OAPGG Newsletter
Edition 50, October 2024
In This Issue:
Words from Wiley
MCPGSA Call for Proposals
OAPGG Website Update
Basic Training for Problem Gambling (October 11 and 18 and November 1 and 8, 2024)
Words from Wiley
Greetings,
Before 1931 there was gambling in this country, but it was not legal. When Nevada legalized gambling it stood alone as the only state which profited. In the early 1970s, states passed lotteries, which entered a new wave. A third wave of gambling came in 1988 with the passage of the Indian Gaming Regulation Act and the nationwide expansion of native casinos. After that, states passed laws to allow commercial casinos. More recently, 2018 saw the overturn of PAPSA, which allowed states to pass the legalization of sports betting. We are now in the infancy stages of this era, but its rapid growth along with technology and advertising is making this an unprecedented time.
Prevalence studies are showing the age group for those most at risk is getting younger. This calls for new research and efforts to reach those from 18 to 35 years of age. Of course, traditional casino gambling still attracts all age groups, but the spread of sports betting is the most popular form of gambling and also one of the most addictive.
Notable changes will need to be made to reach across the generations, each of which have particular favorite forms of gambling. For instance, millennials and Gen Z are less likely to use the phone to call a problem gambling helpline, so we have boosted social media advertising, which now receives more responses and instant contacts than the Oklahoma Problem Gambling Helpline. In terms of treatment, we will also need to conduct research to determine the best modes and models of treatment. Up till now, we have relied upon face-to-face treatment, but after COVID, we have relied more and more on telehealth. These modes will not go away, but the need now means we strengthen peer support recovery and self-help methods of recovery like workbooks and phone apps. Self-help recovery with tailored apps is very new but is being tested for validity and efficacy. It is our hope that Oklahoma will be on the frontline of these new efforts.
Wiley
Wiley D. Harwell
Executive Director of OAPGG
MCPGSA Call for Proposals
Proposals are currently being accepted for the 22nd Annual Midwest Conference on Problem Gambling and Substance Abuse, which is sponsored by the Midwest Consortium on Problem Gambling and Substance Abuse. For consideration by the review committee, please complete the online form and all submission requirements no later than January 31, 2025.
Conference Dates: June 18-20, 2025
Conference Location: Kansas City Marriott Country Club Plaza, Kansas City, Missouri
Deadline for Proposal Submission: January 31, 2025
Suggested Topics (Other topics will be considered)
Prevention
Emerging Issues in Addiction
Science/Research
Cultural
General Presentations
Suicide Prevention
Workforce shortage / burnout
OAPGG Website Update
The OAPGG website has been updated to be faster and more user-friendly.
Online Registration
A main feature update is that we are now able to process training registrations and payments online, directly through the website.
Interactive Self-Assessments
The self-assessments for gambling disorder and gaming disorder are now more interactive. The gambling disorder self-assessment uses the DSM-5 9 criteria in question form, and the gaming disorder self-assessment uses the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale - Short-Form.
We hope the updated website is easy to use and helpful for your clients.
Basic Training for Problem Gambling
It's not too late to register for the Fall Basic Training. OAPGG offers a 4-day online 30-hour basic training for problem gambling twice per year. The fall training will take place online October 11 and 18 and November 11 and 18 from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm each day.
This evidence-based basic training course is designed to help counselors, peer support specialists, and others in building an understanding of gambling addiction. In this training, you will learn about gambling history, gambling technology, the theoretical basis for treatment, co-occurring disorders, multicultural issues, assessment tools, treatment modalities, and more.
Case Consultation
OAPGG offers consultation calls every second and third Tuesday of the month at 2:00 pm. Anyone who has begun or completed the Basic Training course is invited to join the monthly calls hosted by Wiley. Reply to this email or call 405-801-3329 to get instructions for connecting. Wiley looks forward to seeing you on the call!
Suicide Prevention
To schedule a suicide prevention training at your agency and/or community, contact Ronnie Wahkinney at OAPGG by calling 405-801-3329 or 405-243-1363. There is no charge for training and materials.
Outreach
Wiley spoke at the annual Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association (OIGA) Conference, which was held in Oklahoma City in August. OAPGG also hosted a booth on the conference floor. It takes people in many different areas to prevent problem gambling and provide support to those in recovery. To everyone who stopped by our booth conference and who supports our statewide effort to reduce problem gambling, we thank you!