OAPGG Newsletter
Edition 45, July 2023
In This Issue:
Words from Wiley
IAMNDN Summer Camp
MCPGSA Conference
NCPG Conference (In Person, July 26-28)
Fall Basic Training (October 6 and 13 and November 3 and 10)
Words from Wiley
The summer months are usually full of activities, conferences, and preparation for the upcoming fiscal year. At OAPGG, we have already conducted the annual media camp for native youth in Anadarko, attended the MCPGSA conference in Kansas City, and are preparing for the NCPG conference in Washington, DC. Also completed is the final and full report of the 2022 Oklahoma Prevalence Study on Problem Gambling. A copy of the executive summary can be found here.
The prevalence study found that 6.3% of adults in Oklahoma self-reported they meet the criteria for gambling disorder and 23.5% were at-risk, meaning they self-reported having between 1 to 3 of the criteria for gambling disorder. This means 30% of adult Oklahomans are having some level of problem with their gambling activity (1 million individuals).
I have reviewed four other state prevalence studies in the past year, and Oklahoma has the highest rate of gambling disorder qualifiers. I will be interested to see results as other states conduct similar studies. The DMS-5 states that about 1.5% of the adult population meets criteria for gambling disorder. Remember the study in Oklahoma precedes the passing of any sports gambling bills. Needless to say, I only hope we are prepared for the coming years.
The study also found that among those that qualified with gambling disorder criteria, 70% were aware of the Oklahoma Problem Gambling Helpline while 33% were aware of treatment options in the state, but 49% knew about Gamblers Anonymous meetings.
The good news is we have new data that shows there are large numbers of people who need help, but there is also a lack of awareness about treatment options which are free to most Oklahoma citizens.
When we have sports gambling in our state there is no way to know for sure if the prevalence rate will increase. Many who already gamble via the lottery or in casinos will also be those who participate in sports betting. But, there will be new customers and some of those will bet large amounts on sports and in-play betting as well.
Hopefully we can use this next year to be prepared by training more counselors, advocating for more money for treatment and better responsible gambling guidelines in tribal compacts, and developing an awareness campaign for treatment options.
Wiley
Wiley D. Harwell
Executive Director of OAPGG
IAMNDN Summer Camp
The annual IAMNDN summer camp took place June 13-15 and was hosted by the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes in Anadarko. Youth participants made their own flutes and participated in a youth powwow, and they also had the opportunity to learn to play musical instruments, DJing, and archery. Each day, the camp featured freshly cooked breakfast and lunch. Participants also received information about mental health, physical health, and substance abuse.
Midwest Conference on Problem Gambling and Substance Abuse
The 20th Annual Midwest Conference on Problem Gambling and Substance Abuse, “Together Again: Building a Future,” took place from June 21 to 23, 2023, in Kansas City. OAPGG staff and Oklahoma counselors attended the conference. Wiley presented an ethics training focusing on the professional ethics code, the responsibility of ethical committees and state licensure boards, and self-disclosure as a component of ethical practice. The results of the 2022 prevalence studies on problem gambling in Missouri and Oklahoma were shared in a keynote address by Dr. Devin Mills of Texas Tech University.
National Council on Problem Gambling Conference
The theme of the NCPG conference is “Capital Ideas” and will take place in Washington, DC, July 27-28. Now in its 37th year, the conference is the oldest and largest annual national conference that brings together people from all facets of healthcare, research, government and the many segments of the gambling industry. With top-notch national and international experts as speakers, as well as those who work on local and state levels, the conference is a unique resource for everyone who works in these fields, as well as those in recovery and concerned others. The conference provides both detailed in-depth knowledge and cross-training opportunities.
30-Hour Basic Training for Problem Gambling
OAPGG offers a 4-day online 30-hour basic training for problem gambling twice per year. The fall training will take place online October 6 and 13 and November 3 and 10 from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm each day.
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.
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
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.