2016-2017 Webinar Series

 Wednesday, February 15th, 2017
11am - 12:00pm, EST 

Problem Gambling: A Youth and Family Perspective 

Click here to register!

Problem gambling is an emerging public health issue in our society. A majority of the epidemiological focus has been on the measurement of prevalence and incidence within the adult population. With the rise of social gaming (fantasy sports, internet based games, candy crush) and expansion of gambling (casinos, slot parlors, lotteries) opportunities, there are growing concerns regarding the impact on youth, and families. Problem gambling among youth typically has a snowball effect which impacts their family and social circles. The earlier the onset of gambling experienced by youth the higher for the potential of experiencing other health related issues later in life.

Gambling disorders are a complex phenomenon in our society that is interconnected to many social issues such as: addiction, mental health, and physical health. This complex phenomenon is a complicated web of public health challenges.

This webinar is aimed at exploring the complexities of problem gambling and the various challenges and opportunities in the era of expansion gambling in Massachusetts. Effective strategies in integrating problem gambling services will be highlighted, along with current efforts in Massachusetts to mitigate the hams associated with gambling.  

Impact

The webinar will allow participants to become familiar with the interrelation of gambling with mental health and addiction. A focus on the stressors and challenges facing youth and families will be highlighted. Additionally, current public health efforts to mitigate the harms associated with gambling within the era of expansion gambling will be discussed.

Objectives

1. Participants will be able to identify three factors in the association of gambling disorders and other addictive and mental health disorders.
    
2. Participants will be able to describe four risk factors associated to gambling disorders
    
3. Participants will be able to identify two effective steps in establishing integrated systems of care.
    
4. Participants will be able to identify two resources and two screening tools. 

For more information, or to request an accomodation, please contact Kelly English, Director of the Children's Behavioral Health Knowledge Center, at kelly.english@state.ma.us.