Join the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and the New York Council on Problem Gambling (NYCPG) on July 15 and 16 in Tarrytown, New York for the 30^th National Conference on Problem Gambling -- 30 Years: Proud of Our Past, Planning Our Future!

NCPG is returning to its roots in New York where the first National Conference on Problem Gambling was held in 1985. NYCPG is proud to host the event which brings in expert speakers and presenters to cover a variety of pertinent subjects on the issues of problem gambling and responsible gaming. The New York State Gaming Commission will be leading a pre-conference workshop as well as a breakout session during the main conference.  

"The NYCPG is honored to host the 30th National Council on Problem Gambling's Conference,” said NYCPG Board of Director President Stephen Block. “We are pleased to reflect on our accomplishments that span over 30 years while at the same time planning for an exciting future and look forward to seeing participants from all over the world who will share their experience, strength and hope."

The conference begins with two days of Pre-Conference workshops on July 13 and 14 covering assessment, ways to take care of the caretakers, networking strategies for counselors, stakeholder engagement, problem gambling and the Southeast Asian and Somali cultures, and improving helpline services. The Main Conference takes place on July 15 and 16.

“Our 30th conference is packed with presentations and programs that provide the latest information on problem gambling prevention, education, treatment, research and recovery,” said NCPG Executive Director Keith Whyte. “Whether you are a leader or newcomer in the field, you will find more than 50 engaging, informative and thought provoking sessions in the Main Conference alone. As New York State and communities across the country grapple with the impacts of gambling, the conference provides cutting-edge research and extensive networking opportunities to help all stakeholders work towards solutions to minimize harm.”

This four-day event provides continuing education and networking opportunities in the fields of problem gambling and responsible gaming. The Conference Keynote Speaker is Dr. Jon Kelly, Chief Executive Officer of Ontario’s Responsible Gambling Council and leading expert on play safeguards and problem gambling prevention. Attendees can earn up to 31 Continuing Education Units over the four days. Last year’s event in Baltimore, Maryland, drew over 600 attendees including both national and international participants from the problem gambling and addictions fields.

“The New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services is proud to join the New York Council on Problem Gambling in welcoming National Problem Gambling Conference attendees to the Empire State,” said NYS OASAS Commissioner Arlene González-Sánchez. “This conference will help to educate professionals and individuals in our state and across the nation about problem gambling and help to improve access to treatment and supports for New Yorkers and others who are struggling with problem gambling disorder.”

New York State Gaming Commission Executive Director Robert Williams said, “The New York State Gaming Commission congratulates its colleagues in New York’s Responsible Play Partnership, the New York Council and NYS OASAS, for their role in crafting what is sure to be an illuminating and thought-provoking program. We look forward to being part of this important conversation.”

The conference Friday Night Highlight Event will be held at the historic Tarrytown Music Hall on July 15 and features the award-winning solo performance by Rory Ledbetter of “A Mind Full of Dopamine,” a masterful storytelling thrill ride rocketing you down the dark side of the gambling highway.

About the Organizations:

The National Council on Problem Gambling is a nonprofit created to serve as the national representative of the problem gambling field and is organized with three classes of members: state affiliate, corporate and individual. NCPG concentrates efforts on the national level, while the state affiliates work at the state and local level. NCPG’s mission is to lead state and national stakeholders in the development of comprehensive policy and programs for all those affected by problem gambling in order to achieve our vision of improving societal health and wellness by reducing the personal, social and economic costs of problem gambling.  For more information about the conference schedule, accommodations, event sponsorship and other details, visit the NCPG website at www.ncpgambling.org/conference or call NCPG Operations Manager Lissa Cobetto at 202-547-9204.

The New York Council on Problem Gambling is a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to increasing public awareness about problem and compulsive gambling and advocating for support services and treatment for persons adversely affected by problem gambling. For more information, visit nyproblemgambling.org or call 518-867-4084.

The New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (NY OASAS) oversees one of the nation’s largest addiction services systems dedicated to prevention, treatment and recovery, with nearly 1,600 programs, including crisis, inpatient, residential and outpatient services that serve nearly 240,000 individuals on an annual basis. Individuals battling alcohol, drug or gambling addiction can get help by calling the State’s HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY 24-hours a day, 7 days a week. The HOPEline can also be reached through texting HOPENY (short code: 467369). For more information, visit www.oasas.ny.gov.

The New York State Gaming Commission regulates all aspects of gaming and gambling activity in the state, including horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering, commercial casinos, video lottery gaming, Class III Indian Gaming, the New York Lottery and charitable gaming. For more information, visit www.gaming.ny.gov.

For more information, visit www.ncpgambling.org.