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National Council on Problem Gambling

Prevention Committee - Program Repository
Developed by:

Michael Buzzelli, Amanda Winters, Amanda Poggenburg

2017

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National Council on Problem Gambling

Prevention Committee
www.ncpgprevention.org
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Table of Contents
Special Thanks & Discussion 3

Greek Consultation Program – Ohio 4

Catalyst Bystander Program – Ohio 4

All Bets Off – Missouri 5

C.A.P.S. – Massachusetts 5

Facing the Odds: The Mathematics of Gambling and Other Risks – Massachusetts 6

Improving Your Odds – Minnesota 6

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Gambling: Reducing The Risks – Saskatchewan, Canada 7

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Playing For Keeps – Alberta, Canada 7

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Risky Business – Ohio 8

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SMART Choices – Maryland om 8

G.A.M.E.S. – Connecticut 9
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YMCA Youth Gambling Project – Ontario, Canada 9

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SMART Bet – Ohio 10

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Addiction: Gambling With Your Future – Delaware 10

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Asian Pacific Americans Ambassadors Program: Model Community Change – Connecticut 11

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Project PANDA – Ohio 11

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Betting On Our Future – California 12

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Making the Most of Your Leisure Time – Massachusetts 12

Healthy Aging: You and Your Money – Massachusetts 12

YOU(th) Decide – New York 13

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Special Thanks:
For their time, effort and assistance in the creation, implementation and completion of this nation-wide
survey of problem gambling prevention/awareness programs over the past three years:

• National Council on Problem Gambling

Executive Director: Keith Whyte

• NCPG Prevention Committee

Committee Chairs: Julie Hynes, Jim Kooler, Susan McLaughlin

• Lake-Geauga Recovery Centers

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President& Chief Executive Officer: Melanie Blasko

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Chief Operating Officer: Larry Kappler

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• Dr. Heather Chapman - Louis Stokes Cleveland VAMC

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Dr. Joshua S. Kropko – Duluth Family Medicine Residency Program, University of Minnesota
• Judson Workman – Public Health of Dayton & Montgomery County
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Discussion
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As we embark on building a repository of grassroots problem gambling programs for national use and
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reference, with a goal of program replication and evidence-based status, we must characterize how we
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define a program. For the purpose of this project, the Repository Task Group, sub-committee of the
Prevention Committee of the National Council on Problem Gambling, have defined a program – as a
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measurable (qualitative or quantitative), sustainable and repeated intervention that is curriculum or

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guideline-based and can be modified in its implementation to show certain outcomes/milestones/goals

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for a particular audience. As such we have not included any 1) e-based programs, games or activities; 2)
self-instructed trainings/tutorials; or 3) programs that are currently listed on the National Registry of
Evidence-based Programs and Practices.

This booklet contains brief information on 20 different and unique programs throughout the country
that vary in implementation, strategies, concepts and goals but remain similar in their philosophies of
increasing knowledge and awareness and reducing harms associated with problem gambling. Most
programs are youth focused (middle and high school aged) while other programs have more specific
target populations such as juvenile justice involved youth, college students, Greek Life on college
campuses, older adults and Asian communities.
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• Greek Consultation Program

Source: Recovery Resources & Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland, Ohio)
Program Description - Fraternities and Sororities apply to the program and are selected based on their
current mental health and addiction programming and their desire and capacity to improve these
services. Greek organizations participate in focus groups and complete surveys describing current
behaviors, perceptions of mental health and addiction on campus and how to create increased
awareness and utilization of on and off campus services and resources. Results from focus groups and
surveys are used to create specific programming for the students.
Format – Multiple 60 minute focus groups, survey monkey, consultation, education/awareness trainings
CSAP Strategy(s) – Education and Environmental Approach
IOM Type – Selective

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Target Population – College students involved in Greek Life

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Risk Factors Addressed –Myths around gambling, Lack of knowledge for signs of problem gambling,
Favorable attitudes towards problem behavior

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Protective Factors Addressed – Skills, Healthy beliefs and clear standards

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More Information/Contacts – Mike Buzzelli mbuzzelli@recres.org Jamie Linn jml249@case.edu
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• Catalyst Bystander Intervention Program
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Source: Cleveland Rape Crisis Center & Recovery Resources (Cleveland, Ohio)
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Program Description - The Catalyst Bystander Intervention Program is an education program that was
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developed to address the issues of addiction, mental illness, and sexual violence on college campuses.
The goals of the Catalyst Bystander Intervention Program are to:
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• Empower attendees to become “Up-standers” in their community, promoting a safe and healthy
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culture;
• Increase positive bystander behavioral interactions;
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• Increase help-seeking behaviors in the community;

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• Increase knowledge related to addiction, mental illness, and sexual violence;

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• Increase the awareness of risks and consequences associated with problem gambling.
Format – 60 minute program session and a 2.5 hour train-the-trainer model
CSAP Strategy(s) – Education, Information Dissemination
IOM Type – Universal
Target Population – High School and College Students
Risk Factors Addressed – Myths around gambling, Lack of knowledge for warning signs, Availability
Protective Factors Addressed – Skills, Healthy beliefs and clear standards
More Information/Contacts – Ashley Hartman ahartman@recres.org
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• All Bets Off

Source: Missouri Alliance to Curb Problem Gambling & Second Chance Foundation (Jefferson City,
Missouri)
Program Description – This one-hour “informative interactive workshop” addresses the intertwined
nature of addictions and how similar the risk factors, symptoms and consequences are across the
spectrum of addictive behaviors. All Bets Off addresses gambling as a potential addiction, presents facts
about addictions and seeks to raise awareness of some of the resources available for individuals with an
addiction in their family.
CSAP Strategy(s) – Information Dissemination
IOM Type – Universal
Target Population – 5th to 8th grade students and 8th to 9th grade students

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Risk Factor(s) Addressed – Availability, Favorable attitudes toward the problem behavior, Family
attitudes and involvement, Lack of parental knowledge

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Protective Factor(s) Addressed – Skills, Healthy beliefs and clear standards

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More Information/Contacts – mstephens@mail.state.mo.us

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C.A.P.S. – Creative Activities for Probability & Statistics

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Source: Massachusetts Council on Problem Gambling

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Program Description – CAPS is a 12 week curriculum that focuses on mathematics curriculum areas of
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statistics, probability, number sense, ratios, percentages and problem solving and provides knowledge
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and skills needed to attain critical thinking skills. Problem gambling connections made through use of
movement-oriented and hands-on activities to reinforce learning of problem gambling risks.
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CSAP Strategy(s) – Education

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IOM Type – Universal, Selective

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Target Population – 6th to 12th grade students

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Risk Factor(s) Addressed – Early initiation of gambling behavior, Friends who engage in gambling
behavior, Poor impulse control, Availability, Family conflict and management problems, Parental
attitudes and involvement, Community laws and norms favorable toward use.
Protective Factor(s) Addressed – Skills, Healthy beliefs and clear standards, Delay initial onset of
gambling.
More Information/Contacts – Jim Wuelfing jimwuelfing@gmail.com Marty Toomey 774-200-0938
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• Facing The Odds: The Mathematics of Gambling and Other Risks

Source: Harvard Medical School Division on Addictions and the Massachusetts Council on Compulsive
Gambling
Program Description - Facing The Odds: The Mathematics of Gambling and Other Risks is a middle-
school curriculum on probability, statistics and mathematics. The curriculum was designed to enhance
students’ critical thinking ability, number sense and knowledge of the mathematics of gambling so that
they can develop rational views about gambling and make their own informed choices when confronted
with gambling opportunities. The aim of this project is to 1) Make mathematics more meaningful by
increasing its relevance to the daily lives of students; 2) Develop students’ critical thinking skills, allowing
them to make decisions and choices about gambling activities based on mathematical reasoning; and, as
a by-product, 3) Delay the onset or diminish the level or participation in gambling activities.
CSAP Strategy(s) – Education

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IOM Type – Universal

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Target Population – middle school math students

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Risk Factor(s) Addressed – Poor impulse control

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Protective Factor(s) Addressed – Skills, Healthy beliefs and clear standards, Delay onset of initial use

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More Information/Contacts – http://people.cst.cmich.edu/marci1t/203/facing_the_odds.pdf
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• Improving Your Odds

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Source: Invitation Health Institute formerly known as Minnesota Institute of Public Health
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Program Description – Improving Your Odds is a six-section curriculum designed to help youth acquire
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the knowledge and skills necessary to make choices about whether, when and how much to gamble.
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Risks and benefits of gambling are examined. Activities are included to help students learn how to
recognize a gambling problem, how to talk with someone that may have a problem and how to find
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help. The materials in the curriculum are designed to be integrated into teachers’ regular curriculum to
complement other efforts and the program can be completed in 4-10 hours.
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CSAP Strategy(s) – Education

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IOM Type – Universal

Target Population – Middle school students
Risk Factor(s) Addressed – Early initiation of gambling behavior, Poor impulse control, Attitudes
favorable towards gambling
Protective factor(s) Addressed – Skills, Healthy beliefs and clear standards
More Information/Contacts – http://www.invitationhealthinstitute.org/
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• Gambling: Reducing The Risks

Source: Saskatchewan Health, Canada
Program Description – The program provides teachers and students with information regarding
gambling, teaches students about the risks associated with gambling, presents strategies that reduce
the risks and supports skill development that allows students to make healthy choices about gambling.
Resource materials consist of the following: a program manual for teachers that include instructional
strategies and teaching notes; topic-related activities for group discussion; a videotape with short, open-
ended clips for discussions after group viewings; and information on accessing resources. The program
guidebook provides comprehensive information on youth as a high-risk target group, including specific
information on: reasons people gamble, definitions and descriptions of various types of gambling, signs
of problem gambling in young people, consequences of problem gambling, age restrictions and impacts
of problem gambling on families.
CSAP Strategy(s) – Education, Information Dissemination

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IOM Type – Universal

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Target Population – 6th to 9th grade students

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Risk Factor(s) Addressed – Accessibility, Community laws and norms favorable toward gambling, Early

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initiation of gambling behavior, Peer influence
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Protective Factor(s) Addressed – Skills, Healthy beliefs and clear standards, Delayed initial onset of
gambling
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More Information/Contacts – Leanne Fischer, Program Consultant (306) 787-4094
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• Playing For Keeps

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Source: Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC), Canada

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Program Description – Playing For Keeps is a 60-minute presentation designed for use in schools or
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youth groups. The topics discussed are definitions of gambling and problem gambling, signs of problem
gambling and individuals at-risk for problem gambling. The curriculum includes instructor notes,
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activities and a quiz.

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CSAP Strategy(s) – Education, Information Dissemination

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IOM Type – Universal

Target Population – High School students
Risk Factor(s) Addressed – Early initiation of gambling behavior, Friends who engage in gambling
behavior
Protective Factor(s) Addressed – Skills, Healthy beliefs and clear standards, Delayed onset of problem
behavior
More Information/Contacts – http://corp.aadac.com/gambling/index.as
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• Risky Business
Source: Wright State University, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Substance Abuse Resources and
Disability Issues (SARDI) Program, Dayton, Ohio
Program Description – Risky Business is a six-session holistic prevention intervention, developed by the
SARDI Program with Wright State University. The goal of the Risky Business program is to increase
perceptions of harm associated with risky behaviors and support protective factors related to good
decision-making. Each session lasts approximately one hour, and session topics include: General
decision-making; Stress/Anger Management/Violence Prevention; Youth and Problem Gambling; Sexual
Risk Behavior; Myths about Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs; and Alcohol and Drug Prevention.
CSAP Strategy(s) – Education
IOM Type – Selective
Target Population – 13-17 year old juvenile justice involved youth

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Risk Factor(s) Addressed – Early initiation of gambling behavior, Favorable toward gambling, Lack of

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parental knowledge, Lack of parental objection

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Protective Factor(s) Addressed – Skills, Healthy beliefs and clear standards, Delayed onset of problem

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behavior

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More Information/Contacts – Dr. Josephine Wilson, Director SARDI Program (937) 775-1491
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http://medicine.wright.edu/sardi
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• Smart Choices
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Source: Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling

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Program Description – The MD-Smart Choices curriculum aims to educate students about gambling and
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promote positive decision making surrounding gambling. The focus of the program is on the inherent
risks of gambling and emphasizing positive decision making skills. The curriculum was adapted to be
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more relevant for urban youth and to be highly interactive and discussion-driven.
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CSAP Strategy(s) – Education, Information Dissemination

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IOM Type – Universal

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Target Population – Middle and High School students

Risk Factor(s) Addressed – Early initiation of gambling behavior, Peer influence
Protective Factor(s) Addressed - Increasing students’ knowledge of gambling and gambling addiction,
Delay initial onset of gambling
More Information/Contacts – Carl Robertson, Prevention Manager Center of Excellence on Problem
Gambling (410) 799-4396 croberts@psych.umaryland.edu
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• G.A.M.E.S. (Gambling Awareness of Monroe Through Educating Our Students)

Source: Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling
Program Description – Peer-peer and peer-adult prevention program to create awareness and reduce
harm associated with gambling. GAMES is not an anti-gambling program. Students are taught about
making healthy choices; reducing their risk of addiction; and setting their own limits. As a result, GAMES
has become a conduit for open discussion about risky behaviors in general.
CSAP Strategy(s) – Alternatives, Education
IOM Type – Universal
Target Population – High School students
Risk Factor(s) Addressed – Early initiation of gambling behavior, Friends who engage in gambling
behavior, Poor impulse control, Availability, Family conflict and management problems, Parental

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attitudes and involvement, Community laws and norms favorable toward use

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Protective Factor(s) Addressed – Skills, Healthy beliefs and clear standards, Delay initial onset of
gambling

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More Information/Contacts – Jeanne Dimuzio (203) 579-2727 x310 jdimuzio@ryasap.org

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• YMCA Youth Gambling Project
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Source: YMCA Youth Gambling Project (YGP)

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Program Description – The goal of the YMCA Youth Gambling Project is to reduce the harm associated
with gambling. The program takes a proactive approach believing that prevention programs are
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essential to improving individual health and personal development and creating healthier communities.
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CSAP Strategy(s) – Education, Information Dissemination

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IOM Type – Universal

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Target Population – Youth ages 8 – 24 years old, Parents, Teachers, and Professionals
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Risk Factor(s) Addressed – Availability, Favorable attitudes towards use, Family conflict and
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management problems, Friends who engage in gambling behavior, Community laws and norms
favorable toward use
Protective Factor(s) Addressed – Skills, Healthy beliefs and clear standards
More Information/Contacts – jim.milligan@ymca.net
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• SMART Bet
Source: Prevention Action Alliance, formerly Drug Free Action Alliance, Columbus, Ohio
Program Description – SMART Bet is a prevention based curriculum designed to help young adults gain
the knowledge and skills necessary to make healthy choices about whether, when and how much to
gamble. The program has been designed to allow participants to explore the role of gambling in our
society and in their lives. Within the program participants will learn about the risks and benefits of
gambling, as well as examine their own attitudes, feelings and opinions around the decision to gamble
or not to gamble. Included are activities to develop a personal set of guidelines for gambling if their
decision is to gamble. Participants will also learn how to recognize a gambling problem, what to say and
where to find help. The in-person program can be completed in 4-10 hours, depending upon the amount
of time spent discussing each activity and time allotted to complete activities. The program materials
can be stand-alone or integrated into other training curriculums, lessons, or activities.
CASP Strategy(s) – Education

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IOM Type – Universal

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Target Population – 18-24 year olds

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Risk Factor(s) Addressed – Early initiation of gambling behavior, Community laws and norms favorable

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Protective Factor(s) Addressed – Skills, Healthy beliefs and clear standards, Subjective sense of self-
sufficiency, making independent decisions, becoming financially independent
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More Information/Contacts – http://preventionactionalliance.org
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• Addiction: Gambling With Your Future

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Source: Delaware Council on Gambling Problems, Inc.

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Program Description – This 90 minute program aims to discuss problem gambling as it relates to other
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addictions, raise awareness that gambling can be an addiction and is treatable, prevent underage
gambling, and increase decision making skills regarding future gambling behaviors. The program
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materials consist of power point education; PSA’s discussing brain chemistry, mock gambling activities
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(modified Stacked Deck dice activity) and mindfulness exercises.

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CSAP Strategy(s) – Education

IOM Type – Universal
Target Population – High School students (mainly 9th and 10th grade - health classes)
Risk Factor(s) Addressed – Early initiation of gambling behavior, Lack of knowledge for signs of problem
gambling, Availability, Favorable attitudes toward the problem behavior
Protective Factor(s) Addressed – Skills, Healthy beliefs and clear standards, Delay onset of initial use
More Information/Contacts – Judy McCormick, Director of Youth Prevention Services seadog@dcgp.org
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• Asian Pacific Americans Ambassadors Program: Model Community Change

Source: Connecticut Commission on Equity and Opportunity
Program Description – With a goal of providing education and resources about problem gambling, these
session range from 1.5 to 2 hours and cover problem gambling information, video clips, myth and facts
about gambling and other activities. The sessions presented use bilingual and bicultural strategies to
promote comfort and understanding. The Asian Pacific Americans Ambassadors Program educates and
trains 18 year old and over adults to be ambassadors in their communities in the hopes of raising
awareness around problem gambling, dispelling myths and promoting truths about addiction, encourage
help seeking behaviors and providing accessible resources.
CSAP Strategy(s) – Education, Community-Based Process
IOM Type - Selective
Target Population – Overlooked Asian Communities (college students, older adults)

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Risk Factor(s) Addressed – Favorable attitudes toward the problem behavior, Family attitudes and

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involvement, Myths around gambling

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Protective Factor(s) Addressed – Healthy beliefs and clear standards

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More Information/Contacts – Mui Mui Hin-McCormick mui.mui.hin-mccormick@cga.ct.gov

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• Project PANDA (Prevent And Neutralize Drug Abuse)

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Source: Community Health Center, Akron, Ohio

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Program Description – Project PANDA uses up to 10 (dependent on school availability) 45 minute

sessions covering alcohol, tobacco, other drugs and gambling. The program goals are to delay onset of
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use, compare gambling to other addictions and increase awareness and perception of gambling as a
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high-risk behavior that is potentially harmful to self and others. The program uses power point
education and discussion, “jeopardy” type quiz game, and mock gambling (Stacked Deck dice activity).
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CSAP Strategy(s) – Education

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IOM Type – Universal

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Target Population – 6th to 12th grade students

Risk Factor(s) Addressed – Early initiation of gambling behavior, Favorable attitudes toward problem
behavior
Protective Factor(s) Addressed – Delay onset of initial use, Healthy beliefs and clear standards,
Increasing students’ knowledge of gambling and gambling addiction
More Information/Contacts – Lauren Munk, Prevention Coordinator
lauren.munk@commhealthcenter.org
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• Betting On Our Future

Source: California Friday Night Live Partnership & California Office of Problem Gambling & California
Center for Youth Development and Health Promotion
Program Description – The goal of the BOOF program is to support and empower young people to
create positive change by raising the profile of problem gambling and the effects it has on youth, their
families, and their community. Students receive 3 hours of problem gambling education and are
encouraged to do further research; later evidence supports participants engage in further research. The
program consists of power point education and discussion and the creation of PSAs. By focusing on
youth empowerment, BOOF strives to be peer-led and youth driven.
CSAP Strategy(s) – Education, Information Dissemination, Environmental Approaches
IOM Type - Universal
Target Population – Middle and High School students interested in arts and media

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Risk Factor(s) Addressed – Availability, Community laws and norms favorable toward gambling, Family

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attitudes and involvement, lack of parental knowledge, myths around gambling

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Protective Factor(s) Addressed – Skills, Healthy beliefs and clear standards

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More Information/Contacts – visit: http://fridaynightlive.org/areas-of-focus/gambling/gambling-overview/

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Dr. Jim Kooler jimk@tcoe.org, Nani Dodson nanid@tcoe.org, Kellie Goodwin kellieg@tcoe.org
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• Making the Most of Your Leisure Time

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• Healthy Aging: You and Your Money

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Source: Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling

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Program Description – These programs are both discussion-based and accompanied by literature, lasting
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from 45-90 minutes in length, and presented at Council on Aging and various senior centers. Some
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centers may be more indicated due to gambling behaviors and beliefs and require more sessions.
Sessions discuss leisure activities and move to education when gambling is brought up. Participants
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create a rough sketch of their budget and discuss where they use money and how gambling may affect
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this. There are no messages of not gambling as the programs focus on harm reduction, warning signs
and educate on ways to protect self and others. Discussions follow on how gambling relates to other
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addictions and strategies for saving money such as financial resources and alternative activities.
CSAP Strategy(s) – Alternative Activities, Education, Information Dissemination
IOM Type – Selective
Target Population – Older Adults (55+, also friends and family members)
Risk Factor(s) Addressed – Availability, Friends who engage in gambling behavior, Lack of financial
education, Lack of knowledge of signs of problem gambling, myths around gambling
Protective Factor(s) Addressed – Skills, Healthy beliefs and clear standards
More Information/Contacts – Amanda Winters, Assistant Director of Programs & Services
awinters@masscompulsivegambling.org
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• YOU(th) Decide
Source: New York Council on Problem Gambling
Program Description – YOU(th) Decide aims to increase youth knowledge of common myths associated
with gambling, increase community capacity to prevent underage gambling, and decrease gambling
accessibility to youth. The program is a face-to-face 40-50 minute educational session that includes
lessons on media literacy, gambling specific advertisements and what myths are being portrayed.
YOU(the) Decide strives to teach youth to think constructively about gambling behaviors. The program
also focuses on education for parents and community leaders to create a comprehensive effort to
address problem gambling in the broader community.
CSAP Strategy(s) – Community-Based Process, Education, Environmental Approach
IOM Type – Universal

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Target Population – 12-17 year olds, parents, community leaders

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Risk Factor(s) Addressed – Availability, Early initiation of gambling behavior, Favorable attitudes toward

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gambling, Myths around gambling

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Protective Factor(s) Addressed – Delay initial onset of gambling, Healthy beliefs and clear standards,

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Making independent decisions
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More Information/Contacts – Jaime Costello jcostello@nyproblemgambling.org
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