Illinois Council on Problem Gambling

If you’re a counselor, there’s a good chance that someone struggling with or at-risk for problem gambling may walk into your office at some point. Will you be prepared to help them? It’s okay if you aren’t sure. Due to widespread misunderstanding around the nature of problem gambling, many insurance companies may not cover therapy for problem gambling in particular. It’s also possible you didn’t receive much education or hands-on training in school about problem gambling(we'd love to hear what your particular experience was). So, how do you help? Here are five steps any counselor can take to help their clients if they suspect problem gambling might be at play. 1. Create a safe, non-judgemental environment. Any patient, including someone living with problem gambling, is more likely to open up to you if they believe you can help and aren’t judging their experience. -- 2. Use a screening tool like the EDGE-SBIRT to identify the severity of the problem and the appropriate level of treatment. -- 3. Discover what the patient has tried independently or with other counselors and why they think those interventions were unsuccessful. -- 4. Understand what motivates your client. Gain a better understanding of the common fears and desires of those with gambling disorders so you can help your patient move toward things they’d like to achieve in the future. -- 5. Provide your patient with options that match their goals. These can be in areas like emotional management, budget relief, recovery, and relationship repair and educate your patient on gambling disorder so they have a clear picture of what they’re struggling with. -- The journey to recovery can be difficult and is rarely a straight road. But by meeting patients where they’re at and providing them with hope and affirmation, you’re making a real difference in the life of someone struggling with problem gambling. If you’re interested in learning more about integrating problem gambling into your practice, take a look at our upcoming events and trainings today. ⤵️ https://lnkd.in/g6XPN9KK #ProblemGambling #GamblingDisorders #Counselors #ProblemGamblingHelp

“There is substantial confusion over the nature of problem gambling and continuing existence of stigma associated with gambling disorder.” This key finding from the National Council on Problem Gambling’s latest report highlights an ongoing issue: many still don’t understand why problem gambling happens, how it’s treated, or what resources are available. Even more concerning? 53% of people still see problem gambling as a moral weakness. At ICPG, we know that’s not true—and we want to make sure you do, too. Problem gambling is a behavioral addiction that can impact anyone, leading to financial hardship, job loss, and even suicidal ideation. But support is available. How can you recognize it? Look for these signs: -Gambling despite serious negative consequences -Chasing losses to win money back -Feeling irritable when trying to cut back -Losing a sense of control over gambling behavior If you're a provider or community leader, you can be the one to extend a helping hand. We offer free continuing education credits through our online courses to equip you with the knowledge and tools to support patients struggling with problem gambling. 📖 Get started today: https://lnkd.in/g6XPN9KK What questions do you have about #ProblemGambling? Let us know in the comments! #ProblemGamblingAwareness #PGAM #GamblingDisorder #GamblingBehaviors

“It’s destroyed my life in ways I can’t begin to describe.” Dave Yeager is an 11-year U.S. Army veteran. On active duty, he was a leader in his unit. A soldier whose career was moving in the right direction. He was getting promoted. He was helping others get promoted. But problem gambling cost him everything, including his career in the military. Today, he’s five years into recovery, and he has one message for anyone struggling: “You are not alone. The longer this goes on, the more damage it’s going to do. So get help. Seek help. We’re here for you.” Dave’s right. Millions of Americans struggle with problem gambling, yet 80% never seek help, even as it devastates careers and families. But it doesn’t have to be this way. We can all play a role by showing compassion, listening without judgment, connecting someone to support, or being the support ourselves. Whether you’re a provider or a community member, you can learn how to help.  Are you ready? Start here: 📑 https://lnkd.in/gkx8TWp3 #ProblemGambling #ProblemGamblingAwareness #GamblingDisorder #RealStories

Join us for the 2nd Annual AAPI Conference on Problem Gambling! 📅 April 24, 2025 📍 A powerful event for counselors, social workers, community leaders & advocates. This free conference is a space to break stigma, raise awareness, and explore solutions surrounding problem gambling in Asian-American communities. 🎤 Engaging speakers 🎭 Live cultural performances 🧠 Meaningful dialogue 💬 A dynamic panel discussion with actionable insights Together, we can foster understanding, reduce stigma, and build stronger, healthier communities. #ProblemGamblingAwareness

#Illinois healthcare providers: Need free CE credits? We get it: keeping up with CE requirements can feel like a scramble. Costly courses don’t always fit the budget, and finding time to complete them isn’t easy. At the same time, too few healthcare providers feel confident identifying problem gambling or knowing how to support patients who may be struggling. That’s why ICPG offers free CE courses on problem gambling, giving you no-cost credits while making learning accessible and engaging. Earn CE credits from the comfort of your home and stay ahead on licensure. Ready to check it out? Start learning today ⤵️ #ProblemGambling #ContinuingEducation #FreeCE #IllinoisHealthcareProviders

Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), the Illinois Lottery, and the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) recognize March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month in Illinois and are highlighting ways the state is working to prevent gambling disorder and support those in need of recovery. As we enter March Madness, this is prime time to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and highlight the resources available to those affected by problem gambling. At the Illinois Council on Problem Gambling, we’re committed to providing education and resources for mental health providers across Illinois to better support their patients impacted by Problem Gambling. Let’s work together to start conversations, support one another, and promote hope and recovery. 💜 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gk3yV77i #PGAM2025 #ProblemGamblingAwareness #IllinoisCouncilOnProblemGambling #RecoveryIsPossible

March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month, and we’re sharing real stories from people who have struggled with problem gambling and found recovery. You might think problem gambling could never affect you or someone you love. But what about an athlete? A veteran? Your teenage child? The faces of problem gambling aren’t strangers. They’re leaders in our communities, the fit, active friends we admire, and the children who now have easier access to gambling than ever, right from their smartphones. We all know someone who could struggle with problem gambling, now or in the future. If that day comes, will you know how to help? Start by taking 10 minutes to watch "The Silent Struggle" today(and sharing it with your network, friends, and family). 📽️https://lnkd.in/g_5bjy3M #ProblemGambling #ProblemGamblingAwarenessMonth #PGAM #GamblingDisorder

Our own Heather Martinez was one of several experts featured on the #WagerDanger podcast this month. We encourage you to listen to the episode, share it with anyone who could benefit, and let us know what you learned in the comments. ⤵️ #ProblemGambling #ProblemGamblingAwareness #IllinoisProblemGambling #ProblemGamblingResources

March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM), a grassroots campaign that coordinates state and national activities to increase public awareness of problem gambling and the availability of prevention, treatment and recovery services. Learn more about this year's theme “Seeking Understanding” and view upcoming PGAM activities at NCPGambling.org/PGAM 

Curious about how being able to gamble from the comfort of your home affects the prevalence of problem gambling at large? Our own Heather Martinez shared an article by CBS News about just that. #ProblemGambling #GamblingAwareness