Wager Danger

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 good at the job, great with people, and one of the most charismatic guys in the room. What nobody knew was that the same man running the game was quietly losing everything on the other side of the table. Adam placed his last bet in 2022, and today he hosts the Modern Meeting podcast and talks to other people with gambling disorder about their journeys out of the depths of addiction. Listen in on a fascinating conversation as Adam shares his story. The Modern Meeting Podcast on YouTube Connect with Adam at The Modern Meeting on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Instagram Engage with Wager Danger:  [email protected] Gateway Foundation Gambling Treatment Call Gateway Foundation: 844-975-3663 Follow Gateway Foundation: Facebook: @RecoverGateway LinkedIn: @Gateway-Foundation Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER Text GAMB to 833234 Are you Really Winning?

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 eventually recognized it was an unsustainable pursuit. Contact Elizabeth: [email protected] Elizabeth's Blog: Fight Problem Gambling   Engage with Wager Danger:  [email protected] Gateway Foundation Gambling Treatment Call Gateway Foundation: 844-975-3663 Follow Gateway Foundation: Facebook: @RecoverGateway LinkedIn: @Gateway-Foundation Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER Text GAMB to 833234 Are you Really Winning?

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. George's Email: [email protected] Engage with Wager Danger:  [email protected] Gateway Foundation Gambling Treatment Call Gateway Foundation: 844-975-3663 Follow Gateway Foundation: Facebook: @RecoverGateway LinkedIn: @Gateway-Foundation Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER Text GAMB to 833234 Are you Really Winning?

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 gambling. Ryan Fajardo, Northwestern University ryanfajardo.com Engage with Wager Danger:  [email protected] Gateway Foundation Gambling Treatment Call Gateway Foundation: 844-975-3663 Follow Gateway Foundation: Facebook: @RecoverGateway LinkedIn: @Gateway-Foundation Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER Text GAMB to 833234 Are you Really Winning?

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 Danger:  [email protected] Gateway Foundation Gambling Treatment Call Gateway Foundation: 844-975-3663 Follow Gateway Foundation: Facebook: @RecoverGateway LinkedIn: @Gateway-Foundation Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER Text GAMB to 833234 Are you Really Winning?

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 Follow Gateway Foundation: Facebook: @RecoverGateway LinkedIn: @Gateway-Foundation Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER Text GAMB to 833234 Are you Really Winning?

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 University. Email Guy: [email protected]   Engage with Wager Danger: [email protected] Gateway Foundation Gambling Treatment Call Gateway Foundation: 844-975-3663 (DONE) Follow Gateway Foundation: Facebook: @RecoverGateway LinkedIn: @Gateway-Foundation Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER Text GAMB to 833234 Are you Really Winning?

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 conversation with Dr. Shane Kraus, associate professor at UNLV, about his research on gambling disorder among military veterans and active-duty service members. Dr. Kraus discusses the high rates of co-occurring mental health issues, including PTSD and suicide, the presence of slot machines on overseas military bases, and the urgent need for early screening and intervention. Learn about the policy changes and resources that could help service members struggling with gambling-related harm. Engage with Dr. Shane Kraus: Email: [email protected]  Faculty page: https://www.unlv.edu/people/shane-kraus Research page: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Shane-Kraus?ev=hdr_xprf  X: @kraus_phd   Engage with Wager Danger:  [email protected] Gateway Foundation Gambling Treatment Call Gateway Foundation: 844-975-3663 (DONE) Follow Gateway Foundation: Facebook: @RecoverGateway LinkedIn: @Gateway-Foundation Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER Text GAMB to 833234 Are you Really Winning?

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 prevention, John Pierre brings his passion and perspective to a campaign called "The Fix," a communication strategy for people who are tired of lying about their gambling.  [email protected]   linkedin.com/in/jpmicucci/   Engage with Wager Danger:  [email protected] Gateway Foundation Gambling Treatment Call Gateway Foundation: 844-975-3663 (DONE) Follow Gateway Foundation: Facebook: @RecoverGateway LinkedIn: @Gateway-Foundation Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER Text GAMB to 833234 Are you Really Winning?

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 and tribal government officials, and adjunct industries about gambling's impact on communities and individuals. Linkedin.com/in/keithwhyte/  Safergamblingstrategies.com  Engage with Wager Danger:  [email protected] Gateway Foundation Gambling Treatment Call Gateway Foundation: 844-975-3663 (DONE) Follow Gateway Foundation: Facebook: @RecoverGateway LinkedIn: @Gateway-Foundation Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER Text GAMB to 833234 Are you Really Winning?

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 behavior.  Dr. Crystal Collier joins the show today to discuss the fascinating world of KnowYourNeuro.org and the importance of parents being their child's frontal lobe...until they have one of their own. Dr Collier's behavior intervention program helps both youths and parents navigate risky behaviors. DrCrystalCollier.com [email protected]  Sign up for the newsletter at: KnowYourNeuro.org   Engage with Wager Danger:  [email protected] Gateway Foundation Gambling Treatment Call Gateway Foundation: 844-975-3663 (DONE) Follow Gateway Foundation: Facebook: @RecoverGateway LinkedIn: @Gateway-Foundation Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER Text GAMB to 833234 Are you Really Winning?

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. Trigger Warning: Domestic violence and suicide are recurring topics in this episode.  If you are experiencing domestic violence, please dial 911 for assistance.  If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, please dial 988. Engage with Wager Danger:  [email protected] Gateway Foundation Gambling Treatment Call Gateway Foundation: 844-975-3663 (DONE) Follow Gateway Foundation: Facebook: @RecoverGateway LinkedIn: @Gateway-Foundation Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER Text GAMB to 833234 Are you Really Winning?

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 riskier.  Listen in as Dr. Grubbs and Shane discuss a wide range of sports gambling topics and dive further into this shocking link between alcohol and sports gambling.   Engage with Wager Danger:  [email protected] Gateway Foundation Gambling Treatment Call Gateway Foundation: 844-975-3663 (DONE) Follow Gateway Foundation: Facebook: @RecoverGateway LinkedIn: @Gateway-Foundation Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER Text GAMB to 833234 Are you Really Winning?

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 about gambling addiction and the power of recovery.    Healthcare Alternative Systems (HAS) – hascares.org Event Link: https://www.instagram.com/has.chicago/p/DHl9H1xv1nQ/   Engage with Wager Danger:  [email protected] Gateway Foundation Gambling Treatment Call Gateway Foundation: 844-975-3663 (DONE) Follow Gateway Foundation: Facebook: @RecoverGateway LinkedIn: @Gateway-Foundation Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER Text GAMB to 833234 Are you Really Winning?

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 Gambling, and Emma Bowen from Chestnut Health Systems. We'll explore why March has become such a pivotal month for awareness, what's happening across the state, as well as some surprising insights from communities grappling with expanded gambling.   Way Back Inn:,  708-345-8422, or [email protected] Way Back Inn on Instagram Illinois Council on Problem Gambling, 833-937-4274 ( ICPG) ICPG on Instagram [email protected] Chestnut Health Systems Chestnut Health Systems on Facebook or 618-877-4420   Engage with Wager Danger:  [email protected] Gateway Foundation Gambling Treatment Call Gateway Foundation: 844-975-3663 (DONE) Follow Gateway Foundation: Facebook: @RecoverGateway LinkedIn: @Gateway-Foundation Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER Text GAMB to 833234 Are you Really Winning?

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: Shep and the King of Hearts - Amazon Social Media Links: Website: https://www.stacyladyman.com Facebook: Stacy J. Ladyman    Instagram: Stacy J. Ladyman Engage with Wager Danger:  [email protected] Gateway Foundation Gambling Treatment Call Gateway Foundation: 844-975-3663 (DONE) Follow Gateway Foundation: Facebook: @RecoverGateway LinkedIn: @Gateway-Foundation Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER Text GAMB to 833234 Are you Really Winning?

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 gambling on LGBTQ+ communities, Dr. Malkin walks us through a fascinating peek at the impact gambling is having within our communities.   Gambling Research and Policy Initiative (GRPI) Engage with Wager Danger:  [email protected] Gateway Foundation Gambling Treatment Call Gateway Foundation: 844-975-3663 (DONE) Follow Gateway Foundation: Facebook: @RecoverGateway LinkedIn: @Gateway-Foundation Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER Text GAMB to 833234 Are you Really Winning?

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 Foundation: Facebook: @RecoverGateway LinkedIn: @Gateway-Foundation Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER Text GAMB to 833234 Are you Really Winning?

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 inside look at Illinois' groundbreaking prevention efforts. Engage with Wager Danger:  [email protected] Gateway Foundation Gambling Treatment Call Gateway Foundation: 844-975-3663 (DONE) Follow Gateway Foundation: Facebook: @RecoverGateway LinkedIn: @Gateway-Foundation Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER Text GAMB to 833234 Are you Really Winning?

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 part of the ongoing study and is providing practitioners with some interesting information.  Serena shares what she's learned by working with adolescent and young adults and including how advertising, artificial intelligence, and evolving incentives all play a role on how our younger generations interact with gaming and gambling. Show Links: Minnesota Student Survey Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling Dr. Serena King: LinkedIn Hamline University faculty Email: [email protected] [email protected]  Gateway Foundation Gambling Treatment Call Gateway Foundation: 844-975-3663 (DONE) Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER Are you Really Winning?

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 in general.  He's on a mission to expose the potential dangers and pitfalls associated with gambling and the all-too-accessible world of sports betting.  [email protected] Gateway Foundation Gambling Treatment Call Gateway Foundation: 844-975-3663 (DONE) Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER Are you Really Winning?  

"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 own journey that what she craved most was deep connections with other women who had walked a similar path.  It's in this spirit that she set about establishing a safe environment for women to share and compare their unique stories.   The Broke Girl Society The Broke Girl Society Podcast The Broke Girl Society Facebook Group The Broke Girl on X: @BrokegirlCr  The Bet Free Life YouTube Channel [email protected] Gateway Foundation Gambling Treatment Call Gateway Foundation: 844-975-3663 (DONE) Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER Are you Really Winning?

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 being utilized to develop guardrails that support responsible gaming. In this episode, Dr. Kasra Ghaharian, Director of Research at the International Gaming Institute, shares how his researchers are having an impact on responsible gambling. International Gaming Institute Dr Kasra Ghaharian on LinkedIn [email protected] [email protected] Gateway Foundation Gambling Treatment Call Gateway Foundation: 844-975-3663 (DONE) Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER Are you Really Winning?

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 he routinely receives messages from individuals seeking help with a gambling addiction. His work is being recognized and it's connecting a network of behavioral health resources that can help those individuals who are recognizing the signs of gambling addiction. Instagram: @rob_odaat TikTok: @rob_odaat Facebook: Rob ODAAT X: @Rob_Odaat [email protected] Gateway Foundation Gambling Treatment Call Gateway Foundation: 844-975-3663 (DONE) Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER Are you Really Winning?

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 journey towards recovery.  [email protected] Gateway Foundation Gambling Treatment  Call Gateway Foundation: 844-975-3663 (DONE) Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER Are you Really Winning?

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 she is recognized internationally as one of the leading experts on gambling addiction.  We are thrilled to have her join Wager Danger [email protected]  Gateway Foundation Gambling Treatment  Call Gateway Foundation: 844-975-3663 (DONE) Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER Are you Really Winning? Jody Bechtold Tedx Talk: Luck, Skill, and The Rise of Gambling The Better Institute

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 Nicasa Behavioral Health Services, Dr. Mary Robison at NIRCO and Elizabeth Thielan at Nicasa also join our conversation to share why these grassroots community events are so important.   [email protected]  Gateway Foundation Gambling Treatment  Call Gateway Foundation: 844-975-3663 (DONE) Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER Nicasa Behavioral Health Services Northern Illinois Recovery Community Organization Confessions of a Slot Machine Queen on Amazon Are you Really Winning? NYT article about older women and gambling Megyn Kelley TV Special Natasha Shull – Addiction by Design

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.   [email protected]  Gateway Foundation Gambling Treatment Illinois Council on Problem Gambling [email protected]  [email protected]  Call Gateway Foundation: 844-975-3663 (DONE) Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER Are you Really Winning?

"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 gambling. Alex DeMarco tells us how the process works and why it is beneficial for financial and emotional well-being. [email protected]  Gateway Foundation Gambling Treatment  Call Gateway Foundation: 844-975-3663 (DONE) Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER Are you Really Winning? GamFin Website [email protected]

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 You Really Winning – areyoureallywinning.com  1-800-GAMBLER

"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 students to understand their personal boundaries more clearly and develop the confidence to adhere to them.  Alison Donoho and Emma Bowen from Chestnut Health Systems join Wager Danger to discuss how Not a Chance is improving the behavioral health of today's youth.   Website for Chestnut: www.chestnut.org Gateway Foundation Gambling Treatment [email protected], Facebook: @Gateway Twitter: @Gateway LinkedIn: @Gateway-Foundation 844-975-3663 (DONE) Are You Really Winning – areyoureallywinning.com  1-800-GAMBLER

"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 more likely to engage in more forms of wagering, and why that behavior is a strong predictor that these gamblers are statistically more likely to develop a gambling addiction.   Joshua Grubbs PhD Website Gateway Foundation Gambling Treatment [email protected] Facebook: @Gateway Twitter: @Gateway LinkedIn: @Gateway-Foundation 844-975-3663 (DONE) Are You Really Winning – areyoureallywinning.com  1-800-GAMBLER

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 in the process. Nicasa Problem Gambling and Sports Betting Services Nicasa Behavioral Health Services Teen Problem Prevention Creative Group Music Track: Make Things Right by Alishaa Bell Gateway Foundation Gambling Treatment [email protected], Facebook: @Gateway Twitter: @Gateway LinkedIn: @Gateway-Foundation 844-975-3663 (DONE) Are You Really Winning – areyoureallywinning.com  1-800-GAMBLER

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 addiction while serving as a non-commissioned officer in the US Army. Dave talks about the progression of his gambling addiction, fueled by an early win, as it spiraled into daily gambling, borrowing money from subordinates, lying and eventually stealing from his unit in order to satiate his gambling need. Ultimately, it's his fortitude and character that shines bright in his endeavor to share his recovery with others.  Gateway Foundation Gambling Treatment [email protected], Facebook: @Gateway Twitter: @Gateway LinkedIn: @Gateway-Foundation 844-975-3663 (DONE) Are You Really Winning – areyoureallywinning.com  1-800-GAMBLER Book is available on Amazon: Fall In: A Veteran with a Gambling Addiction Contact Dave at: [email protected] Fall in Podcast Fall In Podcast on Spotify

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 present in video gaming products and how youth and adolescents can begin to recognize when they are being manipulated into gambling simulation.   Gateway Foundation Gambling Treatment [email protected] Facebook: @Gateway Twitter: @Gateway LinkedIn: @Gateway-Foundation 844-975-3663 (DONE) The Way Back Inn – www.waybackinn.org Chris Ward: [email protected] [email protected] Are You Really Winning – areyoureallywinning.com  1-800-GAMBLER

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 community and provided a social outlet for family and friends.  Throughout our conversation we discuss how gambling as a group activity has evolved into a more individual (and potentially more easily hidden) model that is available to today's gambler.   TASC – Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities Gateway Foundation Gambling Treatment Call Gateway Foundation: 855-723-0963 Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER Are you Really Winning? [email protected]

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 addiction effects various segments of the US population and how the Kindbridge Research Institute is laser focused on supporting our Military Veterans.  Nate's passion for the study of gambling addiction really shines throughout the episode including: the importance of epidemiology and how it allows us to "get it right" and how the terminology we use to describe a gambling addiction needs clarification.  We're fortunate to have an advocate like Nate who is championing the study of gambling disorders.   Kindbridge Research Institute Why Military Personnel are 3.5x More Prone to Problem Gambling The Military Treatment Fund DraftKings and Kindbridge Research Fund About Kindbridge Research Institute Gateway Foundation Gambling Treatment Call Gateway Foundation: 855-723-0963 Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER Are you Really Winning? [email protected] 

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 why a focus on the individual is important to affect lasting change for their clients.   More about Hour House is available at: https://hourhouserecovery.org

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 early age. She's helping this demographic understand the connection between their actions and how it has the potential to lead towards a gambling disorder.   More about TASC can be found at: https://tasc.org

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 and serving gambling disorders within the communities they serve. More can be found at: https://heritagenet.org/gambling

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 observation that women are more likely to complete the program.  How young people are at increased risk to gambling disorder.  How telehealth breaks down the barriers to treatment and screening tools that help facilitate the access to treatment options.   Engage with Wager Danger: email: [email protected]   Follow Gateway Foundation: Facebook & Twitter: @recovergateway LinkedIn: @gateway-foundation Website: https://gatewayfoundation.org   Seek Assistance: Gateway Foundation Helpline: 1-844-975-DONE (3663) National and State of IL Helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER

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 encourage those with gambling issues to seek assistance, what we ultimately learned is that "Are You Really Winning" is a message of hope.  More information can be found at: www.areyoureallywinning.com or 1-800-GAMBLER or by texting GAMB to 833234.   Engage with Wager Danger:  email: [email protected]   Follow Gateway Foundation: Facebook & Twitter: @recovergateway LinkedIn: @gateway-foundation Website: https://gatewayfoundation.org   Seek Assistance: Gateway Foundation Helpline: 1-844-975-DONE (3663) National and State of IL Helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER

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 Danger.  Please feel free to email us at: [email protected] References: https://gatewayfoundation.org https://areyoureallywinning.com Help lines: Gateway Foundation – Gambling Hotline: 1-844-975-DONE Nationally – 1-800-GAMBLER

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 discuss everything from: -         How the similarity of OCD and gambling disorder affects the brain (03:08) -         That nearly 1.1 million residents of IL are suffering from disordered gambling or are at high risk to developing a gambling disorder (10:40) -         What it means to "Feed the Pig" (26:10) -         Understanding that the propensity to gamble has so much power over the brain that you can literally teach a rat to gamble (28:40)   Guests joining the program (in order) include: Dr. Teresa Garate, Jim Wilkerson, Calvin Miller, Elizabeth Thielan, Dr. Celeste Napier, Dr. Mauricio Cifuentes and Bill Johnson.   Gateway Foundation's Gambling Helpline 1-844-375-DONE (3663) Gateway Foundation website: https://www.gatewayfoundation.org Illinois Department of Human Services / Substance Use Prevention and Recovery – Are You Really Winning website – https://areyoureallywinning.com Illinois Helpline for Problem Gambling – 1-800-GAMBLER

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 programs are key to effectively communicating the potential harm of gambling; and • How Cicero Family Service leads by creating holistic programs that create awareness, educate and serve their community.   Family Service Mental Health Center of Cicero (aka, Cicero Family Service) - https://www.cicerofs.org/   Gateway Foundation - https://www.gatewayfoundation.org/

*** Trigger warning *** Gambling, the wagering process, "bad beats", big wins, etc are all discussed in this episode.  Please listen with caution if these topics are potentially triggering.  Suicide contemplation is also mentioned in this episode.  If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide or emotional distress, please dial 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 24/7.   Joel Soper joins the show to discuss the motivation behind writing a person account of his struggles with gambling.  We learn how Joel first got started betting at an early age, what he hopes to accomplish by sharing his story, the uniqueness of sports betting and why he believes it has mass appeal to a wide audience.  Joel is candid about his recovery journey and realizes it is a "work in progress" that requires vigilance each day. https://www.gatewayfoundation.org/mental-health/process-addictions/gambling-addiction/

Taking the show to the streets for candid interviews with Cubs and White Sox fans about gambling. Many shared thoughts, opinions and personal accounts.    https://www.gatewayfoundation.org/mental-health/process-addictions/gambling-addiction/

Bob and Shane review content from previous shows and discuss Wager Danger's role in creating an awareness of problem gambling for the listener.*  *the topic of suicide is discussed in this episode.  If you or a loved one is struggling or in crisis, help is available.  Call or text 988 to speak with a counselor – available 24/7. Gateway Foundation 2021 Statewide Assessment of Gambling and Problem Gambling in Illinois

Ask a gambler their winning percentage and you'll probably get a response that's not true. Elizabeth Thielen, the Gambling Program Director of NICASA Behavioral Health Services joins the show to discuss how unlikely partnerships (e.g., NFL Foundation, NCAA, FanDuel, National Council on Problem Gambling and Behavioral Health Providers) are banding together to create awareness campaigns to ensure gamblers participate mindfully and are cognizant of potential risks when gambling, and why "having a plan" is a key strategy to gambling responsibly and approaching gambling as a means of entertainment. We also talk about awareness programs that are targeted at youth populations and explore why college and professional athletes are potentially at higher risk to problem gambling behaviors. Additional resources for further information discussed in this episode: In-play betting as it relates to disordered gambling severity: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.574884/full Rate of disordered gambling among sports bettors higher than other gamblers; perception of control in sports bettors, etc.: https://www.ncpgambling.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/sports-gambling_NCPGLitRvw.pdf An article about athletes' concerns with how they are treated as a result of sports betting: https://www.si.com/betting/2021/08/09/gambling-issue-the-athletes A blog about athletes and problem gambling www.fightproblemgambling.com

Gambling in Illinois continues to grow!  More casinos are being built, video gaming terminals seem to be available on every corner and legalized sports betting is available through mobile devices. What can we do to better equip mental health professionals to recognize and respond to individuals that are experiencing problems related to gambling?  Bill Johnson, the Executive Director of the Illinois Council on Problem Gambling (ICPG) joins the show to discuss how ICPG plays a role in educating counseling professionals across the state AND how the ICPG is uniquely positioned to increase the public's awareness of problem gambling. *This episode discusses the link between Gambling Disorder and increased risks of suicide.  If you or someone you know is thinking of suicide or self-harm, immediately call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).