Edition 47, January 2024
In This Issue:
- Words from Wiley
- White Paper for Responsible Gambling Policy in Sports Betting Legislation
- Mindfulness: A Tool for Therapy and Recovery (Feb 12)
- Annual Statewide Conference on Problem Gambling (March 1)
Words from Wiley
Greetings,
January 1st is a traditional time for reviewing the past year and planning for the coming months. This past year saw the expansion of sports betting and the results of previous expansion. Now in thirty-seven states including Washington DC, sports betting calls for a constant and ever-changing plan on how to address the problems that are being created. Even though Oklahoma has yet to pass sports betting legislation, we still see its effects in other states and watch as it becomes a normalized and accepted part of our society and lives. Oklahoma will be one the last states that legalizes sports betting, which gives us more time to prepare for its consequences and to learn from other states that have already experienced its reality. The question is, will our legislators and tribes include responsible gambling in their planning and allocate adequate money for the coming years.
OAPGG has distributed a white paper of sports betting legislation and guidelines for responsible gambling the past two years and will do so again this month. Please take the opportunity to read our suggestions and be an advocate to your legislators for responsible gambling guidelines.
There are many training opportunities in the coming year, and they are each promoted in the newsletter. One such training is Mindfulness: A Tool for Therapy and Recovery. I have conducted a version of this workshop many times, but this year I will have Geshe Chophel, a Tibetan monk, with me during this training.
OAPGG and the National Council on Problem Gambling are neutral on all legislation and forms of legalized gambling. Our sole mission is to help those that develop a problem and need treatment and support. However, the stance of neutrality does not mean we don’t have a voice. We need to be clear, loud, and have a consistent message that better guidelines for all aspects of responsible gambling is important and will help us have a better future.
Wiley
Wiley D. Harwell
Executive Director of OAPGG
White Paper for Responsible Gambling Policy in Sports Betting Legislation
Legalized sports betting in Oklahoma will almost certainly lead to an increase in gambling and an increase in harms related to gambling. OAPGG will continue to advocate for policies that support the prevention and treatment of gambling disorder. Any sports betting legislation should include the following:
- funding for problem gambling research, prevention, and treatment
- casino employee training in recognizing the signs of problem gambling and connecting customers to resources
- advertising that accurately states the risks involved and highlights the problem gambling helpline number (1-800-GAMBLER)
- limits on gambling for those under 21
- required participation for all operators in the statewide self-exclusion program
- ability for individuals to set limits on their time and money
Mindfulness: A Tool for Treatment and Recovery
Learn about how to use mindfulness as a tool for therapy and recovery. Wiley will lead the class along with Geshe Chophel. Geshe Chophel entered the monastery at the age of seven and has received the highest Geshe degrees, Lharampa and Ngakrampa. He has also achieved the highest training in both sutrayana and tantrayana practice. Geshe Chophel is a senior student of Thupten Jinpa, Ph.D., English translator for His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He has been a professor of Buddhist Philosophy at Gaden Shartse Monastery since 1995.
This training will take place on Friday, February 12, at A Chance to Change (2113 W Britton Rd, Oklahoma City, OK 73120). The training will run from 9 am to 4 pm, with lunch on your own.
Participants will earn 6 CEUs.
The registration fee is $50.
17th Annual Statewide Conference on Problem Gambling
OAPGG’s annual conference will take place on March 1 at the Citizen Potawatomi National Cultural Heritage Center in Shawnee and will feature nationally recognized guest speakers Dr. Marc Potenza and Dr. Heather Chapman, as well as OAPGG Executive Director Wiley Harwell.
Participants who attend the full day will earn 7 hours of gambling-specific CEUs. Conference presentations will include:
- Behavioral Addictions in DSM-5 and ICD-11: What Clinicians Should Know
- Youth Gambling, Video Gaming, and Screen Media Activity: How to protect youth in the current technological environment
- Gambling Disorder among Veterans
Registration is $40 and includes lunch.
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!
Certification Renewal
Although the renewal deadline for problem gambling certification was June 30, it is still possible to complete your application for renewal or to begin the process as a new applicant.
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.
OAPGG Outreach
OAPGG hosted an informational table at the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes 988 Mental Health Lifeline Summit at the Apache Casino Hotel in Lawton. Over two hundred mental health providers were in attendance.
OAPGG also presented the latest prevalence study information at the ODAPCA conference.