FAQ

Obtain your Gambling Endorsement through the Ohio Chemical Dependency Board. This establishes competency by acquiring the required 30 hours of gambling-specific education and registering a supervisor that is competent in treating gambling disorder. Please refer to the OCDP Board code of ethics pertaining to licensed chemical dependency counselors and why it is important to develop competency here.

The Preliminary Gambling Endorsement (GAMBp) is the initial endorsement that a clinician can apply for to show competency and be able to treat gambling disorder. The Renewable Gambling Endorsement (GAMB) requires 100 direct service hours and must be applied for within 2 years of receiving the GAMBp. The GAMB will renew every 2 years with 6 hours of continuing education.

A: Counselors holding an active LCDC II, LCDC III, or LICDC are able to apply for the Gambling Endorsement through the OCDP Board. CDCAs are not able to apply for the endorsement or treat gambling disorder, however, still can obtain gambling-specific education hours for the future.

Gambling-specific coursework and education while holding a CDCA may be eligible for the GAMBp application once the license holder obtains a minimum of an LCDC II. At least half of the 30 gambling-specific hours for the GAMBp must be obtained within the past five years.

Counselors must complete an Education Grid outlining 30 gambling-specific education hours consisting of a minimum of four hours in each of the four domains stated by the OCDP Board, with half of these hours occurring within the past five years. Counselors must also complete a Notification of Supervisory Relationship form with a supervisor who has demonstrated competency in gambling disorder treatment

PGNO offers three levels of specialized education on gambling, problem gambling, and gambling disorder through the Stages Training Series which meets all of the requirements needed to apply for the GAMBp.

Clinicians must register a supervisor that has one of the following qualifications:
● LICDC/LICDC-CS with the Gambling Disorder Endorsement
● LISW/LISW-S with demonstrated competency in gambling disorder treatment
● LPCC/LPCC-S with demonstrated competency in gambling disorder treatment
● Licensed Psychologist with demonstrated competency in gambling disorder treatment

Clinicians who attend the complete Stages Training Series are eligible to participate in the Gambling Endorsement Supervisory Program. This program involves group and individual supervision and will meet the supervision recommendations as well as aid you in completing the 100 hours of direct service required when moving from a Preliminary Gambling Endorsement (GAMBp) to a Renewable Gambling Endorsement (GAMB).

The Preliminary Gambling Endorsement is a two-year, non-renewable endorsement.

The requirements for the GAMB include the completion of 100 hours of gambling disorder direct clinical experience and a recommended 4 hours of supervision from a supervisor with gambling treatment competency. When ready to apply for the GAMB, the clinician and supervisor will need to complete the Experience Verification Form and submit it to the OCDP Board.

The 100 hours can be gained through direct clinical care for clients or family members, providing gambling education within substance use disorder (SUD) or mental health (MH) groups, completing gambling-specific screenings, assessments, and documentation hours.

Clinicians that complete the Stages Training Series, or who demonstrate they have obtained 30 hours of gambling-specific education, are eligible to complete a Referral Agreement with PGNO that will place their agency on the state-wide gambling treatment provider list. This referral list is utilized by the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline to link clients to local providers that are competent in treating gambling disorder.

After receiving the GAMB, clinicians need to complete 6 hours of gambling-specific education every two years to renew the endorsement with their attached license. Six hours of gambling-specific CEUs can be obtained through other opportunities with PGNO such as case presentations, the Ohio Problem Gambling Conference, or any other trainings provided with CEUs.

The cost is $50 for each application. PGNO members are able to request reimbursement for the application costs associated with the endorsement by emailing your Preliminary or Renewable Gambling Endorsement approval email from the OCDP Board to Info@PGNOhio.org.

Clinicians who receive their Preliminary Gambling Endorsement are able to submit a Referral Agreement with PGNO that will place their agency on the state-wide gambling treatment provider list.

In addition to being on the statewide referral list, you are encouraged to work with your agency on promoting the gambling services that your agency offers, developing appropriate screening procedures, and informing all staff, including the front desk, of the internal process for problem gambling clients.