OAPGG Newsletter
Edition 46, October 2023
In This Issue:
Words from Wiley
In the News: The Prevalence of Gambling Disorder in Oklahoma is 6.3%
Board Member Speaks at NCPG Conference
OAPGG at the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association Convention
Words from Wiley
Greetings,
The primary purpose and mission of OAPGG is to be an advocate for those who develop a gambling disorder. One part of advocacy is to inform legislators about the need for responsible gambling guidelines in existing forms of gambling and any upcoming legislation like sports betting.
There are currently 37 states that have legalized sports betting, and this coming legislative session will see several more states pass bills for sports betting.
Currently the prevalence of gambling disorder in Oklahoma is 6.3%, which is one of the highest rates in the nation. When opportunities for gambling are compared to a state’s resources for problem gambling, Oklahoma ranks second in the nation for risk of problem gambling, second to Nevada. Those who are at-risk for gambling disorder (meeting 1 to 3 of the criteria) are 23.5% of the adult population. This means that 1 million people are having some level of difficulty with gambling.
For upcoming legislation on sports betting, we are advocating that responsible gambling guidelines include:
Mandatory participation by all tribes in the statewide self-exclusion program
Mandatory training of all employees who deal with customers on the signs and symptoms of gambling disorder
Poster and brochures that promote the problem gambling helpline, 1-800-GAMBLER
All advertising for sports betting to promote responsible gambling and publish the helpline number
All customers of sports betting be allowed to set limits of the amount of bets or weekly or monthly limits.
There is more but this will let you see we are actively advocating for responsible gambling and asking for two to three times more money to help with treatment, awareness, training, and prevention.
Wiley
Wiley D. Harwell
Executive Director of OAPGG
OAPGG in the News: The Prevalence of Gambling Disorder in Oklahoma is 6.3%
This August, Wiley sat down with Heather Holeman on News 4 to discuss the results of OAPGG’s recent prevalence study on problem gambling. Approximately 6.3% (or 200,000) Oklahomans are experiencing a gambling disorder. TThe number of Oklahomans at-risk is also concerning. About 23.5% of Oklahomans are at-risk or experiencing some harms from gambling. OAPGG continues to work with our partners across the state to increase awareness and access to treatment.
OAPGG Board Member Speaks at the National Council on Problem Gambling Conference
OAPGG board member Matt Morgan attended the National Council on Problem Gambling Conference this July. He spoke in a panel discussion titled “It Takes a Village.” OAPGG is grateful for its many partners throughout the state: tribal nations, state government, treatment providers, and individuals who are working together to prevent problem gambling in Oklahoma.
OAPGG at the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association Convention
Wiley presented the results of the prevalence study at the annual Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association convention in August. OAPGG also had a booth on the trade floor to advocate for safe gambling policies and network with people in the gambling industry to raise awareness about problem gambling in Oklahoma. Thank you to everyone who attended. Together we can make a difference!
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!
Suicide Prevention
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.