30-HOUR BASIC TRAINING FOR PROBLEM GAMBLING

ABOUT THE TRAINING

DATES: March 21 and 28 and April 18 and 25, 2025

TIME: 8:30 am–4:30 pm, with one hour for lunch each day

As the opportunities for gambling continue to increase through avenues such as online gambling and gaming and sports betting, the risk that an individual will develop a gambling problem increases as well. As a care provider, you may be working with someone who is struggling with gambling.

OAPGG offers a 4-day online 30-hour basic training for problem gambling twice per year. This evidence-based basic training course is designed to help counselors, peer support specialists, and others in building an understanding of gambling addiction. In this training, you will learn about gambling history, gambling technology, the theoretical basis for treatment, co-occurring disorders, multicultural issues, assessment tools, treatment modalities, and more

TRAINING INCLUDES:

12 consultation sessions included at no cost
Prep class for those taking the IGCCB exam or state certification
(There will be fees associated with the IGCCB exam or state certification. Check with your state for credentialing requirements; basic information is listed at the bottom of the page.)
Resources and workbook for counselors

Registration is free for those in the Midwest Conference on Problem Gambling and Substance Abuse (MCPGSA) region, thanks to MCPGSA state partners. If you live in the MCGPSA region (Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, or Oklahoma), use code MCPGSA for free admission. The cost for non-MCPGSA attendees is $300.

Cost of workshop includes workbooks. CEU certificates will be awarded on the final day of training after the evaluation form is completed.

For questions, please contact: Wiley Harwell at (405) 801-3329 or wharwell@oapgg.org.

ABOUT 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.

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.

REGISTER

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.

NEBRASKA COMMISSION ON PROBLEM GAMBLING

CREDENTIALING INFORMATION

Basic training is the first step in becoming a certified problem gambling counselor. Credentialing for problem gambling treatment varies state by state. It is the training participant’s responsibility to contact their state coordinator to learn about state requirements.

OKLAHOMA

OAPGG has developed a certification program with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. Counselors who work for a state funded agency are eligible for certification. Learn more >>

MIDWEST CONFERENCE ON PROBLEM GAMBLING AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE

For counselors who are part of the Midwest Conference on Problem Gambling and Substance Abuse, state contact information is listed below.

INTERNATIONAL GAMBLING COUNSELOR CERTIFICATION BOARD

Regardless of your location, certification is available through the IGCCB. Learn more >>

BASIC TRAINING