OAPGG Newsletter
Edition 51, January 2025
In This Issue:
Words from Wiley
Helpline Phone, Text, and Chat Information
18th Annual Statewide Conference on Problem Gambling
Basic Training for Problem Gambling (March 21 and 28, and April 18 and 25)
New Online Training Video
MCPGSA Call for Proposals
Join the Tribal Advisory Committee
Download Tribal Voices' Responsible Gambling Policy
Words from Wiley
Greetings,
2025 will be the most innovative and creative year for OAPGG since its founding in 2005. There have been other years of growth and expansion that have paralleled casino industry growth, but this year will surpass all other years.
January will mark the beginning of a new phone app to reduce gambling harm and the advent of text/chat capability for those seeking help. The app is called Evive, which has three pathways for helping with any gambling issue: (1) remain safe, (2) practice harm reduction or cut back, and (3) quit gambling. Each pathway has the capability of a daily check in and exercises to maintain and reach goals. There is also a community of support and the ability to use the app with a peer support specialist or a problem gambling counselor. Training to use the app will be offered this spring so that counselors and peer support specialists can become familiar with the app and how to use it with clients.
The most recent prevalence study (2022) revealed that the age groups below 35 have the highest risk for gambling problems. Therefore, the app is a way to reach the younger age groups that are less likely to call a helpline. The app is available to all citizens of Oklahoma which is verified by state zip codes. The new text/chat capability is also directed at the same age groups who are more likely to use text/chat. You can see the helpline, text, and chat information in a separate section of the newsletter.
For the new ventures to be successful it takes partnerships with many groups. ODMHSAS and our corporate sponsors have made this financially feasible. It will take all of our counseling centers and problem gambling counselors to complete the circle. We need your help in promotion and use of the app and text/chat. We will promote the new opportunities on social media.
May this be a great year for you personally, and I hope you will help OAPGG as our partners.
Wiley
Wiley D. Harwell
Executive Director of OAPGG
Problem Gambling Helpline Information
The helpline offers free, confidential support 24/7 via phone, text, or chat:
Phone: 1-800-GAMBLER
Text: 800-GAM
Chat: 1800gamblerchat.org
Calls and texts to the helpline are sent to the state call center associated with their area code; warm transfers are always provided to those who need a different state's information.
18th Annual Statewide Conference on Problem Gambling
OAPGG’s 18th Annual Statewide Conference will take place on Friday, March 7, from 9 am to 4 pm at the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Cultural Heritage Center (1899 S Gordon Cooper Dr, Shawnee, OK 74801).
Registration is $40 and includes lunch.
(Registration is already paid for ODMHSAS employees and OAPGG tribal partners. If you fall into either of these groups, please use the discount code PARTNER to bypass the payment.)
Participants who attend the full day will earn 7 hours of gambling-specific CEUs.
Basic Training for Problem Gambling
OAPGG offers a 4-day online 30-hour basic training for problem gambling twice per year. The spring training will take place online March 21 and 28 and April 18 and 25 from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm each day.
Basic training is the first step in becoming certified as a problem gambling counselor. This evidence-based basic training course is designed to help counselors, peer support specialists, and others build 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.
Free with registration:
12 hours of case consultation
ICGC certification prep class
counselor resources and workbook
The training is free to anyone in Oklahoma, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska, thanks to the Midwest Conference on Problem Gambling and Substance Abuse (MCPGSA) funding partners. For those outside the MCPGSA region, registration is $300.
New Training Video: Strategies and Skills for Triggers and Urges
OAPGG's newest training video on managing triggers and urges is available for rent. The training can be rented for 90 days and costs $30.
Training topics include:
the cycle of triggers and action
the neurobiology of cravings
strategies for helping clients cope with triggers
Earn 1.5 CEUs. Please note that you will need to complete a quiz and training evaluation before receiving your CEUs. The links will be sent when you rent the video.
This is the fifth online training video offered by OAPGG. View the full library here.
MCPGSA Call for Proposals
Proposals are currently being accepted for the 22nd Annual Midwest Conference on Problem Gambling and Substance Abuse, which is sponsored by the Midwest Consortium on Problem Gambling and Substance Abuse. For consideration by the review committee, please complete the online form and all submission requirements no later than January 31, 2025.
Conference Dates: June 18-20, 2025
Conference Location: Kansas City Marriott Country Club Plaza, Kansas City, Missouri
Deadline for Proposal Submission: January 31, 2025
Suggested Topics (Other topics will be considered)
Prevention
Emerging Issues in Addiction
Science/Research
Cultural
General Presentations
Suicide Prevention
Workforce shortage / burnout
Tribal Advisory Committee
Share your knowledge with OAPGG. We are seeking individuals who would like to serve on a tribal advisory committee. Your input will allow us to develop trainings, materials, and other resources that will be helpful to your customers and employees. If you are interested, please email Wiley (wharwell@oapgg.org).
Responsible Gambling Policy
In partnership with Tribal Voices, OAPGG offers a responsible gambling policy on our website. The policy combines industry best practices with clinical insight. The policy was developed several years ago, and due to interest at the 2024 OIGA conference, we are sharing it again here.
Policy sections include:
definitions of responsible gambling and problem gambling
self-exclusion and the lifting of self-exclusion
the role of casino employees
employee training
dealing with minors and other vulnerable groups
employee problem gambling
responsible gambling in marketing
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.