Hilton Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport
Special $119 Hotel Rate + tax
(limited availability!)
CEU Credits Available
With gambling no longer limited to casinos and racetracks, young adults are being targeted in ways we’ve never seen before. From sports betting apps to online casinos, gambling is embedded in their digital lives—and the consequences are growing. Since the expansion of online betting in 2018, rates of problem gambling among young adults have surged. Are parents, college staff, coaches and counselors ready?
This year’s MNAPG conference will explore the why behind the trend, review the latest research and share insights from experts in treatment, recovery and academia. Through deep discussion and collaboration, attendees will leave with a clearer understanding—and a shared set of next steps.
Who Should Attend? The conference is appropriate for college staff, addiction counselors and therapists, social workers, law enforcement, school and church leaders, other health care and social service workers, lawyers, financial professionals, people in recovery and their families. CEU credits are available from various Minnesota professional licensing boards.
SPEAKERS
Dr. Serena King, PhD
This presentation will share the latest findings from the Minnesota Student Survey, one of the largest national data sources on youth gambling. Conducted every three years, the survey collects responses from students in grades 8, 9 and 11 across the state. We will highlight results from the 2022 and 2025 surveys, examining trends in gambling across demographic groups and other key factors. The discussion will place these findings in the broader context of gambling and gaming trends, exploring the pathways that can lead young people from adolescence into gambling during the transition to adulthood. Finally, we will outline practical steps to help prevent and address problem gambling and gaming in emerging adulthood.
Michelle L. Malkin, JD, PhD
College Student Gambling: Pre and Post Legality
This presentation explores the legality of different types of gambling and their impact on gambling behaviors and risks among college students, using data collected from multiple universities within a single state, across states and nationally. Findings show that students engage in both traditional and emerging forms of gambling. While increased legality appears to raise prevalence, risk levels have not yet shown a corresponding rise. Students generally view gambling as at least a minor problem on their campuses, yet few receive education on responsible gambling or are screened for gambling-related harms. The presentation also examines comorbidities with substance use.
Jeff Wasserman
Saul Malek
Conversation with Jeff Wasserman, Robby Fuqua and Saul Malek person in recovery
This session features a conversation with individuals on the front lines of gambling disorder. Jeff, a person in long-term recovery, leads many online recovery sessions that are regularly attended by young adults. Saul, in more recent recovery, will share his personal experiences and the harms gambling has had on his life. Robby, a treatment provider, will discuss the growing number of young people in his practice who have been harmed by various forms of gambling, particularly sports betting.
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Michelle L. Malkin, JD, PhD
The Betting Blueprint: A New Wellness-Oriented Curriculum to Reduce Gambling-Related Harms among College Students
Updated research highlights the need for educating college students about gambling. In response, The Betting Blueprint was developed to specifically address gambling and related issues among students. The program offers flexible modules that can be tailored to different student populations and available time. The curriculum emphasizes that college students are likely to gamble and teaches strategies for gambling in healthier, lower-risk ways. It also provides guidance on recognizing early signs of gambling-related harm and on how to start conversations about gambling concerns with others.
Michelle L. Malkin, JD, PhD
While several gambling screens have been shown to be valid and reliable across different populations, the rise of gambling-related harms among emerging adults (ages 18–24) presents a new challenge. Research indicates that this group may experience gambling risks and harms differently than other populations. To address this gap, Dr. Malkin helped develop a new gambling screen tailored specifically to emerging adults, including college students. The tool is designed to identify individuals who may benefit from further assessment and potential treatment. Because most campuses lack dedicated treatment resources for gambling-related issues—often due to limited awareness—this presentation will also introduce the Collegiate Counselor Gambling Certificate, a new initiative to better equip campus counselors to address these concerns.
Action Steps/Policy Implications
MNAPG’s mission is to educate and advocate on behalf of those harmed by gambling. This session will invite your feedback on what you’ve learned today and gather your ideas for actions you can take within your own organizations. Remember, change happens incrementally—but it begins with taking the first steps.
Interactive table talk
Each table will have an assigned scribe to capture key points. During the last 10 minutes, we’ll ask for brief reports from each group. All notes will be collected, compiled and shared with attendees after the session.
Suggested actions
- Review or establish internal gambling policies for students within your organization.
- Encourage at least one counselor to complete MNAPG’s micro community leader training.
- Support one licensed counselor in completing full problem gambling treatment training to qualify for DHS reimbursement.
- Include problem gambling literature and resources alongside other student information.
- Create targeted awareness opportunities for student athletes.
- Join MNAPG in advocating for policy changes that allow gambling prevention materials in middle and high schools.
- Partner with us in supporting consumer protections as part of any gambling expansion legislation in Minnesota.
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2024 Speakers
Judith Glynn
They didn’t play, they shouldn’t pay: Family harm from gambling is a problem we can solve
Judith Glynn – 1 CEU
This presentation will apply a problem-solving framework to prevent and reduce the harm to families, friends and communities from people who are experiencing gambling problems. Drawing on research, policy analysis and interviews with a range of experts, including family members harmed by gambling, this presentation will: 1) analyze the problem of family harm, 2) identify a range of potential solutions and associated stakeholders who can contribute, and 3) collaborate with the audience to map out a plan of action to address this long-neglected need.
Jim Huh
A Personal Look at the Financial Harm of Gambling Disorder and a Path to Financial Recovery
Jim Huh, GamFin – 1 CEU
Gambling disorder can strip gamblers of their life savings. A former financial adviser and gambler in recovery, Jim Huh shares ways to limit the financial damage of the disorder and how to create a financial plan that works in recovery.
Bili Banjoko
Lucas Patterson
Ange Hwang
Beyond Borders: Addressing Problem Gambling Across Communities
Bili Banjoko, Lucas Peterson, Ange Hwang – 1 CEU
Join our expert panel as we delve into the current state of problem gambling and the crucial next steps needed to effect change. With a focus on community perspectives and real-world solutions, our discussion will highlight successful initiatives, gaps in support systems and a vision for the future of treatment and prevention.
Dr. Jeremiah Weinstock
Gambling and Suicide: The Who, The Why and What to Do
Dr. Jeremiah Weinstock – 2 CEUs
Approximately 46,000 Americans died by suicide in 2020, which is equivalent to one person every 11 minutes. Unfortunately, individuals with gambling problems are at an increased risk for suicide ideation, attempts and completion. About a third of callers to gambling helplines reported suicidal ideation within the past year, and approximately 11% of callers reported recent suicidal ideation. The purpose of this training is to examine suicide, its risk factors and clinical practice within the context of individuals with gambling disorder. Several active learning exercises are incorporated into the training.
Cat Nakhornsak
Community Voices: Addressing Problem Gambling in the Lao Community
Cat Nakhornsak – 1 CEU
Join us for an intimate conversation highlighting the unique challenges faced by the Lao community and the top priorities for making meaningful progress in the current state of problem gambling.
Dave Yeager
The Hidden Battle: A Silent Gambling Disorder Among Military Service Members and Veterans
Dave Yeager – 1 CEU
Service members and veterans are at particularly high risk for developing gambling disorder. Learn about the history of gambling in the military and hear from someone who personally endured — and is now in recovery from — a gambling addiction he developed in the military.
RECAP of 2023 CONFERENCE SPEAKER VIDEOS
Dr. Timothy W. Fong
Better Luck Tomorrow: Gambling Among Asian American Pacific Islanders
Dr. Timothy W. Fong discusses the cultural values of gambling among Asian American Pacific Islanders and how that contributes to gambling and problem gambling.
The All-In Podcast Comes to Minnesota
Brian Hatch and Jeff Wasserman do a live episode of “All-In: The Addicted Gambler’s Podcast.”
Dr. Timothy W. Fong
The Impact of Sports Betting on Mind, Body and Brain
Dr. Timothy W. Fong discusses the potential impacts of the rapid expansion in sports gamblers and how to assess sports bettors who may be at risk for gambling disorder.
Cara Macksoud
Alex De Marco
Resources and Tools for Financial Counseling in Gambling Disorder Treatment
Cara Macksoud and Alex De Marco discuss resources and tools for financial counseling during treatment for gambling addiction.
Problem Gambling and Alexithymia: Implications for Interviewing, Screening and Intervention
Jerrod Brown, Ph.D.
Gambling Disorders in a New Era of Gambling
Jody Bechtold, LCSW, ICGC-II, BACC, CGT
CEO, The Better Institute
Caring for our Military and Veterans: Ethical Considerations for Culturally Informed Care
Heather Chapman, Ph.D., ICGC-II, BACC
Sports Betting Integrity and Today’s Student Athlete
Daniel Trolaro, Vice President, EPIC Risk Management
How Can We Move Forward with Cultural Humility/DEI Absent a Strategic Plan?: What’s Your Navigation System?”
Deborah G. Haskins, Ph.D., LCPC, Board-Approved Supervisor, MAC, ICGC-II, CCGSO, BACC, CGT
Emergence of Problem Gambling from Childhood to Emerging Adulthood: A Systematic Review
Serena King, L.P.
Professor and Chair, Psychology, Hamline University
Responding to Acquired Brain Injury in Problem Gambling Treatment
Katie Richard, B.S., LADC, CPGC –
Outpatient Intake Supervisor, Vinland Center
Thomas Beckers, LADC, CBIS –
Director of Residential Services, Vinland Center
How Do We Talk About Risk So It Sticks with Folks Under the Age of 35? A conversation about personal finance
Dan Trolaro, VP Epic Risk Management
Chris Farrell, Senior Economics Contributor. MPR/APMG