About MNAPG
Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling (MNAPG), Minnesota affiliate to the National Council on Problem Gambling, is a non-profit, gambling-neutral organization dedicated to improving the lives of Minnesotans affected by problem gambling. MNAPG is a coalition of individuals and organizations sharing the belief that problem gambling is a serious public health problem that is both treatable and preventable.
MNAPG works to raise public awareness about problem gambling and the stigma that’s often associated with it. We advocate for funding for treatment programs and provide professional training for those who work with problem gamblers. The collective impact of our efforts helps individuals, their families and their communities deal with the devastating effects of problem gambling.
As a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, MNAPG is funded by membership fees, financial and in-kind donations, and state and private grants. A considerable portion of our funding comes from the state of Minnesota and from major corporate sponsorships from the Minnesota Lottery, Canterbury Park, the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe and the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community.
Mission Statement
The Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by problem gambling through advocacy, education, training and research.
We achieve this by:
- bringing together those with a professional or personal interest in problem gambling,
- providing complete, accurate and unbiased information,
- advocating for public policies that assist problem gamblers and their families,
- raising public awareness of problem gambling,
- identifying those whose professions might bring them in contact with problem gamblers and their families, and educating those professionals on appropriate interventions,
- advocating for, conducting and disseminating research that furthers our understanding of problem gambling, and
- developing, delivering and supporting programs to prevent problem gambling.
Core Values
MNAPG works toward our vision by upholding these core values:
- Neutrality – We are neither for nor against legalized gambling.
- Accuracy – We strive to ensure that all information we provide is accurate and complete.
- Compassion – We recognize that problem gambling does not result from moral failings and that those with a gambling problem are not inherently bad people.
- Inclusion – We believe that the interests of those affected by problem gambling are best served by inclusion of a wide range of interests. These interests include, but are not limited to, those in recovery, family members, treatment professionals, the gambling industry, those having professional contacts with problem gamblers, and those in other helping professions.
SERVICES WE OFFER
Community Outreach
MNAPG exhibits and presents at dozens of professional conferences around the state of Minnesota, providing us opportunities to speak one-on-one with mental health and substance abuse providers. We also present to numerous community groups to provide basic information regarding problem gambling and to offer support to those who may have a family member who has a gambling disorder.
Education
We produce a quarterly newsletter, employ social media and produce written articles for submission in other addiction publications. We target the general public, health professionals and legislators. We also produce symposiums, webinars, an annual conference and promote the efforts of trusted sources to provide the latest information on new research, industry trends, treatment best practices and gambling’s relationship with other addictions.
Membership
As a membership organization, we firmly believe in the power of the voice. By bringing together all stakeholders with a touchpoint to gambling, we fully understand the complexities of gambling and its impact on a small, but nonetheless significant, percentage of the population.
Research
MNAPG conducts research on a range of important topics to provide greater understanding of this addiction.
Speaker’s Network
Through our Speaker’s Network, a gambling addiction professional visits mental health and social services programs and introduces the topic of problem gambling and gambling addiction to staff. These visits can be arranged anywhere in Minnesota and are free. The purpose is to educate professionals who are not gambling specialists to the basics of gambling addiction as well as alert them to assessment, referral and treatment options available throughout the state.
To learn more or to arrange a visit, contact MNAPG Executive Director Susan Sheridan Tucker or call (612) 424-8695.
ABOUT MNAPG
Highlights from the Minnesota Conference on Problem Gambling
Hearing from those with lived experience in gambling addiction is crucial. We focus on two such presentations from our recent conference. Read More
MNAPG Sitemap
New Additions to MNAPG Staff
We welcome Sonja Mertz and Eboun Wibourn to the MNAPG staff. Sonja joined MNAPG in August as our new community educator and Eboun joined MNAPG in September as our new office manager. READ MORE
MNAPG In The News
Susan Sheridan Tucker included in Star Tribune and Minnesota Reformer articles. READ MORE
MNAPG BOARD
SUNNY CHANTHANOUVONG
Sunny has served as the Executive Director of the Lao Assistance Center of Minnesota since 2001 and has been working with fellow refugees in Minnesota and across the U.S. as a Youth Specialist since 1991. In addition to his service at Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling, Sunny also serves on the Minnesota Compulsive Gambling Advisory Committee, the Minneapolis Human Rights Commission and the Asian Pacific Health Consortium.
SEAN COPELAND
Sean has worked as an attorney for the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa since 2010 and has served as the Band’s Tribal Attorney since 2013. At Fond du Lac, he performs legal work related to tribal governance, natural resources, education, healthcare, and gaming.
DON FEENEY
(MEMBER AT LARGE)
A cofounder of Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling in 2001, Don has served as a board member since the organization’s inception. Additionally, Don served on the board of the National Council for Problem Gambling for 14 years, including two years as president. He began working on gambling policy in 1984 – during the Perpich administration – and though now retired from full-time work, continues to consult.
MARIE HINTON
(SECRETARY)
Marie is a public affairs strategist at the Minnesota Lottery and a member of the Lottery’s Responsible Gambling Task Force. The Minnesota Lottery became one of the founding corporate members of the Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling in 2001. Marie has represented the Minnesota Lottery on the Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling Board since January 2018.
MICHAEL HOCHMAN
Michael has been with Canterbury Park in Shakopee, Minnesota since 2000, and has served as their Vice President of Casino Operations since 2009. He opened and managed the card room for the Suquamish tribe in the Seattle area from 1996-2000, and worked in both poker and table games in Las Vegas from 1988-1996. Michael has served on the MNAPG Board since 2004.
JEFF HUDSON
(PRESIDENT)
Jeff is a compulsive gambler in recovery since 2011. In his professional life, Jeff has been a teacher and currently works with businesses to provide skill development for employees. He has also facilitated numerous programs for Gamblers Anonymous and looks at service as an important part of his recovery. Jeff joined the Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling board in 2020 and is particularly interested in bringing together diverse stakeholders in the problem gambling community.
RACHEL JENNER
(TREASURER)
Executive Director of Allied Charities of Minnesota
Rachel has worked in the lawful gambling industry for over 20 years and serves as the CEO of Destination Education a Scholarship Foundation providing college scholarships to graduates. Rachel is also a wife and mom who loves to bake and travel.
CRAIG JOHNSON
LADC and MN Certified Gambling Treatment Provider
Craig is a licensed addictions counselor and mental health practitioner with Club Recovery. Over the years he has developed a perspective on treatment based on his own journey in recovery and by pursuing both undergraduate and graduate degrees focusing on addiction and psychology. Craig completed the Addiction Studies Program at Metropolitan State University and earned my master’s degree at St. Mary’s University in Counseling and Psychology.
MARY MAGNUSON
Mary is a St. Paul attorney who practices in the area of regulatory compliance and gaming. She is a strong proponent of responsible gaming programs and uses the knowledge and experience she has gained from Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling to educate other lawyers, gaming operators and gaming vendors on the issue of problem gambling.
RENEE MOST
(MEMBER AT LARGE)
Director of StepUP, a Collegiate Recovery Program at Augsburg University.
Rachel has worked in the behavioral health since 2002 and believes families and individuals deserve an opportunity to receive support. Renee joined the board to assist in bringing public awareness to problem gambling.
MARTI PAULSON
Executive Director/CEO of Project Turnabout/Vanguard
Marti has been with Project Turnabout since 2005, serving in many different leadership roles throughout the years. She is also a Registered Nurse, and one of very few nurses in Minnesota who are Internationally Certified as an Addictions Registered Nurse (CARN). Marti has presented at multiple state and national conferences on problem gambling, chemical addiction and rural healthcare issues.
KATIE RICHARD
(VICE PRESIDENT)
LADC and MN Certified Gambling Treatment Provider
Kati has been a substance use counselor since 2015 and became problem gambling certified in September 2020. Katie helped establish the gambling program at Vinland National Center and is leading the efforts to build their outpatient program.
RANDY STINCHFIELD
PhD
Randy is a clinical psychologist and retired faculty member from the University of Minnesota Medical School. He has conducted research on problem gambling and gambling disorder in both youth and adults. His research has been published in scholarly journals and monographs. He has been a board member since the inception of Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling and provides a gambling research perspective that helps to fulfill the mission of the organization.
MNAPG STAFF
SUSAN SHERIDAN TUCKER
Executive Director
sstucker@mnapg.org
Susan Sheridan Tucker is the Executive Director of Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling. She’s been with the organization since 2018. Susan was recently elected to serve on the National Council on Problem Gambling Board of Directors. Over the past 30 years, Susan’s career has focused on nonprofit management, building organizations and advocating for those with diminished voice or power. In the short time that Susan’s been involved with problem gambling, she’s learned a great deal about gambling disorder and the gambling industry and sees tremendous opportunities for improving the delivery system of care. Susan is also intrigued by the movement to emphasize healthy play for all. One of Susan’s hopes is for mental health and behavioral health providers to receive significant training on gambling disorder and to integrate their care plans to reflect this highly prevalent co-occurring morbidity.
SONJA MERTZ
Community Educator
Sonja joins the organization with a variety of skills in prevention research, education and advocacy. Formerly a Prevention Research Specialist with the Minnesota Prevention Resource Center, Sonja will expand our outreach efforts throughout Minnesota and will help to develop programs specifically geared towards youth, college-aged and families, while also promoting general awareness of gambling issues. Sonja holds a Master of Library and Information Science from St. Catherine University and a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Theater Arts.
EBOUN SINGHATHIP WILBOURN
Operations Manager
Eboun comes with a wealth of experiences in the nonprofit realm. Eboun was the Education and Operations Manger for over 10 years for Minneapolis Television Network and had stints as an office manager and as a marketing director’s assistant. She provides tech support for special education teachers at a local charter school. Eboun’s eclectic experiences and skills in managing an office, keeping productions running and her varied technical skills will be welcomed assets to our organization. Eboun received her Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Behavior and Leadership from Concordia University.
STRATEGIC PLAN
Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling’s strategic plan was approved by the board of directors in April, 2019. The final plan details six major organizational goals and 19 key strategies.
Goals
The goals identified in the process look out 10-15 years and will require strong partnerships to achieve. These goals include:
- Fewer Minnesotans become problem gamblers.
- Minnesotans experience fewer negative consequences from problem gambling.
- Minnesotans view problem gambling as a public health issue.
- There is adequate funding to prevent and reduce problem gambling.
- Minnesotans can access appropriate treatment, aftercare.
- MNAPG is the go-to source for information, resources on problem gambling, responsible gambling.
Key Strategies
Key strategies to help advance goals will take 3-7 years to complete or maintain. These strategies include:
- Obtain stable state funding
- Fund priority efforts
- Ensure MNAPG is fiscally stable
- Ensure plan adherence
- Align staff composition and work to key priorities
- Be source of best practices for treatment and aftercare
- Maintain reputation as content and policy expert
- Influence policy positions and efforts on problem gambling
- Educate people about problem gambling and prevention
- Facilitate access to appropriate information and services
- Be source of best practices for prevention
- Lead a strong coalition of problem gambling stakeholders
- Develop statewide problem gambling prevention plan
- Leverage coalition to close gaps in continuum of care
- Partner to ensure underrepresented communities are served
- Advocate for increased funding for research, prevention and treatment
- Facilitate training delivery to targeted audiences
- Ensure policies place problem gambling on par with other addictions
- Advocate with legislators about problem gambling as public health issue