Today is Gambling Disorder Screening Day and this year marks year 20 of March being Problem Gambling Awareness Month! Much work has been done in the last 20 years, but we have a long way to go.
Although screening happens year-round, PGAM is a month-long observance that sheds additional light on a problem that brings financial, emotional, social, occupational, and physical harm to so many. Not only is it a time to promote awareness of problem gambling, but it is also a time to promote problem gambling prevention, encourage health providers to screen clients for problem gambling, and to raise awareness of problem gambling treatment and recovery services.
Given the limited resources in research, prevention, treatment, and recovery of gambling addiction, many cases are never discovered. We continue our work on this issue so that the necessary resources are available to all experiencing this life-altering and debilitating problem.
We are beyond grateful to our members (named below) for your dedication to standing beside us. Together, we can make a difference for those affected. If you are interested in partnering in our efforts, click here to join us!
In Wellness,
Dr. Carolyn Hawley
President
#PGAM2023
Today is National Screening Day
Gambling Disorder Screening Day (Screening Day) is a one-day event held annually on the second Tuesday of March during Problem Gambling Awareness Month. Screening Day has included supporters and screeners from Cambridge Health Alliance, Massachusetts, New England, the United States, and around the world. Screening Day has helped identify individuals in those regions who might have a Gambling Disorder and should seek further assessment. Learn more here.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize March 2023, as PROBLEM GAMBLING AWARENESS MONTH in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens. View the full proclamation here.
VCPG IN THE NEWS
Carolyn Hawley & Thomas Dozier on Virginia This Morning
RICHMOND, Va.– Carolyn Hawley, Ph.D., President of the Virginia Council on Problem Gambling, and Thomas Dozier, board member and recovering gambling addict stopped by to share their insight and personal journey with Jessica Noll, CBS6.
"Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired?" This sentence changed the life of Thomas Dozier. Watch him as he shares his discovery that his love affair with horse racing was, in truth, an addiction that brought all that was negative in life; fear, dread, anxiety, and exhaustion.
Council: Wager on the big game (Super Bowl Wagering)
“This is one of the most popular sporting events we have during the year. We often see people who typically don’t gamble start to become involved with gambling,” Carolyn Hawley, president of the state council, told the Herald Courier Friday.
Community Viewpoint: As Virginia’s gambling landscape grows, we must continue to shine a light on gambling addiction
Richmond, Va. — At the Virginia Lottery, we’ve worked to raise awareness of gambling addiction since we sold our first ticket in 1988. We produce public service announcements and brochures. We sponsor the Virginia Problem Gambling Helpline and work to educate the public about what many people see as a mysterious addiction.
The Lottery works closely with the nonprofit Virginia Council on Problem Gambling to help get that message across to Virginians. Above all, we work to promote the Helpline (888-532-3500). Calling that number is a good first step for someone who thinks they or a loved one may have a gambling problem. People can call, text or chat 24/7.
FEBRUARY PODCAST PICK
Nakita & Caitlyn of the Division of Addiction
Screening for gambling disorder is so important and Kaitlyn and Nikita from the division on addiction are here to explain why and how you can participate in screening day.
UPCOMING WEBINARS
Gaming and Gambling Addiction in the Digital Age: Braving a New World of Addiction
Mar 17 @10:00 AM ET
Presenter: Sheila Moran, MSW, LSW, ICGA
The Problem Gambling Help Network of West Virginia/First Choice Services
When you think of problem gambling, do you imagine a smoke-filled room with cash and chips in the center of a table? Or someone pulling on a one-armed bandit? Things have changed! In the last decade, gambling has moved into the digital age. That means more people are just a click away from making risky and life-altering decisions, and the lines between recreational activity, financial investment, and gambling are blurred. Learn how mobile sports betting, online casinos, day trading, crypto, and video games are hooking a new generation who often don’t view their activity as gambling.
1 CEU hour available
Gambling Disorder and Co-occurring Problem
Mar 17 @1:00 PM ET
Presenter: Sheila Moran, MSW, LSW, ICGA
In observance of Problem Gambling Awareness Month, the 1st webinar of Maine’s Annual Conference on Problem Gambling Awareness Webinar Series is “Gambling Disorder and Co-occurring Problems” with Jon E. Grant, MD, Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago.
Gambling disorder rarely exists by itself and usually co-occurs with a variety of psychiatric conditions. This presentation will discuss these comorbid disorders, how to clinically understand the relationship between gambling and other disorders, and how to address these other issues in treatment.
Maine hosts this no-cost webinar, and we welcome our friends and colleagues from around the country and abroad to join us.
Kids Don’t Gamble, Do They? Yes, and Here is Why You Should Pay Attention
Mar 24 @10:00 AM ET
Presenter: Sheila Moran, MSW, LSW, ICGA
The Problem Gambling Help Network of West Virginia/First Choice Services
Most people don’t realize that youth are 2-4 times more likely than adults to develop a gambling problem. National studies, as well as surveys we’ve done in West Virginia, show that middle and high school kids not only gamble but are already starting to suffer consequences from it. The problem is even more pronounced on college campuses. Yet, many adults fail to recognize this as a problem and actively encourage youth gambling. We’ll talk about the types of gambling youth are most likely to engage in, why they are at high risk, how they can seek help, and how you can advocate for youth in your community.
1 CEU hour available
Gambling, Finances, and Money Matters with Dan Trolaro
Mar 24 @1:00 PM ET
Presenter: Sheila Moran, MSW, LSW, ICGA
In observance of Problem Gambling Awareness Month, the 2nd webinar of Maine’s Annual Conference on Problem Gambling Awareness Webinar Series is “Gambling, Finances, and Money Matters” with Dan Trolaro, Vice President of Prevention in the US, EPIC Risk Management
As the world of gambling continues to expand with the legalization of sports wagering, we are seeing other sectors and industries adapt along the way. One such industry has been the world of financial services and day trading. The session will start with a look at terminology and mechanics of day trading, investing, and gambling. From there, we will discuss the similarities and differences between gambling and day trading. Lastly, this workshop will identify attitudes around money, finances, and how those areas should be addressed in treatment to promote a sustainable and meaningful long-term recovery.
This no-cost webinar is hosted by Maine, and we welcome our friends and colleagues from around the country, and abroad to join us.
Black Women’s Recovery Journey
Mar 24 @7:00 PM ET
Hosted by: Nicasa Behavioral Health Services, Way Back Inn and Family Guidance Centers
Panel will be moderated by Dr. Sandra Adell. Learning Objectives are:
Inspire: To encourage other women to share their personal stories as part of their pathway to recovery in a safe and supportive community.
Educate: To provide research-based information about gambling problems and related mental health issues such as depression in the Black community.
Advocate: To promote advocacy at the personal, local and/or federal level.
Event is free and open to the public.
Expanding Access to Gambling Treatment: Telehealth and Web-Based Tools
Mar 28 @1:00 PM ET
Treatment providers know the power of in-person treatment. A face-to-face connection has been established as a key component of creating change. However, the COVID-19 pandemic prompted industry-wide increases in teletherapy services that are here to stay. Stakeholders across the healthcare space must be prepared for this evolving treatment landscape, evaluating both the costs and the benefits.
This webinar will include a conversation about the use of telehealth or teletherapy with gambling clients. The session will also explore the evidence that exists for making personal connections with clients and address ways that clinicians can use web-based tools to ease treatment engagement for those who are hesitant and battle client premature disengagement with treatment.
There are no CE’s available for this webinar.
Perspectives on the Impact of Sports Betting on Mind, Body, and Brain with Tim Fong MD
Mar 29 @1:00 PM ET
As sports betting expands rapidly throughout the United States, there are essential questions about how this impacts psychological, physical, and social health. This workshop will explore and discuss how gambling advertising impacts gambling behavior, what impact sports betting may have on mental and physical well-being and the implications of a society embedded with instant and constant access to sports betting. Of particular interest is exploring how sports betting impacts individual mental and physical health as compared to other forms of gambling such as electronic gaming machines, table games or the lottery.
This no-cost webinar is hosted by Maine, and we welcome our friends and colleagues from around the country, and abroad to join us.
Seniors at Risk: Gambling in Older Adults – Free Webinar
Mar 31 @10:00 AM ET
Presenter: Sheila Moran, MSW, LSW, ICGC
The Problem Gambling Help Network of West Virginia/First Choice Services
Is there really any harm in Grandma going to weekly Bingo or Grandpa spending his spare time at the poker table? Maybe, maybe not. We’ll discuss the blurry line between recreational and problematic gambling for older adults. We’ll talk about the unique reasons seniors are at risk of becoming addicted and facing more dire financial consequences. Learn what to do if an older person in your life is spending more time gambling and when to reach out for help.
