The Hidden Addiction Podcast

In this episode we welcome Pam Brenner-Davis, Director, Bureau of Prevention and Special Programs from the New York Council on Problem Gambling. Pam joins us to discuss Veterans and Military Families. Questions that are discussed include:

• Why are veterans at a higher risk for developing gambling problems and experiencing gambling harms?
• Do we see the same connection between mobile betting and the military that we see among other populations, such as young adults?
• What is the NYCPG doing to address gambling harms with veterans and active military families?
• Are there any programs or precautions that the military has in place when it comes to gambling related services or gambling related harms?
• As individuals or organizations, what can folks do to get involved?
• What else can you share about gambling harms, veterans and their families?

If you find yourself struggling with gambling harm, or if you suspect someone you know is facing such challenges, don’t hesitate to seek help. For 24/7 support, call the NYS OASAS HOPEline at 1-877-846-7369 or text 467369. Or choose your county using our interactive map on our NYProblemGamblingHELP.org HOME PAGE to see the contact information for the Problem Gambling Resource Center (PGRC) in your region.

In this episode we welcome VENUS MOORE, Team Leader, and AMILKA DIAZ, Program Manager, from the New York City Problem Gambling Resource Center. Venus and Amilka join us to discuss how we can build bridges to improve our relationships with individuals and families in need, within the Hispanic and LatinX communities. Questions that are discussed include:

• How did your work lead you to pursue this topic?
• How is gambling harm viewed within this culture and these communities?
• What cultural differences can lead to barriers or breakthroughs while engaging with individuals in these communities?
• Where are you connecting with key individuals and groups within these communities?
• What resources do you offer support individuals from these communities?
• What additional resources are needed in the field?
• What do you recommend to people to better support those who are struggling?
• What can attendees expect from the upcoming webinar on September 24th?

If you find yourself struggling with gambling harm, or if you suspect someone you know is facing such challenges, don’t hesitate to seek help. For 24/7 support, call the NYS OASAS HOPEline at 1-877-846-7369 or text 467369. Or choose your county using our interactive map on our NYProblemGamblingHELP.org HOME PAGE to see the contact information for the Problem Gambling Resource Center (PGRC) in your region.

In this episode we welcome Rachel Lauria, Bureau of Treatment & Recovery Director, and Justina Ferrara, OASAS Treatment Coordinator, from the New York Council on Problem Gambling. Rachel and Justina join us to celebrate Recovery Month. Together, we discuss the work done for individuals and families in recovery from the effects of gambling harm across NYS, and how we can participate to further support those in recovery. Questions that are discussed include:

• What brought you to the NYCPG?
• What are your roles and the focus of your work as individuals in the NYCPG.
• What really interested you in the gambling harm recovery field when you got started?
• What are some of the recovery-focused projects you’re currently working on?
• What are we learning from data collected through these projects?
• How is our data going to share future work/projects?

If you find yourself struggling with gambling harm, or if you suspect someone you know is facing such challenges, don’t hesitate to seek help. For 24/7 support, call the NYS OASAS HOPEline at 1-877-846-7369 or text 467369. Or choose your county using our interactive map on our NYProblemGamblingHELP.org HOME PAGE to see the contact information for the Problem Gambling Resource Center (PGRC) in your region.

In this episode we welcome Deborah Lavaud and ROBIN SINGH, Team Leaders for the New York City Problem Gambling Resource Center. Deborah and Robin join us to discuss the effects of gambling harms on the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities and how we can work together to prevent harms associated with gambling within these communities. Questions that are discussed include:

• What is the AAPI Project?
• How do the differences in the AAPI community influence the perception of gambling and the perception of problem gambling?
• Why is the AAPI population at a higher risk for developing problem gambling?
• How is the AAPI project addressing some of the risks specific to this population?
• Who’s involved in the AAPI project, and how is that moving forward right now?
• What are some of the resources to support the work you’re doing?
• What would you recommend community members do to help AAPI individuals and families who are struggling with gambling and gambling harms?

If you find yourself struggling with gambling harm, or if you suspect someone you know is facing such challenges, don’t hesitate to seek help. For 24/7 support, call the NYS OASAS HOPEline at 1-877-846-7369 or text 467369. Or choose your county using our interactive map on our NYProblemGamblingHELP.org HOME PAGE to see the contact information for the Problem Gambling Resource Center (PGRC) in your region.

In this episode we welcome Pam Brenner-Davis, Director, Bureau of Prevention and Special Programs. Pam joins us to discuss College & Young Adult. Questions that are discussed include:

• How has your work lead you to this topic and population?
• What lead partnering universities to focus on the topic of problem gambling for the college population?
• Why do you believe this population is at a higher risk?
• What does that higher risk look like and what can it lead to?
• What strategies are you using to reach students on a college campus, and are those strategies working?
• What information are we gathering form college campuses now that will influence our work in the future (not worded exactly)
• Are there any upcoming trainings or webinars that you’d like to promote?
• Is there any specific way that people can get involved in our efforts to prevent gambling harms on college campus?

If you find yourself struggling with gambling harm, or if you suspect someone you know is facing such challenges, don’t hesitate to seek help. For 24/7 support, call the NYS OASAS HOPEline at 1-877-846-7369 or text 467369. Or choose your county using our interactive map on our NYProblemGamblingHELP.org HOME PAGE to see the contact information for the Problem Gambling Resource Center (PGRC) in your region.

In this episode we welcome Sheena Smith, Team Leader for the New York City Problem Gambling Resource Center. Sheena joins us to discuss Aging/ Older Adults and problem gambling. Questions that are discussed include:

• How has your work lead you to look deeper into this topic?
• How is the topic of problem gambling viewed differently for the older population?
• Why is this population at a higher risk, and what are the risks?
• Where are you connecting with local senior groups?
• What resources do you offer to support them?
• What additional resources do you feel are needed in the field?
• What do you recommend for folks to support those who are struggling?
• What can communities do to support folks who are struggling?
• Tell us about your upcoming webinar in July?

If you find yourself struggling with gambling harm, or if you suspect someone you know is facing such challenges, don’t hesitate to seek help. For 24/7 support, call the NYS OASAS HOPEline at 1-877-846-7369 or text 467369. Or choose your county using our interactive map on our NYProblemGamblingHELP.org HOME PAGE to see the contact information for the Problem Gambling Resource Center (PGRC) in your region.

In this episode we welcome Dr. SHEENA SMITH, Team Leader for the New York City Problem Gambling Resource Center. Sheena joins us to discuss aging/ older adults and problem gambling. Questions that are discussed include:

• How has your work lead you to look deeper into this topic?
• How is the topic of problem gambling viewed differently for the older population?
• Why is this population at a higher risk, and what are the risks?
• Where are you connecting with local senior groups?
• What resources do you offer to support them?
• What additional resources do you feel are needed in the field?
• What do you recommend for folks to support those who are struggling?
• What can communities do to support folks who are struggling?
• Tell us about your upcoming webinar in July?

If you find yourself struggling with gambling harm, or if you suspect someone you know is facing such challenges, don’t hesitate to seek help. For 24/7 support, call the NYS OASAS HOPEline at 1-877-846-7369 or text 467369. Or choose your county using our interactive map on our NYProblemGamblingHELP.org HOME PAGE to see the contact information for the Problem Gambling Resource Center (PGRC) in your region.

In this episode we welcome Sarah Bryant, Finger Lakes Program Manager, and Isabel Barbosa, Special Population Coordinator. They join us to discuss the Voluntary Self-Exclusion program and supportive services. Questions that are discussed include:

What is Voluntary Self-Exclusion (VSE)?

What is the process to complete the VSE form?

How can we connect with help to complete the VSE form?

How does the VSE program work with casinos and benefit them?

How does the VSE help make the casino environment better?

How is an empathetic approach a beneficial strategy?

Is there something we’re doing with the casinos that can help them?

Do we have a training that is specific to casino employees?

Can someone refer themselves or someone else for VSE?

Who do you contact to access this information and support?

If you find yourself struggling with gambling harm, or if you suspect someone you know is facing such challenges, don’t hesitate to seek help. For 24/7 support, call the NYS OASAS HOPEline at 1-877-846-7369 or text 467369. Or choose your county using our interactive map on our NYProblemGamblingHELP.org HOME PAGE to see the contact information for the Problem Gambling Resource Center (PGRC) in your region.

In this episode we welcome Deborah Lavaud and Jessica McCarthy, Team Leaders for the NYC and Central Problem Gambling Resource Centers. They join us to discuss the connection between socioeconomics and problem gambling. Questions that are discussed include:

• Why is this topic important?
• How is problem gambling viewed differently within different socioeconomic levels?
• Why do you believe socioeconomics create differences in view of problem gambling?
• How do socioeconomics affect problem gambling support efforts?
• What are some different impacts of socioeconomics being observed within different regions?
• What resources do you offer for support?
• What additional resources do you feel are needed?
• What are some upcoming trainings on the connection of problem gambling and socioeconomics?
• What recommendations do you have to support those who are struggling due to socioeconomic disparities?
• What can communities do?
• What is Voluntary Self-Exclusion (VSE)?
• What are the benefits of VSE?

In this episode we welcome Angela DiRosa and Shanley Olszowy, Program Managers for the Western Problem Gambling Resource Center. They join us to discuss screening for problem gambling as a special highlight during Problem Gambling Awareness Month, which takes place in March. Some specific topics that are covered include:

• Why is it important to understanding problem gambling?
• Why is problem Gambling considered a hidden addiction?
• How is problem gambling different from other addictions?
• What is screening for problem gambling and why is it important?
• What is the Lie-Bet screening tool?
• What is Problem Gambling Awareness Month?
• What can attendees look forward to during our 2025 Annual Conference, taking place on March 11-13, 2025 in Albany NY.