funded HBCU C.A.R.E.S. program, where she worked to expose college students at historically black colleges and universities to careers in the field of behavioral health, as well as issues in behavioral health through interactive presentations and conversations. She also was a Research Scholar with the Department of Veteran Affairs, Center for Excellence, inaugural cohort participating in research, discussions, and presentations on how to prevent Veteran suicide. Brittany started her career as a mental health clinician in private practice serving individuals with various presenting concerns, including substance use and behavioral disorders. Brittany’s career background prior to her current role has included working in the school system as an Elementary school teacher and as a Disability analyst for the State of North Carolina under the Social Security Administration. Brittany holds a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from Winston-Salem State University and dual Master’s degrees in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling from North Carolina Central University.

Brianne Doura-Schawohl

Brianne Doura-Schawohl is founder and CEO of Doura-Schawohl Consulting LLC, a boutique global government relations firm that specializes in problem and responsible gambling policy. She most recently served as Vice President of US Policy and Strategic Development for EPIC Risk Management, a global harm prevention consultancy, conducting work in over 24 countries. Prior to her role at EPIC, Brianne served as Legislative Director for the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG). Her experience includes over a decade of leadership in advocacy, public policy, government affairs, and communications.

Doura-Schawohl’s practice spans a wide range of work with executive and legislative branch officials and private sector stakeholders at the international, federal, state, and local levels of government. She has a history of achievements in State and United States Congressional legislative work, including a diverse portfolio of complex problem gambling policy issues. This continues to be invaluable in her ability to make a difference on behalf of people with gambling problems around the world.

Doura-Schawohl works with Congress and numerous state legislatures and regulators to provide expert advice on gambling policy. She continues to work with stakeholders on both sides of the aisle. Additionally, she has been featured in international, national, state, and local media, including ABC News, Bloomberg, CNBC, Forbes, ESPN, The Athletic, The New York Times, The Washington Times, The Washington Post, and CBC.

Brianne was named one of the top 100 lobbyists in 2022 and 2021 by the National Institute of Lobbying & Ethics (NILE), named top lobbyist in 2022 by ‘The Hill’, was featured as one of the 25 People to Watch in 2022 by Global Gaming Business, an honoree of the 2023 class of 40 under 40 Emerging Leaders in Gaming, and an honoree of the 2023-2024 ‘10 Women Rising in Gaming’ by Global Gaming Women and CDC Gaming Reports. In 2019 she was appointed as a member of the Digital Gaming Advisory Group for the State of Hawaii and continues to serve on various coalitions.

In 2020 and 2021 she was a guest faculty member for Seton Hall Law School at their Gaming Law, Compliance, and Integrity Program and continues to be a guest lecturer for the University of Minnesota, Global Institute for Responsible Sport Organizations, and at Bradley University. Doura-Schawohl presents at conferences and other public events on gaming policy across the United States, Europe, Canada, and Australia.

Doura-Schawohl serves on the Board of Directors for Kindbridge Behavioral Health and is a member of the leadership team of the NILE Next Gen Executives committee, a group committed to advancing educational & networking opportunities for the next generation of leaders within the government relations profession. She is a member of the National Council on Problem Gambling military affairs committee.

Mrs. Doura-Schawohl holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Mary Washington. She resides in Fairfax, Virginia with her family.

Jeffery Wasserman

Jeff Wasserman was a practicing attorney in Delaware for 32 years and is currently the Judicial Outreach and Development Director for the Delaware Council on Gambling Problems where he leads efforts to raise awareness of gambling addiction among judges, lawyers and others in the legal system. On July 24, 2015 Jeff’s addiction to gambling was exposed through an audit of his firm’s trust accounts and he was placed on disability/inactive status by the Supreme Court of Delaware. At nearly sixty-years old, Jeff embarked on a path that began in the darkest of places and led to a journey of healing and self-discovery. Since entering recovery, Jeff became certified as an International Gambling Counselor and Peer Recovery Specialist. Jeff currently serves as Vice-President of the Board of Directors on the National Council on Problem Gambling and is a volunteer member of Delaware Lawyers Assistance Program (DE-LAP) and Pennsylvania Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers (PA-LCL). He is the founder and administrator of an online Problem Gambling Support Group with members located in 15 different countries. Jeff has been a presenter or keynote speaker for the American Bar Association, Delaware State Bar Association, Delaware State Police, Arizona Department of Gaming, Montana State Bar, Association, and National Association of Drug Court Professionals. Jeff has been interviewed by national and local news outlets on problem gambling issues, including Reuters News, NBC News, NBC Philadelphia and WDEL. He is also the co-host of All In: The Addicted Gambler’s Podcast.

Jody Bechtold 

Jody Bechtold, LCSW, ICGC-II, BACC, IGDC, CGT is a highly regarded gambling addiction expert working extensively across the globe with individuals, organizations, and associations. She is the CEO of The Better Institute, a group practice located in Pittsburgh. She is the co-author of The Gambling Disorder Treatment Handbook: A Guide for Mental Health Professionals (2021) and 2 chapters in the Social Workers

Desk Reference v 4 on Gambling and Gaming Disorders, published in 2022. She serves as an Advisor to several startup and non-profits organizations including GamFin, Birches Health, and Seagulls Flock in the Philippines. She also serves as an Emeritus board member for the International Gambling Counselor Certification Board (IGCCB). Jody holds a master’s degree in social work from the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Social Work and has several certifications with the International Gambling Counselor Certification Board (ICGC-II, IGDC, BACC, CGT).

Rob Bumbaco

Rob Bumbaco is a licensed clinical social worker and certified mental coach. Rob earned his master’s degree in social work from the University of Pittsburgh and his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Niagara University. Rob is the COO of The Better Institute, a private practice located in Pittsburgh, PA.

In addition to his clinical background, Rob is a former Division 1 athlete. Rob is the founder of Back in the Game ®. Back in the Game is a program within The Better Institute designed to support athletes in the following areas: sports performance, recovery from injury, at-risk behaviors, and /mental health. He hosts the weekly podcast Back in the Game: A Sports and Mindset Podcast.

Marc Lefkowitz

Marc ICGC-II has been a certified gambling counselor for over 25 years. He worked for the UCLA Gambling Studies Program training therapists and coordinating outreach for California gambling treatment programs. He was Program Director for an inpatient gambling treatment program and develops gambling inpatient/outpatient programs. He currently is the Director of Programing for Kindbridge – a tele-therapy company focusing on treatment for problem gamblers. Marc is a national speaker on gambling related issues. In 2012 he received California's Lifetime Achievement Award and in 2021 received the Jeff Beck National Recovery Award. He has over 40 years in recovery from gambling.

Daniel Trolaro

Daniel Trolaro, MS in Psychology, is the Vice President of Prevention in the US for EPIC Risk Management. Dan has worked with stakeholders in over 35 states and has delivered hundreds of workshops, trainings, and keynote presentations around the country centered on prevention, education, and emerging trends in the world of sports betting, gaming and internet gambling. Having started his journey of recovery from gambling addiction on Feb 11, 2010, Dan has shared his story on the You Tube Channel, Soft White Underbelly by Mark Laita and co-hosts a 30 minute podcast and weekly radio show across the country called, “Hello My Name Is Craig” with fellow gambler in recovery and morning National TV host on Fox Sports, Craig Carton.

Michelle L. Malkin

Michelle L. Malkin, JD, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice and Criminology and the Director of the Gambling Research and Policy Initiative at East Carolina University. Dr. Malkin's research interests include a focus on gambling-related harms, gambling-motivated crime, and the gambling prevalence, behavior and risk of marginalized and under-researched communities. Her research on the Problem Gambling, General Strain Theory and Gender received the 2022 Dr. Durand Jacobs Dissertation Award from the National Council on Problem Gambling. She is currently conducting several research studies relevant to further understanding of gambling and gambling-related harms including projects on college-student gambling risk and behavior, gambling behavior and risk among LGBTQ+ individuals, the national landscape of self-exclusion based on jurisdictional legality, and an evaluation of the Clark County Gambling Treatment Diversion Court.

Deborah G. Haskins

Owner, MOSAIC Consulting and Counseling Services, LLC

Dr. Haskins is a retired Counselor Educator (25 years) and received her Ph.D. in Pastoral Counseling (Loyola College, Maryland now Loyola University MD), a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, and an Approved Supervisor (MD). Dr. Haskins is an Internationally Certified Gambling Counselor- II, Board Approved Clinical Consultant, International Clergy Lay Problem Gambling and Spiritual Outreach, Master Addictions Counselor, and IGCCB Certified Gambling Trainer. She is President Emerita of the Maryland Council on Problem Gambling and is a recognized leader for over 25 years in disordered gambling. Dr. Haskins has trained mental health professionals in the U.S. and abroad to understand disordered gambling and provide culturally relevant services. Her expertise and publications include gambling disorders and cultural competency and social justice attuned mental health/wellness. She assists practitioners and faith and spiritual communities with incorporating “mental health delivery beyond traditional formats.” She previously served on the International Gambling Counselor Certification Board and the Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists. She received the National Council on Problem Gambling Monsignor Joseph Dunne Lifetime Award for Advocacy (2021), Lawson R. McElroy Engaged Learning Alumni Award from Rider University (2021), Achievement National Council on Problem Gambling 2017 Don Hulen Annual Award for advocacy leadership and the 2015 NAADAC Unsung Hero Award (MD). She serves as a Trustee on the Rider University Board of Trustees and on the Board of Ordained Ministry (Co-chair Psychological Review); previously served on the Association for Spiritual, Ethical, and Religious Values in Counseling (ACA, 2019-2022). Her current efforts include developing online/virtual professional development, community wellness, equipping faith/spiritual communities to support disordered gambling/SUD/mental health and homicidal loss/trauma advocacy and trainings.

Rory Pfund

Dr. Rory Pfund is Clinic and Research Director of the Tennessee Institute for Gambling Education & Research and Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Memphis. Dr. Pfund’s research focuses on the evaluation and personalization of psychological treatments for gambling disorder. His research has been supported by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, the International Center for Responsible Gambling, and the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse. Dr. Pfund currently serves as an editor for multiple academic journals, including Addiction and Psychology of Addictive Behaviors. Dr. Pfund is a licensed clinical psychologist with expertise in providing cognitive-behavioral therapy and contingency management.

Problem Gambling Webinar Series Continuing Education

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Social Work has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6642.  Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified.  The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Social Work is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.  Each successfully completed webinar qualifies for 1 contact hour.

This course is pending approval from the North Carolina Addiction Specialist Professional Practice Board for 1 SS contact hours.