DHS poster calendar shows ills of problem gambling

DHS News Release December 26, 2007

General contact: Ken Palke, 503.947.5286 Program contact: Wendy Hausotter, 503.945.9703

Thousands of Oregonians will be admiring the artistic endeavors of a dozen middle school students during 2008 on an Oregon Department of Human Services color calendar designed to increase awareness of problem gambling.




Approximately 75,000 Oregon adults experience problems related to their gambling, which also impacts children and families.

Earlier this year the DHS Addictions and Mental Health Division sponsored its fifth annual middle school poster contest to help students learn more about the risks of gambling and to alert parents and educators that problem gambling can be a serious health issue.

A dozen posters were chosen from several hundred entries submitted by students around the state. Many posters were created during Problem Gambling Awareness Week in March. Gift certificates ranging from $25 to $100 were awarded to two teachers and the 12 students selected.

The student artists are (grade and school at time of submission listed):

• January: Megan Tilley, 7th grade, Jefferson Middle School, Jefferson
  
• February: Amy Senestraro, 6th grade, Ashland Middle School, Ashland


• March: Marissa Parr, 8th grade, Jefferson Middle School, Jefferson
  
• April: Julie Meyer, 8th grade, Heppner High School, Heppner


• May: Trace Byrd, 8th grade, The Dalles Middle School, The Dalles


• June: Chandra Sinnott, 8th grade, Central Linn High School, Halsey
  
• July: Brianna Dweg, The Dalles Middle School, The Dalles
  
• August: Katy Cheung, 8th grade, Monroe Middle School, Eugene
  
• September: Natalie Tolmachoff, 8th grade; Mark Twain Middle School, Silverton
  
• October: Jacob Young, 7th grade, Monroe Middle School, Eugene
  
• November: Bailey White, 7th grade, Ontario Middle School, Ontario
  
• December: Sydney Sprague, 7th grade, Monroe Middle School, Eugene

Ten thousand calendars were circulated to many local DHS offices, schools and community organizations and are available free of charge. Telephone 503.945.6187 for details.

Free problem gambling treatment is available statewide. To reach the free and confidential Oregon Problem Gambling Hotline, telephone 1-877-MY-LIMIT or visit 1877mylimit.org.

DHS manages the Lottery-financed problem-gambling program as part of its services to prevent and help Oregonians overcome the negative effects of addictions. More information about problem gambling is available on the DHS Web site at http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/addiction/gambling.shtml#aware.

DHS will soon launch a similar search for art for next year's problem gambling awareness calendar. Middle schools and community groups working with middle school aged children will receive information in January. The deadline for the 2009 Problem Gambling Awareness Art Search will be March 21. An entry form is also available by calling 503-945-6187.

(Note to editors: Student calendar artwork is available in PDF format. Call 503.947.5286). ###

Additional note: all 12 winning posters featured in the 2008 calendar are also online at: http://www.lanecounty.org/prevention/gambling/ORpostergallery2007.htm

Article: "Gambling: no longer an adult hobby"

Sunday, December 9, 2007 4:31 AM PST
Gambling: no longer an adult hobby

By JESSICA KELLER (Ontario) Argus Observer [Read the full article here.]

ONTARIO - What are your children doing in their spare time?While typically considered an adult activity in the past, gambling is spreading to the younger age set, and the dangers of gambling are no longer just an adult concern.

Andrea Lockner, Lifeways prevention coordinator for Malheur County, said research and societal factors indicate more youth and teenagers are either gambling or becoming more susceptible to developing gambling problems earlier, making youth gambling awareness more important.

Children and teenagers are introduced to gambling every day, Lockner said, through teasers on the Internet to watching television. Poker has become the equivalent of a sport through broadcasts of poker tournaments on television channels, such as ESPN, and children see that and their perceptions of gambling can change. Lockner said she has even heard children say they want to become professional poker players when they grow up.

“For me, I think that was a whoa. That was surprising,” Lockner said...

[Read the remainder of article here.]

Video: "Teen Gambling: It's a Risky Deal"

Teen Gambling: It's a Risky Deal" is an award-winning eight-minute "Mythbuster" themed video featuring Oregon youth. The video is educating, entertaining, and easy to plug in to class discussions. For ordering information, contact Greta Coe, Resource & Technical Assistance Coordinator, Oregon Problem Gambling Services.

New Report -- Prevention of Problem Gambling: A Comprehensive Review of the Evidence

Williams, R. J., West, B. L., & Simpson, R. I. (2007b). Prevention of problem gambling: A comprehensive review of the evidence. Report prepared for the Ontario Problem Gambling Research Centre, Guelph, Ontario, CANADA. August 1, 2007.

Question: Banks

A regional problem gambling prevention provider, Marcy, would like to know if any problem gambling prevention/outreach has been done in approaching banks, and what the response has been.

Any successes or suggestions for best approaching banks or credit unions? Please comment below.

Arizona | Casinos back programs to treat teens

Sept. 29, 2007 12:00 AM | ArizonaCentral.com | full article here

A state Department of Gaming report released this week shows that Arizona Indian casinos grossed nearly $2 billion in the past fiscal year.

The state gets a chunk of the money and some, interestingly, now is going to programs to treat teen gambling addictions.

Teenagers aren't legally allowed to enter Arizona casinos or buy lottery tickets. But that does not stop them from betting with friends on sports or card games. Some even find ways to scratch lottery tickets regularly.

So what's the harm?

Studies have shown that the younger someone starts gambling, the easier it is to get addicted, said Rick Pyper, director of the Arizona Office of Problem Gambling.

His office received $1.8 million from gaming tribes in the past year for gambling treatment and prevention. "Most people who gamble do not develop a gambling disorder," Pyper said.

"However, some studies suggest that the earlier people begin gambling the more likely it is they may develop a problem later in life. Some teens are attracted by what they see on TV, where gambling programs have become more common."

A 2006 survey of Arizona students by the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission indicates that 61 percent of eighth-, 10th- and 12th-graders had gambled at some point.

Of those, 14 percent had played the lottery; 13.7 percent had bet money on cards; 13.4 percent had bet on team sports; 2 percent had gambled on the Internet; and 1.6 percent reported having bet at casinos.

Pyper said he is not aware of any studies that show how many Arizona teens have been diagnosed with gambling addictions, but he would like to see more of those who have the problem get help.

Addiction warning signs include bragging about winning money, dropping out of other activities to spend time gambling and betting money that was supposed to go for lunch or other expenses. The state's help line: 1-800 NEXT STEP.

Indiana after-school programs now include problem gambling

'Gambling a top issue for youth prevention programs.'

From Indiana University's "Living Well" News Page
[Source: http://newsinfo.iu.edu/tips/page/normal/3685.html?s=pages]

After-school substance abuse prevention programs in Indiana will incorporate problem gambling prevention initiatives for the first time this year, said Mary Lay, program coordinator of Indiana Problem Gambling Prevention for the Indiana Prevention Resource Center at Indiana University Bloomington.

"We felt it was important to include this content in youth programming because gambling has become more pervasive in many ways in our culture," Lay said. "There are more gambling venues -- not only casinos, but also on the Internet and in social situations where youth are participating. On television, half the cable stations are carrying Texas hold'em or celebrity poker shows. We have been getting feedback from schools and youth groups that they are seeing more young people developing problems with losing money or personal property through gambling. We hope to get ahead of the curve and educate youth about problem gambling before it becomes more prevalent."

Click here to read the complete article.

1877mylimit.org in the news

Bend Weekly News: 'State's problem gambling program introduces electronic messaging' [8/31/07]


Coos Bay World: 'Oregon problem gambling program goes online' [8/30/07]

State's problem gambling program introduces electronic messaging

Aug. 29, 2007

Contact: Jim Sellers 503-945-5738
Program contact: Wendy Hausotter 503-945-9703

State's problem gambling program introduces electronic messaging

For growing numbers of people, picking up the telephone is so yesterday.

Responding to that fact, the state's Problem Gambling Services program has introduced e-mail, instant messaging and live chat to its popular telephone helpline.

"We see this as a way to reach people who aren't comfortable seeking help by phone, and we expect it to be especially popular with younger, Internet-savvy people who don't often come into treatment for gambling issues," said Bob Nikkel, Oregon Department of Human Services assistant director for addictions and mental health. "This is an excellent addition to a problem gambling program already recognized as among the nation's best."

Oregon is one of a handful of jurisdictions worldwide that can invite people to communicate electronically with treatment counselors, Nikkel said.

Like people who call the toll-free phone line, those who contact the program electronically will communicate with qualified counselors trained in helping people with gambling addictions. People may send e-mail and instant messages or call the helpline at any time or, for live chat with a counselor, may call weekdays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

As with calling the helpline, using electronic communication is confidential. Encrypted software protects personal information that is shared electronically.

To connect, people may go to the Web site www.1877mylimit.org. From there, they may send an e-mail message or click on an icon to initiate live chat. People also may send an instant message using AOL, ICQ, Google, MSN or Yahoo services.

Services are available in both English and Spanish.

Nikkel said the program expects inquiries such as what level of gambling constitutes a problem, where and when local Gamblers Anonymous meetings are held, what happens in treatment, and how and where to enroll.

The state's problem-gambling program, operated by DHS as part of its addiction prevention and treatment services, is paid for by 1 percent of Oregon Lottery revenues. Problem-gambling treatment is free, confidential and has been shown to be effective.

For traditionalists who still prefer to use the 24-hour telephone helpline, the toll-free phone number is 1-877-695-4648 (MY LIMIT). More than 4,000 people call the helpline annually.

# # #

2007 college gambling survey findings

The executive report of findings from the 2007 college gambling survey is available online.

450 University of Oregon students participated in a confidential online survey, conducted by Northwest Survey & Data Services, Inc., in May 2007.

Data from the survey will be used to plan evidence-based problem gambling awareness efforts in conjunction with the University of Oregon.

'Hit me one more time: The life of a gambler'

JUNE 17, 2007
by Chris Gray, The News-Review Roseburg, OR

Article snippets:

"Elliot Karpen is a patient in ADAPT's gambling addiction treatment program, funded by the Oregon Lottery.Elliot used to bring home $3,000 to $4,000 a week selling Fords, Jaguars and Aston Martins. Now he and (his wife) Greta live in a $575-a-month Cloverdale duplex and he collects disability."

"Elliot said he's gambled since he was 6 years old, stealing pennies and nickels from his father to toss against the wall with the other kids on the streets of Brooklyn."

[Photo: 'Elliot Karpen talks with ADAPT’s Paul Famer during a counseling session at the ADAPT offices in Roseburg June 7.' JON AUSTRIA / The News-Review]

Read the full article on the News-Review website.

New video highlighting gambling’s risks to youth

DHS News Release June 18, 2007

Contact: Jim Sellers 503-945-5738
Program contact: Bob Miller 503-945-6185

A new video that takes a fast-moving, often humorous approach to highlighting the risks of youth gambling is being made available free to middle school teachers and other youth leaders by the Oregon Department of Human Services.

The 8-1/2-minute video, “Teen Gambling: It’s a Risky Deal,” features catchy graphics, interviews with middle-school students from Burns, Eugene, John Day and Ontario, and two Oregon adolescent actors as anchors.

“Although students who gamble often start in middle school, most schools don’t address gambling as part of their health curriculum,” said Bob Nikkel, Oregon Department of Human Services assistant director for mental health and addictions. “This short video will give those who work with youth a chance to engage them and start the discussion about gambling’s potential risks.”

[View complete news release here.]

KOIN-TV News story: 'More teens try hand at gambling' (6/19/07)

Oregon's first problem gambling prevention video debut

June 5, 2007 (Eugene) -- The first Oregon problem gambling prevention video debuted at Monroe Middle School in Eugene. The video was commissioned by Oregon Problem Gambling Services, and produced by Allied Video Productions in conjunction with Marcia Martin & Associates, LLC.

KVAL-TV News story/video: 'Local students make video to prevent problem gambling' (6/5/07)

KMTR-TV News story/video:'New video: Gambling prevention for teens' (6/5/07)


[Photos Top: News cameras capture the premiere as students watch. Bottom: Michele Armand from KVAL-13 TV interviews Monroe Middle School teacher Sarah Kerr-Daly about the new video.]
___

Full story:
Lane County Problem Gambling Prevention: Youth Video Media Center

U.S. House bill proposes to study online gambling

House Bill 2140 was introduced to the United States House of Representatives on May 3, 2007, with the intention to "provide for a study by the National Academy of Sciences to identify the proper response of the United States to the growth of Internet gambling."

Among many other issues, the study would include:
Section 3a.(2C): " a determination of the impact of Internet gambling on minors and compulsive gamblers and the availability of regulatory and technological safeguards to prevent or mitigate these impacts;"

Full text of the bill (H.R. 2140) may be viewed here.

Thanks to Bill Ursel of the Canadian Mental Health Association, Saskatchewan, for this update.

Blog incentive quiz -- for a $5 Starbucks gift card

Remember how you first were getting acquainted with email or the Internet? Now, it's part of everyday life. Blogs, like any form of change, can be a little daunting at first. Even the word 'blog' can send shivers of terror among some.

In order to encourage use of this form of 'anywhere' and interactive communication, we're offering an incentive. Take some time to surf around and get yourself acquainted with the blog. Look at who's a fellow author, related web links, post topics (or 'labels'), and the articles themselves. Then answer the four questions in the quiz below.

Send your quiz responses to Wendy Hausotter at Wendy.Hausotter@state.or.us. If you're one of the first five respondents, you'll get a FREE $5 Starbucks gift card!

THE QUIZ:

1. How many posts are under the label "Tips for Parents/Educators"? What are the subjects of these posts?

2. If you weren't sure or don't remember how to log in & post an item to the blog, what could you click within the blog to get help?

3. Now, try logging in using your username (your full email address) and password (which is, unless you changed it, a word that rhymes with 'retention'). Once you've logged in, click 'view blog' and post a comment to ANY one of the articles/posts in the blog.

4.What are the primary barrier(s) that you may have with using this blog?

Thanks!

Remember to send your quiz responses to Wendy.Hausotter@state.or.us if you want one of those gift cards!

Nightline story on gambling in Oregon

On May 3, ABC Nightline aired a story on gambling in Oregon.

View the video:
http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/story?id=3135235&page=1

Comments?

Argus Observer story: "Problem gambling awareness art contest"

Argus Observer (Ontario, Oregon) May 3, 2007

Problem gambling awareness art contest

"Ontario - Problem gambling harms more than 10,000 Oregon teens and 75,000 Oregon adults. There was a search for “calendar” artwork from middle school students to promote Oregon Problem Gambling Awareness."

For the complete article, click here.

In-School Problem Gambling Prevention Handout

To: In-school prevention folks.
It looks like I'll have a one-shot opportunity to give a one-page (double-sided) handout of information to public Middle and Jr. High School students in the county this school year. I'm wondering what would be a best choice. I'm thinking I could use the Oregon DHS "Gambling is Risky Business. Know the Odds" brochure for youth (Publication DHS 91062). But, I'd like to add information about setting healthy limits into the white space at the end of the brochure. The content I'm thinking of adding is set out below. The symbols to the left of each point are really bullets (didn't translate well into the blog format).
What do you think about this idea? Do you have a better idea?
Mary Ann

Setting Healthy Limits

Guidelines for responsible gambling:

• Gamble only for fun.
• Use only fun money (like you would if you went bowling or to a movie).
• Think of the money you lose as the cost of your entertainment.
• Set a dollar limit and stick to it.
• Set a time limit and stick to it.
• Accept losing as part of the game.
• Don’t borrow money to gamble.
• Don’t let gambling interfere with family, friends, school, or work.
• Don’t gamble to win back losses.
• Don’t use substances that impair your decision making.
• Don’t use gambling as a way to cope with emotional or physical pain.
• Know the law on underage gambling.
• Talk to a counselor if you think you have a problem.
  

Agency Name Address Contact Numbers

Legislators hear it from a former addict: Gambling treatment works

http://www.salem-news.com/articles/april052007/gambling_oped_4507.php

April 5, 2007 by Jeff Marotta

Guest opinion: "Legislators hear it from a former addict: Gambling treatment works"

The scene was an afternoon public hearing this spring before a committee of the Oregon Legislature. The 50-ish man at the witness table was articulate and was dressed professionally. But his personal story of battling a gambling problem was one legislative committees don't often hear.

"I wasn't a person who was stealing your car stereos," he told the committee, "but that's where I was headed. Through treatment I got the tools necessary so I could get on my feet."

Today he is among the more than 80 percent of Oregonians for whom free, confidential treatment for a gambling addiction has been successful, meaning that six months later they either are gambling less or not at all.

On any given day approximately 1,300 Oregonians are in treatment for gambling disorders, some of the estimated 75,000 of our neighbors who are believed to have a current serious problem with gambling. It's a safety net paid for by the Oregon Lottery, and the sad fact is that most people who would benefit -- remember, it's free and it works -- don't use it.

Oregon's free treatment for gambling addiction, which typically has a value of approximately $1,200, is recognized nationally as a model for its effectiveness.

Another Oregonian, who says she hadn't been a gambler, remembers she began watching a friend gamble $40 to $60 on video poker during her lunch hours. The former non-gambler, a religious person who describes herself as "conservative," became interested and then hooked, before seeing a television commercial urging treatment. She says she got into treatment, which showed her how to channel her interests into other activities. "Thankfully, I also have a good job and a supportive family," she says.

But suppose you are married to a problem gambler who refuses to seek treatment. Help is still available. Getting into counseling will help you understand that you are not alone, you are not to blame, and will show the gambler that accepting outside assistance is OK.

Although total abstinence is the best answer for many problem gamblers, it isn't a requirement of Oregon's treatment program. For some people, it's enough to convert their gambling from spending harmful amounts of time and money into an occasional recreational activity.

To get into treatment, one need only call the toll-free helpline: 1-877-2-STOP-NOW (1-877-278-6766). In some instances, three-way calling may put you into immediate contact with a treatment program. In every case, you can be in treatment within hours or days.

One woman says she gave her husband an ultimatum to call the helpline after he gambled away $50,000. Without treatment, she says, "we wouldn't be married, there's no doubt in my mind." Another woman, whose husband incurred $120,000 in sports-gambling debt, says, "It not only saved our marriage but it also helped me become stronger."

Treatment really does work. There are many reasons to try it. Perhaps the best was summed up by the former problem gambler who told his story to lawmakers in Salem:
"My life today is wonderful," he said.

Jeff Marotta is problem gambling services manager in the Oregon Department of Human Services. He can be contacted at Jeffrey.j.marotta@state.or.us.
###

CCMH offers therapy for gambling addiction

"CCMH offers therapy for gambling addiction"

By April Bamburg | The Chronicle
Wednesday, March 28, 2007


Gambling throughout the state has increased 400 percent since the state made gambling legal in 1985, according to state statistics. while Gambling Awareness Prevention Week (sic) has passed, Columbia Community Mental Health offers treatment for gambling addiction year-round, to citizens who feel they have a gambling problem, and to families of problem gamblers, While problem gambling affects a relatively low number, statewide just three percent, for that three percent, it can be extremely damaging.

According to Carol Chism, Gambling Prevention Coordinator for Clatsop and Columbia Counties, the average person with a gambling problem is Caucasian, middle-aged, and female. "More women [choose] video poker as their favorite than men do," Chism said.

Meet Lacey Ghannon, a local woman who has overcome her gambling addiction with the help of the CCMH program.

She was 21 when she started gambling, "playing for fun in the casinos," Ghannom said. Her gambling escalated during a troubled time at home, she said, and she started gambling more and more.

"I took out a loan on my car, three payday loans, I was borrowing money from my friends to gamble," she said.
Realizing she had a problem, Ghannom called the state's problem gambling hot line and began treatment, individual counseling, about eight months ago.

Since beginning treatment eight months ago, Ghannom said that she has quit gambling. "I told everyone I knew that I was not gambling." Telling friends and family that she had quit gambling helped Ghannom to stay away from what tempted her.

After nearly eight months of treatment, Ghannom has not gambled and will graduate in June with the ability to work as a medical assistant.

Many people don't think of gambling as an addiction, Chism said. According to statistics from the Oregon Lottery, between July 2004 and June 2005, Columbia County residents spent $430 on the Lottery, the fourth highest figure in the state. The statistics provided by the state do not include home poker games and kids buying scratch-its, (which) instead rely on self-reporting and surveys.

When a person is referred to CCMH for gambling addiction treatment, things move quickly. "We get referrals from the state hot line and set an appointment, usually within 48 hours," Chism said.

The first step in treatment is an assessment of what the client needs, and next comes regular appointments, which come at least once a week when people are first referred, Chism said. "Seventy-five percent [of those treated] recover from gambling addiction," Chism said. "Video [gambling] seems to be the hook for many adults and kids."

Statewide, gambling affects approximately three percent of the population. "What we're doing is identifying high risk populations," Chism said. "When people don't have a lot of activities to distract themselves, they gamble more. There are more gambling establishments in Columbia County [proportionally] than there are in larger counties."

Most problem gamblers start gambling compulsively after a big win, Chism said. "They pay a little and get a lot. The person who makes a big win can get hooked. It sneaks up on them, and they find they're spending more than they intended."

They spend their whole paycheck and then the desperation and the lies start. Problem gamblers start borrowing from their friends, and take out payday loans.

One client told Chism, "I've done drugs before. If I spent as much on drugs as I've lost gambling, I'd be dead. I would have overdosed."

Columbia Community Mental Health offers a variety of services to treat gambling addiction, from individual, group, or family counseling, to the offer of a respite bed for someone who needs a place to stay to get away from temptation. Chism said that these services are offered free of charge to clients in need."

For more information or to get help with problem gambling, call the state's help line, 1-877-2-STOP-NOW.

Blog-a-thon-a-rama-palooza

Blog-a-thon-a-rama-palooza!

So, to increase participation on the blog…we’re going to up the ante (pardon the expression) by offering incentives: after the third time you log in and post a comment, resource, etc. you’ll receive either a $5 Starbucks gift card, or a $5 coupon to another store of your choice (as long as it’s a statewide chain so we can get the coupons).

Need help loggin in?
Logging in to blogging in -- it's just like logging in to your email account and sending a message to a friend!

Need some help? Go up to the very, very top right hand corner of your screen (in the grey area that says, "Sign In."

Click "Sign In", and then hit the "New Blogger" button.
Your username is your FULL email address that you gave us when you signed up for blogging (e.g., amy.awesome@awesomeagency.org).

Once you're in, click "New post." Then go for it! Just like typing an email. Once you're done, click "Publish." Just like hitting send on your email! Voila.

YOU are an official gambling prevention blogger. Go for it!

Are you visual, or just need a little more help? Click here or send us an email!

KGW News story -- "Counselor: gambling ‘worst kind' of addiction"

KGW News, Portland March 27, 2007
By DREW MIKKELSEN kgw.com
"Counselor: gambling ‘worst kind' of addiction"

Article snippets:

“Problem gamblers are usually smart people with full-time jobs,” said Marcia Mattoso, an Addiction Counselor for Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare....

Portland Pastor Rex Loy said he took $30,000 in chuch funds to support his addiction. Loy told his congregation he is seeking counseling.
'That’s the best thing he could do,' said Mattoso, who claimed treatment is effective for 80 percent of gamblers who seek help. "

Full article: http://www.kgw.com/news-local/stories/kgw_032707_news_gambling_addiction.7e4a956.html

Oregonian Article: "Loans up the ante for gambling addicts"

Loans up the ante for gambling addicts
For people with a problem, the lure of quick

Saturday, March 17, 2007 BILL GRAVES
The Oregonian

Article snippets:

"Counselors say problem gamblers commonly turn to payday lenders, often after they've exhausted other sources of money.

Payday lenders offer gamblers ready cash with no questions. And they're convenient. With about 360 payday stores in Oregon, more than the number of McDonald's restaurants or Starbucks coffee shops, most gamblers don't have to go far to find money.

If payday lenders didn't exist, problem gamblers 'would hit bottom more quickly,' said Marcia Mattoso, a gambling counselor and outreach coordinator for Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare, a Portland nonprofit that operates the state's largest gambling counseling service. Payday loans 'make gamblers' finances even worse than they were in the first place.'

Video lottery, the game of choice for most problem gamblers, sends broke players to payday lenders who in turn give gamblers more money to burn on video lottery.

During the past seven years, the number of payday loans in Oregon nearly tripled, to 841,000 a year; annual video lottery revenue increased by 82 percent, to $733 million; and the number of gamblers turning to counselors for help doubled, to 1,714..."

Full article: http://www.oregonlive.com/news/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/news/117411092498820.xml&coll=7

Seattle Times covers Oregon DHS news release

"Ore. study shows teen gambling tied to other risky behaviors"
Seattle Times
Printed Sunday, March 19, 2007 Associated Press

Click here to view the article.

OPGAW: Regional Problem Gambling News & Websites

News Stories:

Central Oregon's KZTV covers Awareness Week:

3/5/07: "Lottery ads target problem video gamblers"
http://www.ktvz.com/story.cfm?nav=news&storyID=18699
3/7/07: "Teen gamblers likely taking other risks" http://www.ktvz.com/story.cfm?nav=oregon&storyID=18726

Newport News-Times, 3/7/07: "Problem gambling awareness week observed"
http://newportnewstimes.com:80/articles/2007/03/07/news/news14.txt


Ontario's Argus Observer, 3/7/07: "Gambling awareness week kicks off"

http://www.argusobserver.com/articles/2007/03/07/news/news07.txt
Below: "Andrea Lockner (front) talks about the impact of gambling addiction while Nan Moss (behind Lockner) looks on. Lockner and Moss were on hand at the Ontario Chamber of Commerce session Monday to give a presentation regarding gambling addiction in Oregon. "(Photo source: Beckey Arnold , Argus Observer)


Regional PGS News Releases:
Lane County: "Local Transit Buses to Feature Youth-Created Posters That Raise Awareness of Problem Gambling"
http://www.lanecounty.org/News/News_2007/Release_29408.htm

Regional OPGAW Web Pages:
Yamhill County Prevention Council has a new blog and a post about the Oregon problem gambling help line.
http://yamhillcountypreventioncouncil.blogspot.com/2007/02/24-hour-problem-gambling-help-line-877.html

Lane County Problem Gambling Prevention Program offers a website on local OPGAW activities.
http://www.lanecounty.org/prevention/gambling/opgaw.htm

More news or updates? Let us know!

News release: New data show correlation between teen gambling, other risk behaviors

DHS news release
March 7, 2007

Contact: Ann Snyder, 503-945-5922
Program contact: Jeff Marotta, 503-945-9709

Source: http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/news/2007news/2007-0307.shtml

New correlations from the 2006 Oregon Healthy Teens Survey indicate eighth- and 11th-grade students who gamble also are more likely to be involved in other risky behaviors.

“The data are startling, showing students who gamble are more likely to have had sexual intercourse, consumed alcohol, carried a handgun, been in a fight or attacked someone with an intent to hurt them seriously,” said Jeff Marotta, problem gambling services manager in the Oregon Department of Human Services.

Marotta said the data bolster plans to produce a seven-minute video, expected to be available in April, that will be distributed free to schools, boys and girls clubs, faith organizations, and other sites to encourage youth discussions of problem gambling. The video will feature Oregon middle school students talking about gambling, and will be accompanied by activity and discussion guides.

“The video will focus discussion that will help teenagers understand how to avoid getting into trouble with gambling,” Marotta said.

These were among the correlations in the survey data:

• Sexual intercourse: Eighth-grade gamblers were nearly twice as likely to have had sex as non-gamblers. The difference for 11th-grade gamblers was approximately 25 percent.
• Handguns: Gamblers at both grade levels were three times as likely to have carried a handgun as non-gamblers.
• Physical fights: Eighth-grade gamblers were more than three times as likely to have been in a fight during the prior 12 months, while 11th-graders were more than twice as likely to have been in fights.
• Attacks: Gamblers at both grade levels were nearly three times as likely as non-gamblers to have attacked someone during the prior 12 months with an intent to seriously hurt the individual.
• Alcohol: Eighth-grader gamblers were nearly twice as likely to have consumed alcohol and 11th-graders about a third more likely than non-gamblers.
  

“This isn’t a cause-and-effect relationship,” Marotta said. “Gambling doesn’t cause these other behaviors. But gambling should be a signal to parents that they ought to be talking to teens about risky behaviors including gambling.

Parents and schools both warn about such things as tobacco, alcohol and other drugs, and too often gambling is viewed as a healthy alternative. That isn’t necessarily so.”

In focus groups conducted by Multnomah County and the private nonprofit Oregon Partnership, Marotta noted, a majority of participating teens said they gamble. In contrast, parents, when asked what their kids do for fun, didn’t even mention gambling until they were prompted. Teens said the winner of a weekend poker tournament could take home winnings of as much as $500.

The DHS problem gambling services program, which also offers free treatment, is financed by 1 percent of Oregon Lottery revenues and is among DHS services to prevent and treat addictions. People interested in more information about problem gambling treatment may call toll free 1-877-2-STOP-NOW (1-877-278-6766).

Oregon Problem Gambling Awareness Week is now!

From: Wendy HAUSOTTER [mailto:Wendy.Hausotter@state.or.us]
Sent: Mon 3/5/2007 2:54 PM
To: Oregon PGS Mailing List
Subject: OPGAW is upon us!

First, thanks for your efforts on Oregon PGAW....we hope your plans for this week will go smoothly! Coordinating awareness activities is really an ongoing effort, so we hope that the OPGAW information and resources will serve you throughout the year. As always, don't hesitate to ask if you need more help or support along the way!

By now you should have received the OPGAW '07 resource guide, both as a CD and hard copy. If you did not receive one, let me know and in the meantime you can go to our website and find it at:
http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/addiction/gambling.shtml#aware

The first of two press releases on problem gambling went out today; here is a link to the first one, which features the new moderation messages from the Lottery: http://egov.oregon.gov/DHS/news/2007news/2007-0305.shtml

The next press release will highlight the Oregon Healthy Teens data on gambling and we'll let you know as soon as that one goes out.

Thanks for all you do!!


Wendy Hausotter
Public Health and Prevention Coordinator
Addictions and Mental Health Division (AMH)
Problem Gambling Services

PGS Presentation: Problem Gambling Overview

Need a presentation that sums up the issue of problem gambling in Oregon?

Try Oregon Problem Gambling Services' new PowerPoint presentation. While there, if you have Windows you can "Save As..." to have your own spiffy presentation wherever you go.

2007 OPGAW Resource Guide

The 2007 Oregon Problem Gambling Awareness Week Resource Guide is in! Get your copy now online.

OPGAW Weekly Bulletin [#3]

From: Wendy HAUSOTTER [mailto:Wendy.Hausotter@state.or.us]
Sent: Friday, February 23, 2007 3:51 PM
Subject: OPGAW Weekly Bulletin

Governor's Proclamation
We are still hoping to get the '07 proclamation out in time for OPGAW, but due to a Series of Unfortunate Events, that may not happen. Stay tuned and keep your fingers crossed and we'll send it as soon as we get it!

Cool Stuff from your OPGAW CD/Binder...and these are only the tip of the iceberg!

• want to share tips on minimizing harm from internet gambling? see section 12 page 4
• want a handout on the phone-based program to help problem gamblers? see section 6 page 44 (GEAR)
• want to know if your area has any social gaming ordinances? see section 8 page 25
• want to spread the word about casino night alternatives? see section 6 page 10 and section 9 page 11
• need a sample letter to introduce youth gambling issues to a school principal? see section 9 page 28
  

New powerpoint slides:
We put together some powerpoint slides for a presentation Jeff gave recently and I thought they might be useful to some of you, so they are attached.


Wendy Hausotter
Public Health and Prevention Coordinator
Addictions and Mental Health Division (AMH)
Problem Gambling Services

OPGAW Weekly Bulletin [#2]

From: Wendy HAUSOTTER
Sent: Monday, February 12, 2007 10:58 AM
Subject: OPGAW Weekly Bulletin

Materials:
This week we'll be mailing CDs of the OPGAW materials to those of you who did not pick one up at last Friday's PGS meeting in Salem, so watch your mail!

We still have posters from this year (and previous years) and copies of the flyer for the OPGAW 07 art contest so let us know if you need some!

Ideas:
How are local prevention and outreach providers in Oregon planning to observe OPGAW? Here are a few ideas we heard last week...send me your plans and we'll include them in these emails...your idea may inspire others!

Washington County: exhibit at Washington Square Mall of artwork produced by problem gambling clients in Lifeworks' art therapy sessions; offering on-the-spot opportunities to do some art at the exhibit

Lane County: launching bus ad campaign featuring artwork from middle school poster contest

Josephine County and Mid-Columbia region: looking into having a presence at First Friday Art Walk or another existing community event

National Resources:

Attached is a flyer from the National PGAW website on the effects of problem gambling on the family...would be great to share with your treatment colleagues...for more ideas, check out this section of the National PGAW website: http://www.npgaw.org/participants/otherpartners.asp#VOR top of the page features individual stories of recovery; scroll down to NPGAW Participants for a state-by-state list of activities


Wendy Hausotter

Public Health and Prevention Coordinator

Addictions and Mental Health Division (AMH)

Problem Gambling Services

DHS News Release: Problem Gambling Poster Contest

DHS news release
Feb. 5, 2007
Contact: Jim Sellers 503-945-5738
Program contact: Jeff Marotta 503-945-9709

Middle school students invited to enter calendar art contest
Oregon middle-school students are invited to enter artwork for a 2008 calendar that will be used to increase problem gambling awareness.

An estimated 75,000 adult Oregonians experience problems related to their gambling, which also impacts children and families.

"This is a chance for students both to learn more about the risks of gambling and to capture the attention of parents and educators who may not have problem gambling on their radar as a health issue to look out for," said Jeff Marotta, problem gambling services manager in the Oregon Department of Human Services. He said teachers are invited to encourage students to participate during Oregon Problem Gambling Awareness Week, March 5-11.

Artwork should be entered on white, letter-size paper with the name of the student artist, grade level, school and teacher's name on the back. Entries should be submitted to DHS's Greta Coe at 500 N.E. Summer St., N.E., E-86, Salem, OR 97301.

Deadline for submissions is March 30.

More detail about the contest, including suggested themes for artwork, is available on the DHS Web site. Gift certificates ranging from $25 to $100 will be awarded to 12 students and two teachers.

DHS manages the Lottery-financed problem-gambling program as part of its services to prevent and help Oregonians overcome the negative effects of addictions.
# # #

As of this post, local Oregon papers covering the story include:
Corvallis Gazette Times: http://www.gazettetimes.com/articles/2007/02/06/news/community/6loc08_gambling.txt

Newport News Times: http://www.newportnewstimes.com/articles/2007/02/07/community/community17.txt

Oregon Problem Gambling Awareness Week Bulletin #1

From: Wendy Hausotter
Sent: Fri 2/2/2007 2:40 PM
To: Oregon PGS Mailing List
Subject: Oregon Problem Gambling Awareness Week Bulletin #1

Greetings! This is the first of a series of 5 weekly (hopefully not weakly!) emails I'll send you between now and the first week in March with information, materials and updates on problem gambling awareness week (March 5-11).

Coming Attractions: on Monday you'll receive an electronic version of the updated '07 OPGAW binder contents, followed by a CD in the mail later in the week. After that, you'll receive a full copy of the manual in a new binder. New sections include: suggested OPGAW 07 target activities, internet gambling, recovery, working with schools, and policy (highlighting social gaming) and all the data are updated as well.

In addition to the updated materials, here's a snapshot of our other State-level plans for OPGAW:

• We have requested a Governor's proclamation and will send copies to you when it is signed;
• working with DHS communications, we will release the Oregon Healthy Teens data to the press some time during OPGAW week (those data are included in the OPGAW binder update you'll receive electronically on Monday);
• we will be placing a display and educational materials in the lobby of our building during March 5-11;
• and we will have our clinical conference right before OPGAW week.

Artwork Search: a great activity many regions participate in for OPGAW is the youth artwork search; next year we'll be putting together a calendar featuring selected art (as well as facts, figures and information on problem gambling) so we need lots of middle school-aged kids to participate, and that happens through your efforts (you don't have to work solely through the schools to do this...churches, community centers, youth clubs and organizations are all good ways to connect with middle schoolers). If you would like copies of the flyer you can use to publicize the artwork search, and/or copies of this year's poster, please email Greta.

Another good activity to consider: how about doing the website update I suggested in an email a few weeks ago? If you need another copy of that email, or the web information template I sent out, please let me know...and thanks to those of you who have finished, or are in the process of, upgrading the problem gambling info on your website!


Wendy Hausotter
Public Health and Prevention Coordinator
Addictions and Mental Health Division (AMH)
Problem Gambling Services
500 Summer St NE E86
Salem, OR 97301
(503) 945-9703 phone
(503) 378-8467

Gambling clients needed for interview

My name is Marcia Mattoso, I am a marriage and family therapist and I am the Outreach Coordinator for Gambling Addiction and Treatment in Multnomah County. I am working with the Oregonian and an independent film maker to find a couple of gambling clients who would volunteer to tell their story and be willing to show their faces. The Oregonian is focusing on people who have used PAYDAY LOANS. For the independent film maker, I need any client who is addicted to gambling and is in treatment, and willing to reveal their identity. If you have a client who would volunteer, would you send me an email or call – 503- 872-0164.

Thank you.

Marcia Mattoso, MA, MFT,CGACII,NCGC II Marriage and Family Therapist/Gambling Addiction’s Counselor Gambling Addiction’s Outreach Coordinator for Multnomah County

503 – 873-0164

Spring 2007 Problem Gambling Conference

February 28 & March 1, 2007 (Wed. & Thurs.)
Valley River Inn, Eugene, Oregon ACCBO & GCCBO accreditation 14 CEUs

Keynotes:

New and Emerging Game Technology
Roger Horbay, HSC, is the founder and President of Game Planit Interactive Corporation, developers of the safe@play Slot Machine tutorial. He is a recognized expert in the field of Electronic Gaming and Electronic Gaming Machines, and how the technology contributes to problem gambling. Mr. Horbay is also the founder and past President of the Canadian Problem Gambling Certification Board.

Personality Disorders
Dr. Michele Packard is the Executive Director of Sage Training & Consulting. Dr. Packard is a licensed psychologist and certified addictions counselor with over 20 years in the mental health field. She is co-author of a chapter titled Innovations in the Treatment of Dual Disorders in the 2nd edition of Motivational Interviewing, as well as author of a number of articles including Coping with bipolar disorder: Advice for family members; Assessment of the problem drinker and Offender Risk-Modification Training.

Featured Presentations:
Developments in Brain Research and Pharmacology Eric Martin MA, CADCIII and Dr. Darryl Inaba, Pharm.D
Improving Retention and Engagement: Lessons In Process Improvement Janet Bardossi MSW, LCSW
Fine Tuning Your Outreach Efforts Oregon Providers

OR you may choose this skill-building workshop:

Motivational Enhancement Therapy for Problem & Pathological Gamblers: A Curriculum-Based Group Intervention
Wed. 8:15 – 2:45 AND Thurs. 1-3 pm (takes the place of regular conference offerings for those who choose this option)
A great opportunity for those who want to develop or hone their group treatment skills. See insert for more details; participants must attend both days of the program and will be able to attend regular conference sessions only during the limited times when this workshop is not in session.

Schedule At-A-Glance (click picture to enlarge detailed offerings)

Regular conference offerings are in blue (shows as bold in printed version); the skill-building track (MET) for which you can register instead is in purple (shows as italic in printed version); if you select the MET track you should plan to attend all of those sessions and attend the regular conference sessions only when the MET workshop is not scheduled.

CONFERENCE ALTERNATIVE SELECTION
Motivational Enhancement Therapy for Problem and Pathological Gamblers: A Curriculum-Based Group Intervention

This curriculum–based motivational enhancement group model has broad application for all treatment providers, counselors, therapists, educators and other human service practitioners.

It allows for the facilitation and implementation of motivational interviewing strategies within five group sessions.
This group process and approach elicits and effects positive change in the lives of people struggling with gambling behavior, affecting their overall health, wellbeing and functioning.

** Participants will receive a free copy of the manual **

Training Objectives:

• Review conceptual models of motivation and motivational Interviewing
• Understand METPPG group structure and process
• Learn METPPG group facilitator role
• Understand the rationale and purpose and METPPG strategies of each session
• Review and experience each exercise as METPPG facilitator and as a group participant
• Learn how to implement the open-group format

Instructor: Ann Fields has a Masters’ in Education with over 25 years in the counseling field. Her specialty is behavior change. She also is a Masters' level Addictions Counselor (substance abuse and gambling). She was among the original practitioners trained by William Miller--the developer of Motivational Interviewing--in the early 1990s. She is registered with MINT (Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers) in Washington and Oregon. She has since specialized in motivational interviewing/behavior change promotion in the group setting. She now consults and trains, locally and nationally, with human service practitioners from a variety of practice venues on her motivational interviewing group intervention model: Motivational Enhancement Therapy For Problem & Pathological Gamblers: developed in 1997, written and published in 2006.

___________________________________________

Site Information: reserve your room by Feb. 2 to get conf. rate The Valley River Inn: 1000 Valley River Way in Eugene. Phone: 800-543-8266. Conference lodging rate $84 (sgl queen, up to 2 people), $104 (dbl queen, up to 4 people) + tax; ask for “Oregon Problem Gambling Group Rate” when making your reservation. For directions go to: http://www.valleyriverinn.com/

Conference registration: Contact Patricia Alderson 503.945.5760 Patricia.alderson@state.or.us
Conference content/logistics/other: Contact Arlenia Elmore-Jegglie 503.945.9710 arlenia.elmore-jegglie@state.or.us