April 2023 Newsletter
In This Issue:
- Notes from Wiley
- Highlights from Problem Gambling Awareness Month
- Prevalence Study Results
- Gambling Disorder Training Videos Online
- MCPGSA Conference in Kansas City, June 21-23
- NCPG Conferences (Virtual June 14-15, and In Person, July 26-28)
Notes from Wiley
Greetings,
March was Problem Gambling Awareness Month, which we highlighted with our 16th Annual Statewide Conference on Problem Gambling. The guest speakers were excellent, and the attendance was great. Much appreciation to the panel of speakers telling their story of recovery and the journey of helping others.
There are opportunities for Basic Training for certification as a gambling counselor twice a year. One class is currently being conducted, and the next class will begin in the fall of 2023. We always need more counselors that are willing to help those with a gambling disorder.
Please note that for those that need last-minute CEU credits, we have two pre-recorded presentations that can be accessed online. More information is available in this newsletter. Those that are gambling disorder counselors are required to have 10 gambling-specific CEU credits each year.
There are scholarships available for any licensed counselors from Oklahoma to attend the MCPGSA conference in Kansas City, Missouri, which will take place June 21 to 23. More information can be found in the newsletter.
If you need ethics or supervision CEU credits, I will be doing both on June 7. Registration will soon be available on the oapgg.org website.
Wiley
Wiley D. Harwell
Executive Director of OAPGG
Problem Gambling Awareness Month
Statewide Conference on Problem Gambling
As part of Problem Gambling Awareness Month, OAPGG held its 16th annual conference on problem gambling on March 3. The conference featured a recovery panel and talks on national trends in sports betting, a review of the Oklahoma problem gambling prevalence study, and a look at using compassionate inquiry and internal family systems therapy with gambling disorder clients.
Over 60 people were in attendance, including counselors, professors, those in recovery, and state and tribal operators. Thank you to everyone who is making a difference in the lives of those with a gambling problem!
Media Coverage for Problem Gambling Awareness Month
Also as part of Problem Gambling Awareness Month, OAPGG released results of the prevalence study on gambling and problem gambling in Oklahoma to media throughout the state. OAPGG was featured in the following articles and videos:
Results from the Oklahoma Problem Gambling Prevalence Study
From April through August of 2022, Elite Research conducted a survey on behalf of OAPGG to measure the prevalence of problem gambling in the state of Oklahoma. The survey was conducted both online and through telephone interviews, with 4,050 adults over 18 surveyed. The results of the prevalence study were shared at the statewide conference, and a brief overview of the results can be found on the OAPGG website.
According to the survey results, 1 in 16 (6.2%) Oklahomans meet criteria for gambling disorder. 24.1% of Oklahomans are at-risk for problem gambling. Taken together, 30.3% of Oklahomans are in need of some form of harm prevention, intervention, or treatment.
Gambling Disorder Training Videos Online
OAPGG offers a growing collection of training videos on-demand. If you need to catch up on your CEUs before renewing your license, or if you simply want to learn more about treating gambling disorder, these videos feature current evidence-based information. Videos are available to rent for 90 days, and the cost is $40.
20th Annual Midwest Conference on Problem Gambling and Substance Abuse (MCPGSA)
“Together Again: Building a Future”
The 20th annual MCPGSA conference will be held June 21-23, 2023, at the Kansas City Marriott Country Club Plaza (4445 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64111). Earn continuing education units from nationally recognized experts in the fields of problem gambling and substance use disorder. Scholarships are available for counselors in Oklahoma!
National Council on Problem Gambling Conference and Symposium
The theme of the NCPG conference is “Capital Ideas.” Now in its 37th year, the conference is the oldest and largest annual national conference that brings together people from all facets of healthcare, research, government and the many segments of the gambling industry. With top-notch national and international experts as speakers, as well as those who work on local and state levels, the conference is a unique resource for everyone who works in these fields, as well as those in recovery and concerned others. The conference provides both detailed in-depth knowledge and cross-training opportunities.
A digital symposium will take place June 14-15 and an in-person conference will take place in Washington, DC, July 27-28.
Case Consultation
OAPGG offers consultation calls every second and third Tuesday of the month at 2:00 pm for counselors to get help with difficult cases and build knowledge for certification. Anyone who has begun or completed the Basic Training course is invited to join the monthly calls hosted by Wiley.
For those seeking certification in Oklahoma, case consultation is required. Counselors must complete 12 hours of consultation and present 2 case studies to fulfill the requirement.
Reply to this email or call 405-801-3329 to get instructions for connecting. Wiley looks forward to seeing you on the call!
Certification Renewal
If you are a Certified Problem Gambling Counselor (CPGC), your first renewal period may be coming! Renewals will be due by June 30. Check your award letter or certificate for the renewal date.
Suicide Prevention Training
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.
