Mid-Atlantic Conference on Problem Gambling 2011

CONFERENCE

Mid-Atlantic Conference on Problem Gambling

Increasing the Flow of Problem Gambling Services
Washington, DC
November 17 - 18, 2011

Highlights

NCPG hosted a regional Conference on Problem Gambling on November 17-18, 2011 in Washington, DC – the first time any training on problem gambling has been offered in the nation’s capital. The conference was co-hosted by the Maryland Council on Problem Gambling and the Virginia Council on Problem Gambling, with significant additional support from the West Virginia Council on Problem Gambling, the Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania, and the Delaware Council on Gambling Problems. It was held in a non-traditional venue: the beautiful newly-built facility housing Arena Stage’s three theaters in Southwest DC, which is fast becoming an international destination for theatre lovers and architecture aficionados alike.

Buddy Roogow, Executive Director of the DC Lottery and a lead sponsor, welcomed the participants to the city. The keynote address was given by Don Feeney, President of NCPG’s Board of Directors and Director of Research and Planning for the Minnesota Lottery. His presentation included a fascinating historical perspective on gambling from the dawn of humanity through present-day developments, as well as perspectives on problem gambling.

The approximately 75 attendees included counselors from as far away as Arizona and Washington state, as well as many from the mid-Atlantic region - some of whom were new to the problem gambling field. Since there are currently no certified gambling counselors in DC and very few in nearby areas of Maryland and Virginia, it is hoped that this conference will kick-start training efforts by individuals and organizations toward providing additional opportunities for care in the region. Attendees also included staff from gaming operators and manufacturers, including DC Lottery andVirginia Lottery.

The training sessions took place over two full days and were intended to provide attendees with both basic knowledge of problem gambling, and also more in-depth information, specific to individual populations. Presenters included:

Steve Burton of the West Virginia Problem Gamblers Help Network
Joanna Franklin of the Maryland Council on Problem Gambling and one of the top problem gambling trainers in the country
Donald Hall of the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Administration, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Maryland
Dr. Deborah G. Haskins of the Maryland Council on Problem Gambling and expert in cultural issues associated with problem gambling
Carl Robertson of the Maryland Council on Problem Gambling
Mike R. and Michael R., both recovering gamblers and individuals making strides to help the problem gambling community
Jim Wuelfing of the Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling and an expert in problem gambling prevention

Sponsors for the conference included the DC Lottery, Diamond Game, Intralot, Pollard Banknote, Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem (PA), Virginia Lottery, CARE Florida, and Dover Downs (DE) as well as the state Affiliates from West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. NCPG thanks all involved for their considerable support.

Download Flier

Conference Materials

Presentations

Register

Program

Executive Summary

This two-day crash course from national experts in problem gambling covered the basics of prevention, treatment, recovery, and awareness education for counselors and also for family members and people who work in the gaming industry. This training is a critical first step in building the comprehensive safety net that underlies responsible gaming efforts, such as self-exclusion, advertising techniques and more.

The introduction of internet gambling in 2012 by the DC Lottery provides a great motivator to build local programs to prevent and treat gambling addiction and explore responsible gaming in an online environment.

There are currently no certified gambling counselors in the District or Northern Virginia, and only a few in Maryland and greater Virginia. This conference provided 15 CEU’s, which will help get counselors started on the journey toward earning the status of National Certified Gambling Counselor. Additional information and assistance is available from the IGCCB (International Gambling Counselor Certification Board) regarding how to become a certified gambling counselor.

Workshops provided health, mental health, substance abuse, social work, corrections, education and HR/EAP professionals with fundamentals of screening, assessment and treatment needed to prevent and treat gambling problems.

Problem gambling is often co-occurring with drug or alcohol addictions. Participants learned the two questions that will help identify clients who might need further help with gambling.

Program dates and schedule (see link above for more detail):

Thursday, November 17, 2011: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (8:00am continental breakfast; lunch included)
Friday, November 18, 2011: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (8:00am continental breakfast; lunch included)

Location:	Hosted by:
Arena Stage at the Mead Center	National Council on Problem Gambling
1101 6th Street, SW	in partnership with
Washington, DC 20024	Maryland Council on Problem Gambling
Metro: Green line, Waterfront station	Virginia Council on Problem Gambling

sponsors as of 11/11/11

For sponsorship information, please contact Barbara Rollins, Director of Development and Membership, at BarbaraR@ncpgambling.org or 202.547.9204.

Download a PDF of Sponsorship levels and benefits here.

Home | Back to Top

Mid-Atlantic Conference on Problem Gambling Increasing the Flow of Problem Gambling Services Washington, DC November 17 - 18, 2011