PODCAST · health
Wager Danger
by Alpharus Health
Access to legalized gambling in the US is at an all-time high, and sports book betting apps, video slot machines, lotteries and casinos seem to be everywhere. How does the increased access to legalized gambling affect all of us? Are their unique harms that we haven't considered? These are some of the questions we seek to explore as we chat with behavioral health professionals, academics, gambling disorder experts and individuals in recovery from gambling addiction.
Episodes
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Everybody Deserves Love | Patti Vasquez
Most conversations about gambling addiction focus on the person gambling. In this episode, Patti Vazquez shares what it was like to be the child of a father who drank and gambled, and the complicated emotions of loving someone who is struggling. Engage with Alpharus Health…
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Taking it to the Streets 2026 | Cubs and White Sox fans Weigh in on Gambling
Wager Danger hit the parking lots and tailgates around Rate Field and Wrigley Field to hear what fans think about the rise of sports gambling. They had plenty of opinions and didn't hold back! Engage with Alpharus Health: [email protected] Call Alpharus Health: 877-505-4673 Alpharus Health...
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Chaos Into Color | Art as Therapy
When gambling takes everything, art can offer a way back. In this episode, our roundtable panel examines the profound impact art therapy can have on gambling disorder recovery. They also explore the emotional shifts that can occur when trading gambling risks for creative outlets. More than just…
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Parents Standing Together | Kim Freudenberg
Like many parents, Kim didn't know about her teenage son's gambling until it was almost too late. What began with buying video game skins in grammar school escalated to offshore casinos and crypto markets by the time he reached college. Out of that experience, she co-founded Parents Standing...
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Steep Learning Curve | Saul Malek
Saul Malik's real college education had nothing to do with his major. A fantasy league at eleven years old turned into bookies and $25,000 in debt by twenty-one. Now in long-term recovery, he's sharing his story by traveling the country and warning young people before they're in too deep. Connect...
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Oklahoma Changed Everything | Adam Lyons
Gambling got its hooks into Adam Lyons early. At nine years old, his uncle taught him how to play craps, and something clicked that never really switched off. By the time the poker boom hit, Adam had dropped out of college and was dealing cards in poker rooms from Connecticut to Las Vegas. He was...
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Boxing, Betting, and Giving Back | Elizabeth Thielen
As an amateur female boxer, Elizabeth was on a trajectory toward Olympic and professional status in her sport. A career-ending injury sent her on a search for something to replace the adrenaline jolt she missed from boxing. In this episode we learn how poker became her new obsession and how she...
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Redemption through Recovery | George Athanasiou
There's no holds barred in this episode as George shares the nitty gritty about his toxic relationship with gambling and the moment his life abruptly changed. Listen along as George shares his journey from compulsive gambling to the moment his recovery began and his faith regained control.…
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Bets and Blurred Boundaries | Ryan Fajardo
The convergence of online gambling platforms and prediction markets is blurring the lines of what is considered "traditional gambling". Join Phd candidate and sociologist Ryan Fajardo and Shane as they explore and discuss how these platforms have the potential to disrupt our definition of…
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Addiction to Innovation | Sam DeMello
Sam DeMello turned his pain into purpose. He's pioneering gambling harm reduction through Evive, a digital therapeutic app he created to help beat the odds of gambling addiction. You can download Evive for free on the iOS or Google Play App stores, or learn more at getevive.com Engage with Wager...
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2025 | The Year in Review
This episode of Wager Danger takes a look back at some interesting moments from all of the very important conversations we have had over the last 12 months. Engage with Wager Danger: [email protected] Gateway Foundation Gambling Treatment Call Gateway Foundation: 844-975-3663…
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Undergrads Under Pressure | Jeremy Dixon and Guy Caprio, Loyola University Chicago
Navigating the impact of sports wagering among College students and athletes is a bit tricky these days. Jeremy Dixon and Guy Caprio join Wager Danger to share firsthand how the expansion of legalized gambling affects the interactions among the students, athletes, and the fanbase at Loyola...
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Active Duty Members, Veterans, and Gambling Harms | Dr. Shane Kraus
TRIGGER WARNING: This content discusses suicide, suicide attempts and related topics. Please proceed with caution. If you are struggling, please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. November is Veterans and Military Family appreciation month, so we're having an in-depth...
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A Solution that Fills the Gaps | Jon-Pierre Miccuci
Through his own journey, Jon-Pierre Miccuci developed a passion for contributing to the field of gambling recovery and is keenly focused on the gaps he noticed that often leave people struggling with this hidden addiction. From losing everything to becoming an innovative voice in gambling...
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Safer Gambling Strategies | Keith Whyte
Keith joins Wager Danger to discuss the massive increase in both awareness and programs he has witnessed during his 30 years advocating for responsible gambling and preventing gambling addiction. Keith advises a global network of gaming providers, behavioral health practitioners, national, state...
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Easy Targets: Gambling Away Children's Brains | Dr. Crystal Collier
We should be protecting healthy brain development in our youth and young adults, yet the devices in kids' pockets are impairing that growth. The brain doesn't reach maturity until somewhere in the mid-to-late twenties, and many youths today are harming their brain development through risky...
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Gambling, Violence, and the Disorders That Feed Each Other | Michael Goldman
Michael Goldman has spent 40+ years working with individuals struggling with addictions. In this episode, he shares some common themes that emerge and suggests some probing questions that counselors can use to identify co-occurring disorders and/or the potential for spotting transfer addictions....
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Beer, Bets and Bad Decisions | Dr. Joshua Grubbs
During the past 3 years, Dr. Grubbs and his research team at the University of New Mexico have verified that increased sports betting has a direct correlation to increased alcohol consumption. And furthermore, the tendency is for those who imbibe more frequently, their betting behavior becomes...
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Seeking Understanding | Problem Gambling and Harm Reduction Resource Fair
In this episode, we step outside the studio to attend and speak with guests attending a resource fair during problem gambling awareness month. Hosted by Healthcare Alternative Systems (HAS) and co-sponsored by Gateway Foundation, the event space was filled with energy and engaging conversations...
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Problem Gambling Awareness Month | A Panel Discussion
March marks Problem Gambling Awareness Month, and we coordinated a panel discussion with three remarkable leaders who are shaping how Illinois responds to problem gambling. We're joined by Anita Pindiur, executive director of The Way Back Inn, Heather Martinez from the Illinois Council on Problem...
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"Shep and the King of Hearts" | Author: Stacy Ladyman
Description: From Midwest Book Review – Relatively few novels cover gambling addiction, in comparison to other forms of addiction, already making Shep and the King of Hearts notable…. Join Stacy and Shane as they discuss the motivations and underlying themes for her debut book. Order the Book…
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Gambling Related Crime, Harms & Risks | Dr. Michelle Malkin
Dr. Michelle Malkin, Director of the East Carolina University Gambling Research & Policy Initiative joins the show to discuss the significant impact of legalized gambling in the US. From gambling motivated crime to the prevalence of gambling on college campuses, to the surprising impact of…
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2024 | The Year in Review
On this episode we take a look back on many interesting moments from the important conversations we've have over the last 12 months. Engage with Wager Danger: [email protected] Gateway Foundation Gambling Treatment Call Gateway Foundation: 844-975-3663 (DONE) Follow Gateway...
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Are You Still Winning? | John Harris, Principal, a5 Digital & Branding
John Harris returns to the show and provides an update on the 'Are You Really Winning' awareness campaign for problem gambling. Whether you're curious about how gambling awareness is evolving or interested in the innovative ways this program is reaching communities, you won't want to miss this...
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Gaming Culture's Influence on Adolescents and Young Adults | Dr. Serena King
Adolescent and young adults are gaming and gambling at a much higher rate than people tend to believe. The Minnesota Student Survey offers a rich data set from 8th, 9th and 11th grade students across the state and has been collecting data since the early 1990's. Recently, gambling data has been...
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Leading from the Front | Dan Trolaro
Most of us, at some point in our lives, will struggle. The fortunate will find redemption, fewer will experience transformation. Dan Trolaro's story embodies what it means to transform and to grow. Listen how Dan's lived experience fuels his passion to educate NCAA collegiate athletes and youth…
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Curiosity Over Judgement | The Broke Girl Society w/Christina Cook
"It's my hope that we can erase the stigma and shame so women will feel safe seeking the help they need without fear of judgement" - Broke Girl Society founder, Christina Cook. The BGS offers a "judgement free zone" for women in recovery from problem gambling. Christina recognized early in her…
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AI's Influence on Gambling | Dr. Kasra Ghaharian
Researchers at the International Gaming Institute on the campus of UNLV are diving deep into the effects of gambling on public health. Whether studying banking habits alongside gambling activity or creating chatbots to assist and educate users about responsible gaming, AI and machine learning is...
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Influencing Recovery Through Social Media | Rob ODAAT
Rob ODAAT (one day at a time) Minnick is a social media influencer who is reaching a wide audience with his unique gambling content. His personal experience of recovery from gambling addiction allows him to uniquely impact those who view his content. Rob's content reaches millions of viewers and…
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A Journey Towards Recovery | Jimmy's Story
After years of working the Gamblers Anonymous (GA) program, it was "tough love" from his family and some frank advice from a GA veteran (and mentor) that compelled Jimmy to fully commit to his recovery. In this episode Jimmy shares his personal story of gambling disorder and his extraordinary...
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When Does Sports Betting = Gambling? | Jody Bechtold, CEO at The Better Institute
It's a trick question. The answer is ALWAYS! But sadly, not everyone sees it that way. Jody Bechtold joins the show to discuss how various generations respond to the proliferation of gambling access in the US. Jody's experience and expertise in gambling disorder treatment is well respected and…
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Every Story Matters | Dr. Sandra Adell
In recognition of National Problem Gambling Awareness Month, Wager Danger travelled to Waukegan to attend and capture highlights from Dr. Adell's personal story "Confessions of a Slot Machine Queen." A jointly sponsored event between Northern Illinois Recovery Community Organization (NIRCO) and...
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Illinois Council on Problem Gambling Looks to the Future | A Conversation With Dave Wohl
Dave Wohl has some big shoes to fill. As ICPG's new Executive Director, Dave talks about taking over from ICPG's founder, Bill Johnson, and how they are teaming up with other organizations across the state to spread the word on gambling disorder, and its effects on many underserved communities....
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Reclaim Financial Control After Gambling | Alex DeMarco, Founder & CEO, GamFin
"Helping people feel good about their finances is an important part of feeling better overall." – Alex DeMarco. GamFin is an organization that connects gambling disorder counselors with expert financial counselors to help restore the financial health for individuals struggling with problem...
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2023 | The Year In Review
This episode takes a look back at some interesting moments from very important conversations we have had over the last 12 months. Gateway Foundation Gambling Treatment [email protected], Facebook: @Gateway Twitter/X: @Gateway LinkedIn: @Gateway-Foundation 844-975-3663 (DONE) Are…
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Not a Chance: A Problem Gambling Prevention Program | Alison Donoho & Emma Bowen
"Not a Chance" teaches High Schoolers how to make thoughtful decisions. Enhancing the protective factors that lead to improved self-awareness and better decision making is the primary goal…problem gambling prevention provides the context. Utilizing an interactive approach, the lessons allow...
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Running the Numbers on Sports Gamblers | Dr. Joshua Grubbs
"Sports gambling itself is not inherently risky but sports gamblers are!" Dr. Grubbs and his students at University of New Mexico are conducting research on the gambling habits of sports bettors and the results may surprise you. Their research has gathered data that show why sports bettors are…
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Teen Peer Group tackles Problem Gambling | Elizabeth Thielen and Robin Czapla – Nicasa
Teens from across the Chicagoland area are finding exciting and creative ways to spread the message of gambling's potential harm to a vulnerable population. Tapping into their unique talents and skills, these teens are having a major impact among their peers and gaining life changing experiences…
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Fall In: A Veteran with a Gambling Addiction | Dave Yeager – Author
After initial recovery and relapse, a subsequent recovery leads Dave to live each day OUT LOUD as he shares his incredible story of hope with others. Recovery advocate, podcaster, husband and father Dave Yeager shares a deeply personal story of his recovery journey after developing a gambling...
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Apps and adolescents: How gaming can lead to gambling | Chris Ward, The Way Back Inn
Chris Ward, outreach coordinator at The Way Back Inn, discusses a youth and young adult-oriented curriculum called Stacked Deck. Younger generations are growing up with simulated gambling embedded in video games. The Stacked Deck educational offering is intended to identify the potential harms...
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Growing up Gambling | Tanya Bibbs-Smith
Tanya shares a personal story of growing up in an active gambling community and draws parallels to how that environment played a role in her development as a mental health professional. We discuss her childhood growing up in Chicago during a time when active gambling houses were common within the...
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Gambling's Effect on Military Veterans | Dr. Nathan Smith, Executive Director at Kindbridge Research Institute
Dr. Nathan Smith is the founding Executive Director of Kindbridge Research Institute, a nationally recognized scientist and science communicator, and a leader in the field of behavioral addiction research and theory. In this episode we discuss the importance of understanding how gambling…
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Spotlight Series | Hour House
Emily Bernard is an addictions counselor at Hour House. Recognizing that recovery and change happens "one hour at a time", Hour House offers treatment services to address substance use & gambling disorders, co-occurring dependency & other therapy needs. Emily shares her passion for her work and…
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Spotlight Series | TASC – Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities
TASC serves those in need of substance use disorders, co-occurring mental health conditions, gambling disorders or family health and reunification challenges. Tanya Bibbs-Smith talks about her outreach efforts across IL to reach youth and adolescents that are exposed to gaming and gambling at an...
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Spotlight Series | Heritage Behavioral Health Center
Located in Central Illinois, Heritage provides comprehensive community-based services to treat the most serious behavioral disorders. Teagan Shull joins the show to discuss how Heritage places an emphasis on screening for Gambling Disorder and how Heritage responds to the increase in identifying...
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Community Outreach in Central Illinois | Problem Gambling Service Providers Share their Insights
Gambling disorder service providers sit down with Wager Danger to discuss their approach to community outreach and treatment for problem gambling. We explore topics that include: The intense shame that sometimes prevents men from seeking assistance with problem gambling, and the resulting...
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Are You Really Winning | John Harris, a5 Branding & Digital
The state of Illinois recently launched a new advertising campaign aimed at creating awareness for problem gambling. We sat down with John Harris, President of a5 digital consultancy to better understand the meaning behind the campaign. While the campaign is designed to create awareness and...
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A Seasoned Mental Health Practitioner's Perspective | Sandra Beecher
Sandra is a compassionate mental health advocate that brings passion, experience and empathy to her profession. She has spent several years in the field as a proponent for providing disordered gambling services and eliminating the stigma often associated with problem gambling. Engage with Wager...
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1st Annual LatinX Conference on Problem Gambling | Live from Morton College in Cicero
Another out-of-studio episode in which we gather with former guests and new friends to review the first conference in Illinois aimed at understanding the prevalence and impact of problem gambling in the LatinX community. We were joined by 7 mental health professionals throughout the show to…
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Gambling Prevalence in the LatinX Community | Cicero Family Service
Dr. Mauricio Cifuentes, Clinical Director at Cicero Family Service, discusses the importance of intentionally based programs that incorporate cultural humility to reach the LatinX community. Highlights include: • How religion and beliefs plays a critical role • Intentionally designed outreach...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Access to legalized gambling in the US is at an all-time high, and sports book betting apps, video slot machines, lotteries and casinos seem to be everywhere. How does the increased access to legalized gambling affect all of us? Are their unique harms that we haven't considered? These are some of the questions we seek to explore as we chat with behavioral health professionals, academics, gambling disorder experts and individuals in recovery from gambling addiction.
HOSTED BY
Alpharus Health
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Wager Danger have?
Wager Danger currently has 57 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Wager Danger about?
Access to legalized gambling in the US is at an all-time high, and sports book betting apps, video slot machines, lotteries and casinos seem to be everywhere. How does the increased access to legalized gambling affect all of us? Are their unique harms that we haven't considered? These are some of...
How often does Wager Danger release new episodes?
Wager Danger has 57 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Wager Danger?
You can listen to Wager Danger on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Wager Danger?
Wager Danger is created and hosted by Alpharus Health.
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