—PROGRAMS

Ohio Problem Gambling Conference

A statewide conference for innovation in gambling support services

The Ohio Problem Gambling Conference is held each Spring in partnership with Ohio for Responsible Gambling to bring together national experts, state leaders, and local innovators in problem gambling prevention, recovery, research, and more. It features a two-day virtual pre-conference and a two-day in-person conference in Columbus, Ohio. Featuring interactive seminars and workshops, the conference allows attendees to showcase the latest research innovations, obtain continuing education units (CEUs) for those looking to receive or maintain their certification, and network with their peers.


Registration opens in the Fall on the PGNO website, along with presentation submissions, award nominations, and scholarship opportunities!

2024 Conference Highlights

Derek Longmeier, PGNO; LeeAnne Cornyn, OhioMHAS; Michelle Gillcrist, OLC; and Matt Schuler, OCCC

state of the state:

OhioMHAS, OLC, and OCCC

The Directors of Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS), Ohio Lottery Commission (OLC), and Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) sat on a panel to discuss Ohio's problem gambling service system and how each organization makes an impact.

Director Matt Schuler, OCCC; Director Michelle Gillcrist, OLC; and Director LeeAnne Cornyn, OhioMHAS

proclamation:

pgam

In early February 2024, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed a proclamation recognizing March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month in Ohio. This accomplishment was celebrated at the 2024 Ohio Problem Gambling Conference.

call to action:

Stacey frohnapfel-hasson

Stacey Frohnafel-Hasson with OhioMHAS closed out the 2024 Ohio Problem Gambling Conference with her presentation titled Call to Action: The Next Ten Years. She discussed the current state of Ohio's problem gambling service system and what the next ten years can look like with the support and hard work of agencies like OhioMHAS, OLC, OCCC, PGNO, and the local county mental health boards.

Derek Longmeier, PGNO and Dr. Heather Chapman

PGNO Award of excellence:

dr. Heather chapman

Dr. Chapman received the PGNO Award of Excellence for her 25 years of dedication to the field of gambling addiction and her research with the veteran community. She created and led the PGNO Gambling Fellowship program, the Advanced Gambling Treatment Stages trainings, and currently supervises those who are in the process of obtaining their gambling endorsements and/or licenses. She leads the gambling treatment supervision calls, and has co-authored countless research projects on gambling.

Dr. Lori Rugle and Derek Longmeier, PGNO

pgno award of excellence:

Dr. lori rugle

Dr. Rugle received the PGNO Award of Excellence for being a pioneer of gambling services in Ohio and nationally. Before problem gambling became a more recognized issue across the country, Dr. Rugle was always the first to speak up, advocating that gambling must be inserted in conversations and programs for substance use and mental health.

Derek Longmeier, PGNO and Sarah McCully, Townhall II

pgno award of excellence:

Dr. amanda burke

Dr. Burke received the PGNO Award of Excellence posthumously for her lifelong commitment to problem gambling prevention and awareness, and was nationally recognized for her leadership in the field. Dr. Burke's former supervisor, Sarah McCully, accepted the award on her behalf.

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Recovery Scholarship

Problem Gambling Network of Ohio, through funding by OhioMHAS and ORG (Ohio for Responsible Gambling), is providing scholarships for those in recovery or that have a family member in recovery from gambling disorder to attend the 2024 Ohio Problem Gambling Conference.

  • Recovery Scholarships & Travel Reimbursement can be awarded up to $750.
  • Individuals will be reimbursed for real and actual expenses.
  • Scholarships are awarded based on the value you will get from attending the conference as well as how this opportunity will advance your contribution to your community.
  • Scholarship recipients are required to stay for the entire duration of the training opportunity.
  • Should the scholarship recipient fail to show up and Problem Gambling Network of Ohio incurs any expense as a result, the recipient is responsible for reimbursing Problem Gambling Network of Ohio for these expenses. An invoice will be sent to the address submitted with the application.
  • The scholarship application must be received within two weeks prior to the pre-conference.
  • Notification of scholarship acceptance will be sent via email.


The scholarship application is available here. For more information about the scholarships or the conference, contact Cecilia Burford at CBurford@PGNOhio.org.

Prevention Scholarship

The Ohio Coaching & Mentoring Network (OCAM), funded by OhioMHAS and administered by PreventionFIRST! to increase the capacity of Ohio’s prevention workforce, is providing 10 scholarships to the 2024 Ohio Problem Gambling Conference. Scholarships are available to prevention professionals with an OCPSA, OCPS, or an OCPC working in Ohio. For more information about the scholarships, contact Christi Valentini-Lackner at cvalentini-lackner@prevention-first.org.


The prevention scholarship now covers travel and lodging! After you have attended the conference, you will need to provide a copy of your hotel receipt and a google map for your travel to and from the conference and include your registration receipt.

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