The North Carolina Problem Gambling Program (NCPGP) is pleased to offer a series of free webinars focusing on the treatment of problem gambling. The NCPGP, along with the NC Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services, Morneau Shepell, and UNC Chapel Hill School of Social Work/Behavioral Health Springboard work together to bring to our state the Sure Bet Training Series, and to develop the NCPGP Provider Registry. These beginner level webinars are intended to educate NCPGP Providers, as well as other behavioral health providers, about risk factors, incidence rates, impact, and treatment strategies for working with people with problematic gambling behavior. For more information on the NCPGP visit: 
1/29/2026 - Integrating Peer Support into Problem Gambling Treatment
Presenter: Joshua Hampton
This presentation explores how peer support can be effectively integrated into problem gambling treatment to enhance engagement, reduce stigma, and support long-term recovery. Participants will learn how peers with lived experience bring a unique relational approach that complements clinical services and strengthens the continuum of care. The session highlights practical strategies for incorporating peers into outreach, screening, warm handoffs, care navigation, aftercare, and harm-reduction-informed recovery support. Real-world examples illustrate how peer support can improve access, connection, and outcomes for individuals experiencing gambling-related harm
Learning Objectives:
- Describe the unique role and value of peer support in problem gambling services, including how lived experience increases engagement and reduces stigma.
- Identify practical strategies for integrating peer support into problem gambling treatment pathways, such as outreach, screening, referral, care navigation, and long-term recovery support.
- Apply recovery-oriented and harm-reduction-informed principles to peer support for individuals experiencing gambling harm, using person-centered, nonjudgmental approaches that meet people where they are.
Agenda:
12:00-12:05 pm – Introductions of presenters and helpline information
12:05-12:45 pm – Lecture on material
12:45-12:55 pm – Discussion questions, case presentation, interaction (as needed)
12:55-1:00 pm – Closing comments
2/26/2026 - Practical Tools You can Use to Talk about Gambling Addiction and the Brain
Presenter: Balodis and Querney
“I can’t stop gambling…every time I lose, I keep coming back…why?” “It’s not fun anymore, so why do I feel like I need to gamble?” “How do features of a slot machine affect my brain? “Why does my loved one keep gambling even when they’ve lost everything?” How do you respond to these kinds of questions? This session will describe Brain Connections: tools you can use to educate people about the brain and gambling addiction. Brain Connections (www.brainconnections.ca) was developed as a partnership between problem gambling researchers and clinicians, with invaluable input from people with lived and living expertise. Our suite of tools includes an engaging animated video, clinical handouts for healthcare professionals, and educational handouts (called BE Briefs) for the public, including educators, researchers, responsible gambling specialists, or anyone who has questions about how gambling addiction develops and impacts the brain.
Learning Objectives:
- Learn about the Brain Connections tools and how these apply in your setting.
- Accurately answer commonly asked questions about gambling and the brain • Increase your confidence and competence in talking about gambling neurobiology.
Agenda:
12:00-12:05 pm – Introductions of presenters and helpline information
12:05-12:45 pm – Lecture on material
12:45-12:55 pm – Discussion questions, case presentation, interaction (as needed)
12:55-1:00 pm – Closing comments