Connections: Healthy Gambling and Gaming

Content Warning: this episode discusses mental health concerns, including suicidal thoughts.Exploring the turning points that move people from gambling harm toward honesty, recovery, and helping others. People impacted by gambling harm often carry years of secrecy, shame, and emotional exhaustion before finding a path to change. In this episode, Adam Lyons (The Modern Meeting podcast) shares his journey with host Tana Russel. From early exposure to gambling at nine years old through two decades of chasing wins, hiding losses, and searching for fresh starts on an odyssey across the American gambling landscape, he opens up about the emotional reckoning that led him to seek the support that carried him into recovery.“I didn’t want to take my own life, but I did not want to live this life anymore."This conversation explores the impact of long-term gambling harm, the courage required to finally confront the truth, the relief that comes from connection, and the transformative role community can play in healing. Adam’s journey reminds us that the first step belongs to the individual, yet the strength to continue comes from the community that walks beside them.Resources:Suicide Helpline: call/text 988 - https://988lifeline.org/Washington Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-547-6133 (find a certified gambling counselor and other resources in Washington state): https://www.evergreencpg.org/National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738 - find a certified gambling counselor and other resources in the US): https://www.ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/Gam-Anon: https://gam-anon.org/Gamblers Anonymous: https://gamblersanonymous.org/Gamblers, Family, and Friends In Recovery: https://gamblersinrecovery.com/ Reddit/problem gambling: https://gam-anon.org/

Exploring how gambling exposure in childhood and adolescence can shape risk and harm later in life, and what adults need to know to intervene sooner.In this episode of Connections, host Paulina Zyskowski, Prevention and Community Engagement Specialist at the Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling, is joined by prevention and behavioral health professionals Mina Hazar, Manager of the Youth Gambling Awareness Program at the YMCA of Greater Toronto; Karen Hlady (MA, GIS, IGDC), Addictions and Gambling Prevention Specialist based in British Columbia; and Maureen Greeley, Executive Director of the Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling. Together, they examine how early gambling exposure can look like, why it is often overlooked, and what research and practice reveal about long term impact.Drawing from experience across the United States and Canada, the panel discusses brain development, stigma, cultural context, media and financial literacy, and how parents, educators, and caregivers can recognize risk and start honest, nonjudgmental conversations with young people.Resources:Healing Animal Adoptionshttps://www.evergreencpg.org/donations/adoption/Youth Gambling Awareness Programhttps://www.ymcagta.org/youth-programs/youth-gambling-awareness-programYouth Have the Powerhttps://youthhavethepower.org/  

Exploring the transformative effects of creating safe spaces for women in recovery—building community from isolation one story at a time.Women impacted by gambling harm often face uniquechallenges from caregiving roles to social expectations, and the lack of women-centered recovery spaces. This episode, featuring guests Terra Carbert (Ambitious Addicts) and Christina Cook (The Broke Girl Society), explores the origins and impact of the Broke Girl Society (BGS) Facebook forum and podcast. A growing community of nearly 3,100 women, BGS offers connection, support, and hope to women in recovery from gambling harm. The conversation addresses stigma, unique impacts from gambling experienced by women, and the importance of safe spaces where women can openly share their pain and discover pathways to healing. Resources:The Broke Girl Societyhttps://thebrokegirlsociety.com/ Ambitious Addictshttps://ambitiousaddicts.com/ Gender Differences in Problem Gamblers in an Online Gambling Setting (Research: National Library of Medicine)https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4736715/ Women’s gambling behaviour, product preferences, andperceptions of product harm: differences by age and gambling risk status (Research: National Library of Medicine)https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5916584/#:~:text=Age%20group%20was%20significantly%20associated,more%20likely%20than%20younger%20women. Examining Gender Differences for Gambling Engagement and Gambling Problems Among Emerging Adults (Research: National Library of Medicine)https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7443450/#:~:text=In%20total%2C%20786%20respondents%20(78,%25%2C%20p%3C0.001).&text=Statistical%20comparisons%20were%20made%20between,file%20number%202018/495)

Many people who end up developing a Gambling Disorder never intend to commit a crime, but the desperation to continue gambling or to make ends meet can lead them there.  The traditional criminal justice system is wholly unprepared to adequately address an underlying Gambling Disorder, or to support the recovery of incarcerated individuals how now have even more access to gambling within jails and prisons.  This episode explores gambling-motivated crimes, the criminal justice system, and other intersecting life impacts that are felt by many individuals and families across the country each year.

Oblio Stroyman (he/him, they/them) talks about their work as a mental health and gambling addiction therapist who specializes in working with families and 2SLGBTQIA+ clients. What can clients do to cope with fears and anxiety about their health, rights, and safety? What can providers do to support their clients and find resources? What do you do if the family you are born into isn’t providing the support you need? This episode discusses those questions and more!Visit our blog for resources and more information:

Sex, Substances, and Gambling:Exploring Their Surprising Similarities – S6E1 Hosts of the Calm and Cool podcast, Jeff Burt and Miguel Alvarado talk about their recovery from sex, porn, and substances as well as what they have learned about gambling addiction.  They discuss parenting struggles, addiction in the digital age, grieving lost dreams, and the gift of transformation.  Since they have taken a quest to better understand gambling addiction, Tana tests their knowledge.   Resources: Calm and Cool Podcast (Website)  Calm and Cool Podcast (YouTube)  Washington State Problem Gambling Helpline – 24/7 connection to a live Helpline specialist CALL or TEXT:   CHAT:  National Problem Gambling Helpline   Chat:  988 Lifeline – If you need to talk, the 988 Lifeline is here.

In this episode Tana is joined by her boss, Maureen Greeley, Executive Director of ECPG; Cait Huble, Director of Communications at the National Council on Problem Gambling; and Randy Warick, Director of Sales and Marketing at Washington's Lottery.  They discuss what Gift Responsibly campaigns are about, how they started vs. what they look like now, and why this message is important for anyone helping to influence the healthy development of children in today's very complicated world. 

When people talk about tribal gaming, they often are talking about modern day casinos and gambling as part of the entertainment industry.  However, that's not how things started. Join Tana Russell, SUDP, NCTTP, WSCGC-II, CGT, and Co-host Ricki Peone, LMSW, ICGC-II, BACC, together with guest, and Turtle Island storyteller, Roger Fernande as they discuss gambling, gambling games, and their impact on culture and community.

Dr. Shandra Parks, President of the Maryland Council on Problem Gambling, joins podcast host Tana Russell, Deputy Director of the Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling, on this episode. Together they discuss gambling-related impacts in black communities through Dr. Parks' professional background first working in faith communities and financial social work, before also becoming a Certified Gambling Counselor, the President of the Maryland Council on Problem Gambling, and owner of Sparks Wellness Group. Together they explore how the worlds of faith, finances, and gambling collide to affect the lives of individuals, families, and communities. Resources: Maryland Council on Problem Gambling: https://www.marylandproblemgambling.org/   ECPG Problem Gambling Awareness Month 2024: https://www.evergreencpg.org/pgam-2024/  

TikTok meets gambling recovery – Rob One Day At A Time (O.D.A.A.T.) joins us to discuss how he’s spreading awareness and offering support through social media using his own story of recovery.       Resources:    Rob ODAAT website: https://www.robodaat.com/about-me/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rob_odaat/   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rob_odaat   TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@rob_odaat   ECPG Helpline page: https://www.evergreencpg.org/help-and-hope/programs-and-services/helpline-info/  

Meet guests Jose Garcia, CGAC-I, CADC-II, and Antonio Sosa, SUDP, WSCGC-I, in this Connections podcast episode. They share their experiences about being a part of the rich Latino/a culture and hear about how they raise awareness for mental health and help care for and heal their communities. Resources: Didgwalic Wellness Center, Anacortes, WA New Horizon Programs,Hermiston, OR Swinomish Indian Traibal Community Wellness Program, La Conner, WA

Dr. Cash and Dr. Diez-Morel share how they got interested in studying and treating Gaming Disorder, why they have stayed involved in it, what inspired them to contribute to sharing knowledge, and recruiting others to the field.  They share the literature that has taught them a lot about the field, what they’ve studied, and what still needs to be researched.  Check it out!  Guests’ Websites and Publications:  Stephanie Diez-Morel  Stephanie Diez-Morel https://www.edinboro.edu/academics/schools-and-departments/cshp/departments/social-work/sdiez.php  Reboot & Recover: https://rebootandrecover.org/   Stephanie Diez-Morel publications: ResearchGate Profile and GoogleScholar Profile   Book: Social Workers’ Desk Reference, Fourth Edition  Study: Cross-Addiction Risk Profile Associations with COVID-19 Anxiety: a Preliminary Exploratory Study (2022)  Study: The Mediating Effects of Problematic Internet and Video Gaming Behaviors on Family, Cultural, and Individual Constructs among Latinx and Non-Latinx Black Youth (2019)    Dr. Hilarie Cash  Dr. Hilarie Cash publications page on ResearchGate  Website: https://www.restartlife.com/   Book: Video Games & Your Kids: How Parents Stay in Control   Workbook: Facing Internet Technology and Gaming Addiction: A Gentle Path to Beginning Recovery from Internet and Video Game Addiction    Resources Mentioned in This Episode:  Book: Internet Gaming Disorder, by Daniel King and Paul Delfabbro  Book: Reset Your Child’s Brain: A Four-Week Plan to End Meltdowns, Raise Grades, and Boost Social Skills by Reversing the Effects of Electronic Screen-Time, by Victoria Dunkley  Book: Socialworkers’ Desk Reference (chapter 46)  Book: The Psychology of Video Games, by Celia Hodent  Podcast: Recommended Reads (problem gambling episode)  Study: Screening and assessment tools for gaming disorder: A comprehensive systematic review, by King et al. (2020)  Training: Foundations in Gaming Disorder training (8 to 30 CEs)   Webpage: American Psychiatric Association, Internet Gaming Disorder  Webpage: https://zonein.ca/   Webpage: World Health Organization, Gaming Disorder 

Pros and Cons of Telemental Health – How to make the most of it This episode is a playback of one of our earlier ECPG LIVE! episodes. If you missed it then, you can catch it now! Telemental Health services are now available more than ever before and it looks like they aren’t going away. They have some clear benefits, as well as some drawbacks. Whether you are trying to determine if virtual counseling is right for you, a family member, or your own business, this episode will give you some good things to consider, and how to make the most of it. Referenced in this episode: William Castillo, Westwood Counseling: https://www.westwoodcounseling.net/ Original Video, blog, and resources: https://www.evergreencpg.org/video/ecpg-live-the-pros-and-cons-of-telemental-health/

Recap of 2021: Celebrating 2021 Successes and Discussing Hopes for 2022 Despite obstacles and hardships, 2021 was a productive year in the world of problem gambling awareness in WA state. Tana Russell and Maureen Greeley, with ECPG, chat with Roxane Waldron, Manager of the state Problem Gambling Program, to talk about what went well in 2021, and how they know it was actually successful. They get a bit excited over some data questions, but there is a good reason why.  Listen, to hear what they are hopeful about for 2022 in improving access to help services for anyone affected by gambling problems.

What exactly is a Social Casino and why have they faced so many legal challenges? Defining what it is, and what it is not, is part of the problem. A social casino may look like, sound like, and play like a traditional gambling game, just on a mobile device. Many people wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between a gambling site and a social casino site. Today’s episode is co-hosted by Jennifer Shatley, Responsible Gaming Consultant, Logan Avenue Consulting, with special guests Keith Whyte, Executive Director, National Council on Problem Gambling, and Todd Logan, Partner, Edelson PC. Together they explore how social casinos, given their potential for addiction, harm, and access by minors, can operate without the industry standards, consumer protections, and responsible gaming guidelines in place for gambling establishment counterparts.  Host Tana Russell, SUDP, WSCGC-II, NCTTP Co-Host Jennifer Shatley, Responsible Gaming Consultant With special guests: Keith Whyte, Executive Director, National Council on Problem Gambling Todd Logan, attorney, Edelson PC Resources: International Social Games Association NCPG’s Internet Responsible Gambling Standards (May 2021) NCPG’s Social Games Consumer Protection Guidelines (Oct. 2013) US Online Responsible Gaming Regulations (Jan. 2014) Washington State Gambling Commission – Illegal gambling activities in WA WSGC – Big Fish Games, Inc. Petition for Declaratory Order

The Story of Advocacy in the Aftermath of Suicide Ronda Hatefi, founder of Oregonians for Gambling Awareness and a true force of nature, shares her story of the loss of her brother to suicide due to gambling disorder in 1995, before anyone even knew to call it that.  Families across the country may relate to what her family went through as gambling took over her brother’s life and the aftermath of losing him.  She has honored his memory by using his story to help others and save lives for the past 25+ years.  She’s appeared in a number of TV segments and news stories and honors us in this episode by sharing what she feels most people really need to hear about this deadly disease, overcoming it, and the strength and love of family and friends who advocate for help. Resources: Gam-Anon (support for those affected by a loved ones’ gambling): https://www.gam-anon.org/ National Problem Gambling Awareness Month (March): https://www.evergreencpg.org/awareness/pg-awareness-month/ Oregonians for Gambling Awareness Org. (OGAO) and https://www.ogao.org/ PG Awareness Day (Sept. 29 in Oregon): https://problemgamblersawarenessday.ogao.org/ Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK): https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

From apples to peaches we have Kristi Weeks with the Washington Lottery and Bradley Bohannon with the Georgia Lottery joining us to talk about what responsible gaming can look like for lotteries and their customers.  Corporate responsibility is critical for the industry, important to customers, and is actually great for business too. Related Links: Washington Lottery: https://www.walottery.com/ WA Lottery Responsible Gambling page: https://www.walottery.com/Responsibility/ Georgia Lottery: https://www.galottery.com/en-us/home.html Georgia Lottery Play Responsibly page: https://www.galottery.com/en-us/about-us/play-responsibly.html North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries (NASPL): https://www.naspl.org/ NASPL Responsible Gambling page: https://www.naspl.org/responsiblegambling/

In a surprise ambush, we say goodbye to Julie Hynes as co-host of the Connections podcast. While we will miss her terribly, there is much excitement, and high expectations of what she can bring to the table in her new role on the road she now travels. Find out where she is going, what she’ll be doing, and how she’ll be working for problem gambling prevention in a new and impactful way. Don’t worry, the Connections podcast won’t be going anywhere. We're looking forward to guest co-hosts and more great interviews and topics.

How does a state lottery promote Responsible Gaming?  Townley Cheek, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager at the North Carolina Education Lottery, talks about lessons learned in her career about effective Responsible Gaming and prevention messaging.  Find out what they are doing now, the data that shows that it’s working, and why customers like it. Referenced in this episode: https://nclottery.com/PlaySmart

Dave Yaegar: Military, Addiction, Recovery, and Advocacy US Army Veteran Dave Yeager now devotes his life to helping and advocating for those in recovery from gambling.  He is host of the podcast “Fall In: The Problem Gambling Podcast for Military Service Members and Veterans”.  He is also the author of a book sharing his story from addiction to gambling through slot machine rooms on his military base while deployed, to criminal activity, a suicide plan, misguided interventions from those who “didn’t know what to do with me”, the struggle to find adequate help, and finally to now, a thriving life with healthy relationships and a purpose in helping others Learn more about Dave: · Subscribe to his podcast “Fall In: The Problem Gambling Podcast for Military Service Members and Veterans” on Spotifyor most places you normally get your podcasts. · Read his book: Be Happy with Crappy: A Journey Through Trauma, Addiction, Rock-Bottom and Recovery · Follow Dave on Twitter at @FallInPodcast