Basic Training for Problem Gambling

Your first step toward certification.

This evidence-based basic training is designed to help counselors, peer support specialists, and others in building an understanding of gambling disorder.

OAPGG offers a 4-day, online training for problem gambling twice per year.

Fall 2026 dates:

Day 1: October 9

Day 2: October 16

Day 3: November 6

Day 4: November 13

All days are from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, central time.

Please note that the training is hosted live and is not recorded.

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Included in the training

  • 4 days of training, including copies of slides and reference lists

  • Resources and workbook for counselors

  • 12 consultation sessions

  • Exam prep class
    (There will be fees associated with the IPGGC exam or state certification. Check with your state for credentialing requirements; basic information is listed at the bottom of the page.)

Pricing

$300 Free

If you live in the MCGPSA region (Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma), use code MCPGSA for free admission.

Thank you to MCPGSA state partners for their support!

$300

The cost for non-MCPGSA states is $300.

Certification Information

Meet the Presenters

This live, online training will be taught by two experts in the field, Wiley Harwell, DMin, LPC, ICGC-II, and Lori Rugle, PhD, ICGC-II.

Wiley Harwell, wearing a dark suit, white shirt, and patterned tie, with a neutral gray background.

  • Dr. Wiley Harwell (D. Min, LPC, ICGC-II, BACC) is the executive director of the Oklahoma Association on Problem Gambling and Gaming.  Wiley has a Doctor of Ministry degree from Southern Methodist University, a Master of Divinity from Southern Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, and a bachelor’s degree from Wayland Baptist University. He has over 15 years of experience in treating gambling disorder leading OAPGG. He served on the National Council for Problem Gambling board for 6 years and as board president from 2015–2017.

Lori Rugle, smiling and wearing glasses, with short gray hair, wearing a light blue blazer, black turtleneck, and a necklace, standing against a beige background.

  • Dr. Lori Rugle (PhD, ICGC-II/BACC), brings 35+ years of experience to her work field of problem and responsible gambling including treatment, prevention, research and responsible gambling. She earned her doctorate in clinical psychology from Kent State University. She is certified in Meditation and Psychotherapy and has had a personal practice for the past 25 years. In 2019, she received the Robert Custer Lifetime-Award from the National Council on Problem Gambling.