MNAPG in the News

A conversation about problem gambling.

Grab your headphones: MNAPG’s Susan Sheridan Tucker talked with the Star Tribune Michael Rand on the Daily Delivery podcast about Problem Gambling Awareness Month, March Madness betting, the sports betting bill at the Minnesota Capitol and more. LISTEN HERE

Did you know there are only 19 counselors in Minnesota that are licensed to treat gambling addiction?

Metro State University in St. Paul is helping tackle the shortage of licensed gambling addiction counselors with its problem gambling course, the first of its kind in the state. FOX 9 Mary McGuire visited Metro State this week to talk to instructor Craig Johnson about the course and the urgent need to get more licensed counselors as sports betting becomes more prevalent. WATCH VIDEO

March Madness is nearly upon us, bringing with it a massive influx of sports betting across the country.

To speak on the subject, our Executive Director Susan Sheridan Tucker stopped by FOX 9 Good Day to talk about the risks of betting apps, common signs of a gambling addiction, and what people can do to find help for their loved ones. WATCH VIDEO

Legalized mobile sports betting moves forward

Amid legislator concerns, a committee advanced a bill with a split voice vote. Susan Sheridan Tucker of the Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling testified that “If legislature expands gambling, it needs to expand education and treatment efforts.” READ MORE

Sports betting in Minnesota: Are we ready?

With the possible legalization of sports betting, state leaders must prioritize investments in treatment, prevention, outreach, and harm reduction, especially among at-risk groups, writes Serena King, chair of Hamline University’s Psychology Department. READ MORE

Local View: The NFL Playoffs action we’re not
talking about: the surge of youth gambling

Youth gambling is on the rise, and the big game offers an apt opportunity to talk to kids and teens about gambling addiction. MNAPG Executive Director Susan Sheridan Tucker shares more and offers some pointers on starting these conversations in her Duluth News Tribune. READ MORE

True GRIT: Deep Dive Into Rift Created By Federal Gaming Addiction Bill

The introduction of the GRIT Act created a platform for discussion in Washinton. MNAPG Executive Director and NCPG Board President Susan Sheridan Tucker gives her thoughts on the importance of the bill’s passage. READ MORE

Rolling the dice again on sports gambling in Minnesota

A hot topic at the Minnesota Legislature this session will no doubt be sports betting — and MNAPG will be at the forefront of this issue to advocate for important consumer safety elements to protect players and their families. We talked to Fox 9 to provide our perspective on this issue and how Minnesota has an opportunity to prepare for sports betting by providing more counselors. READ MORE

Everything Minnesotans should know about betting on sports in 2024

FAQ: Sports betting is spreading across America and taking a loud and bold hold on sporting culture, and it could come to Minnesota this year. Here’s what you should know about the subject. READ MORE

Think twice before giving lottery tickets as gifts this holiday season.

Why? Find out from Susan Sheridan Tucker-Executive Director of Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling. She talked with Vineeta on The WCCO Morning News. LISTEN

Reminder: Lottery tickets are just for adults, not gifts for kids

If you are thinking of giving a child or young person a lottery ticket as a holiday gift, think again. READ MORE

Measuring the online gaming and gambling risk for MN youth

Serena King from Hamline University shares her thoughts on the latest Minnesota student survey and what it means for youth gambling. READ MORE

Gambling treatment is free for Minnesotans struggling with addiction

Sharing an important and impactful read from Rochelle Olson of the Star Tribune on Project Turnabout — the state’s only residential gambling treatment program. So important that we continue to remind Minnesota residents help is free for those struggling with a gambling addiction. READ MORE

Gambling’s thrilling sensations led to desperation

Angie is a lifelong Minnesotan and a proud mom of three. She also happens to be in recovery for a gambling addiction. Read her reflections and discover how we can rethink our perspectives of gambling problems. READ MORE

Gambling disorder is underdiscussed. Here’s an inside view.

MNAPG Board President Jeff Hudson shares his personal experience with gambling addiction in MinnPost. “The hiding rolled into an expanding number of credit cards and consolidated loans. This combination of minimum payments, mounting lies, outfit changes and spritzes of Febreeze eluded everyone.” READ MORE

Trained Wall Street broker heading efforts against problem gambling like sports betting

We’re proud to be led by our Executive Director, Susan Sheridan Tucker, who works tirelessly to enact change and increase problem gambling awareness across Minnesota and beyond. Susan recently sat down with the Star Tribune to share some her experiences, from her beginnings on Wall Street to now serving as the Board President of the National Council on Problem Gambling. READ MORE

Problems with gambling? Here’s some options

Susan Sheridan Tucker the executive director of the Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling and Jennifer Spire from Preston Spire discuss what is available if you or a loved one has a problem with gambling. VIEW VIDEO

In Between Sessions, MN Faces Calls to Look at Sports Betting Risks

Minnesota is in wait-and-see mode again when it comes to legalizing online sports betting, and one lawmaker hopes for more public discussion about any potential harms before anticipated votes next year. READ MORE

Sports betting still illegal in Minnesota — and gambling still an addiction

This past legislative session at the Minnesota Capitol brought forth a bill to legalize sports betting in the state. While the bill ultimately failed to go through, there is no doubt legalizing sports betting will continue to be in the conversation, with a high likelihood of another bill presented next year. READ MORE

Our View: Minnesota’s sports-betting fail seen as an opportunity

It’s a chance to ensure that when sports betting does get passed here, it includes important measures to help Minnesotans better understand gambling addiction. READ MORE

Awareness for problem gambling, improving future bills

Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling’s Executive Director Susan Sheridan Tucker speaks with KTTC News Now about problem gambling, what else is needed in a future sports gambling bill that is looking like a top legislative priority in 2024. SEE VIDEO

Finding help for a problem gambling

Our Executive Director Susan Sheridan Tucker was featured on KARE 11 this weekend where she sat down with host Chris Hrapsky to share some common warning signs of a gambling addiction, and initial steps that you can take if you’re at all concerned about your gambling habits. SEE VIDEO

Getting a Handle on Gambling Debt: Advocates Say End of Tax Filing Season an Important Reminder to Reassess Gambling Behavior and Related Financial Trouble

With 250,000 Minnesotans exhibiting problems with gambling, the Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling (MNAPG) points to April’s Financial Literacy Month and the end of tax filing season as an important time to address financial issues rooted in frequent or problem gambling. READ MORE

With sports betting expansion, more help for problem gamblers is key

Legislation needs to include increases in treatment, prevention and research funding to match the proposed expansion of gambling rights. READ MORE

Raising awareness about problem gambling during March Madness tournament

March isn’t just for making brackets, it’s also Problem Gambling Awareness Month. The Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling is raising awareness about gambling addiction, as it predicts nearly $10 billion in both legal and illegal bets to be placed during this year’s NCAA Men’s Basketball March Madness. READ MORE

The Lure of Gambling, Online Gaming, and Sports Betting

When kids turned eighteen in Minnesota, a favorite way to highlight the occasion, especially in the early 2000’s, was with a night out at a nearby casino. They celebrated their milestone birthdays with all the exuberance of youth who’ve reached the legal age to participate in an adult activity. READ MORE

Addiction is Addiction is Addiction

The term “addiction” is defined as the state of being compulsively committed to a habit or practice or to something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming, such as narcotics, to such an extent that its cessation causes severe trauma. READ MORE

MN Sports-Betting Bill Advances

If approved, licenses would be provided to tribal nations around Minnesota to create sportsbooks at casinos, and Minnesotans age 21 and older could also place wagers through their phones, using online apps. READ MORE

Talking Points: Is legalized sports gambling a sure bet in Minnesota?

Minnesota lawmakers once again taking up proposal for legal sports betting. READ MORE

Researcher: Sports-Betting Apps Don’t Always Produce Touchdowns

As more states approve sports betting, some people are being inundated with advertisements for certain apps. Minnesotans might be drawn to a neighboring state like Iowa, where they can place a bet online after crossing the border. READ MORE

Sports Betting Explodes, the Need to Play Responsibly Follows

Sports betting is enjoying an explosion the likes of which we’ve never seen. A pivotal Supreme Court ruling in 2018 that allowed all states to legalize sports gambling has ushered in an ongoing frenzy. While Minnesota is not among the first states to legalize sports gambling, it appears to be on the way. Regardless of the legality of sports betting in Minnesota, many sports fans are finding ways to participate.

Youth Gambling Poses Significant Risk for Gambling Addiction

Simply put, it’s a bad idea. What may seem like a fun and harmless gift for a young person can lead many to a gambling addiction as they get older. Why? Years of research around the globe have shown that children don’t have the cognitive brain development to understand the potential risks of gambling, especially if they experience a big win early on. READ MORE