OAPGG Newsletter
Edition 54, October 2025
Words from Wiley
Greetings,
Reading this newsletter means you have interest and a stake in helping those with a gambling disorder and their family members. This means we are mission- and value-driven in our intention and purpose. This past month we learned that the lease agreement for the rights to the 1-800-GAMBLER helpline would not be renewed. As you know, this is a national number used by most casino operators, sports books, and daily fantasy sports operators. We were told the routing of all calls to 1-800-GAMBLER would continue to the call centers in each state and this would not affect those that need help. This promise has been kept in most states, but three states have had their calls diverted to other call operators. I am happy to report that the calls to 1-800-GAMBLER in Oklahoma are still being routed to our call center in Oklahoma City.
Managing a national call center is a complex and heavy load for any organization. The cancelation of the lease agreement was abrupt, but there are plans in the works to find a new call number very quickly and give our partners plenty of time to make the transition for advertising, brochures, and posters.
In the meantime, 1-800-GAMBLER still works, and the old number, 1-800-522-4700, is still receiving 40% of the calls for states that had this number in legislation when they approved casino gambling or sports betting.
Rest assured, the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and OAPGG will do whatever it takes to provide resources and references to those that need help.
Three years ago, OAPGG began a social media campaign for (1) the helpline, (2) Facebook instant contact, and (3) information about gambling disorder. Since that time, OAPGG has given twice as many direct referrals through Facebook instant contact as the helpline was generating. I think the evidence is growing that more and more gambling is being done digitally, so reaching out for help on a digital platform only makes sense.
OAPGG has been the first state affiliate of NCPG to boost its digital reach and the first to offer the Evive application for anyone across the state. The app allows anyone in Oklahoma to download the app and use it to play safe, to cut back, or to stop gambling. All of our certified gambling counselors have been trained on how to use the app in the one-on-one counseling setting.
In spite of some obstacles, and a quickly changing digital world, we are committed to the continuous mission of helping those with a gambling disorder.
Many thanks go to all of our treatment providers and to the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) for being our partner in the development of Evive and quality of care in Oklahoma.
Wiley
Wiley D. Harwell
Executive Director of OAPGG
New In-Person Women's Support Group (Norman Area)
Recover Her is a new support group that is open to women at any stage of recovery. The group will meet every Thursday at 7:00 PM, beginning November 6, except on holidays or during inclement weather, at the OAPGG office (501 E Alameda St, Suite E, Norman, OK 73071).
The group will be hosted by Christina Cook, IGRS, a lived-experience advocate and founder of The Broke Girl Society. After 15 years of problem gambling and 4.5 years in recovery, she turned her story into a platform that shines a light on women affected by gambling. Christina invites participants to "join other women for a confidential, compassionate space to share, listen, and support one another as we move toward recovery."
Evive
Evive helps people redefine their relationship with gambling, and it's free to all Oklahomans. Users can choose from pathways that help them quit gambling or gamble more safely. The app features daily check-ins, goal setting, lessons, and community support.
If you are a clinician, you can watch our free training video and earn 1 CEU.
Evive can be downloaded at www.getevive.com.
Basic Training for Problem Gambling
Fall Basic Training will be starting soon, and it's not too late to join! This training is the first step to becoming a certified counselor in Oklahoma.
Dates: October 17 and 24 and November 14 and 21
Time: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Registration is free for those in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Iowa. Use the code MCPGSA for the discount.
OAPGG’s Recent Activities
Comanche Nation’s
Sacred Voices: A Tribal Response to Suicide Prevention
OAPGG hosted a booth at the Comanche Nation’s suicide prevention conference. Individuals with a gambling disorder have the highest suicide rates of any of the addictive disorders.
The event featured Danny Trejo, who shared his life story from incarceration and prison to becoming a successful Hollywood icon.
Hope Community Services, Inc.
Is It Gambling? Gaming, Sports Betting, Investments, Speculation, and Daily Fantasy Sports
There are now many gambling-style components within video games, and investing and speculation sites often involve the same risks as gambling does.
Wiley presented on the latest trends in gambling-related fields to counselors from Hope Community Services Inc. and other counselors in attendance.