This 30-hour training series will highlight all the beginning needs for counselors and other health professionals for treating patients struggling with problem gambling issues.
This 30-hour training series will highlight all the beginning needs for counselors and other health professionals for treating patients struggling with problem gambling issues. This basic training addresses 100% of the required material for problem gambling certification. After taking this training, participants will have an in-depth understanding of problem gambling patients and the best methods of treatment.
This training will include individual work as well as live sessions. Live sessions on April 9, 10, 17, 23, 24 and May 1st from 9-12 CST. Completion and attendance is required for all components to earn the certification. It is recommended to also hold time on your calendar on the following dates to ensure you have time to complete the self paced portion: April 2, 3, 13, 16, 27, 30th from 9-12 CST. This will allow adequate time to complete the course.
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For technical assistance, please contact info@icpg.org.
Jody Bechtold, LCSW, ICGC-II, BACC, IGDC, CGT
CEO
The Better Institute
Jody Bechtold, LCSW, ICGC-II, BACC, IGDC, CGT is a highly regarded gambling addiction expert working extensively across the globe with individuals, organizations, and associations. She is the CEO of The Better Institute, a group practice located in Pittsburgh. She is the co-author of The Gambling Disorder Treatment Handbook: A Guide for Mental Health Professionals (2021) and 2 chapters in the Social Workers Desk Reference v 4 on Gambling and Gaming Disorders, published in 2022. She serves as an Advisor to several startup and non-profits organizations including GamFin, Birches Health, and Seagulls Flock in the Philippines. She also serves as an Emeritus board member for the International Gambling Counselor Certification Board (IGCCB). Jody holds a master’s degree in social work from the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Social Work and has several certifications with the International Gambling Counselor Certification Board (ICGC-II, IGDC, BACC, CGT).
When Jody isn’t working, you can find her providing pet therapy with her dog, Hanna, and supporting her husband’s business, Pittsburgh Guitars. Please email jody@betterinstitute.com or visit www.BetterInstitute.com to contact Jody Bechtold, LCSW, ICGC-II, BACC, IGDC, CGT.
Alyssa N. Wilson, PhD., BCBA-D, LBA
Alyssa N. Wilson, PhD., BCBA-D, LBA is an Associate Professor of Psychology at California State University, Fresno. She received her Ph.D in Rehabilitation with an emphasis in Behavior Analysis and Therapy from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. She is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral (BCBA-D) and is a Licensed Behavior Analyst in the state of Missouri and Nevada. She is the co-author of The Gambling Disorder Treatment Handbook: A Guide for Mental Health Professionals and chapter in the Social Work Desk Reference v 4 on Gambling Disorders. She is also the co-author of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Gambling Disorders, a guide for clinicians. Dr. Wilson has delivered over fifty national and international presentations related to gambling assessment and treatment, and her research has been showcased on Netflix’s Bill Nye Saves the World. When she is not working, you can find her spending time with family, painting, or cooking a vegetarian friendly meal.
Robin Witt
Robin Witt is the director of relationship dynamics at The Better Institute. She believes relationship improvements lead to family system improvements. She is a licensed professional counselor in the state of Pennsylvania and is a certified alcohol and abuse counselor as well as a level 1 internationally certified gambling counselor.
Christina Cook
Christina Cook is a passionate advocate for recovery from disordered gambling, drawing from her own journey of challenges and resilience. With personal experience as her foundation, she now dedicates her time to helping others navigate the challenges of gambling harm using storytelling through her podcast and offering a safe and supportive space for women to connect and work together to overcome gambling harms. Her mission is to empower women to reclaim their lives and build a future they don’t want to escape from.
Christina currently sits on the boards of:
- Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health (LEAP) Board - Member
- International Gambling Counselor Certification Board (IGCCB) - Secretary
Rob Bumbaco, LCSW, CMC
COO & CoFounder
The Better Institute
Rob Bumbaco is a licensed clinical social worker and certified mental coach. Rob earned his master’s degree in social work from the University of Pittsburgh and his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Niagara University. Rob is the COO of The Better Institute, a private practice located in Pittsburgh, PA. In addition to his clinical background, Rob is a former Division 1 athlete. Rob is the founder of Back in the Game. Back in the Game is a program within The Better Institute designed to support athletes in the following areas: sports performance, recovery from injury, at-risk behaviors, and /mental health. He hosts the weekly podcast Back in the Game: A Sports and Mindset Podcast.
Matt Missar, LSW, ICGC-I, IGDC
Matt Missar, LSW, ICGC-I, IGDC, is a licensed social worker with The Better Institute and a graduate from the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Social Work. Matt holds a Master of Social Work degree with a focus in Direct Practice and certificate in Mental Health. Matt has certification as an Internationally Certified Gambling Counselor Level I (ICGC-I) and has also obtained his International Gaming Disorder Certificate (IGDC). In his clinical practice Matt works with individuals with various mental health concerns, including but not limited to problematic gambling and gaming. Much of Matt’s recent clinical work and research has focused on the convergence of gambling and gaming.
This session will explore how youth prevention education focusing on emotion-based media literacy by decoding media messages and persuasive design and gaining mental health literacy through the lens of neurobiology has been shown to be effective in preventing problem gambling and other addictive behaviors and substances.
Please join us on December 9, 2025 from 1:30-3:00 pm CT with Alison Wood for our third and final youth series!
Media literacy has been proven to counteract effects related to media, violence, alcohol and tobacco, body image issues, eating disorders, and commercialism. The "gamblification" of gaming and the "gamification" of gambling has created a blurred line between games of skill and chance. The legalization of online sports betting has further blurred the lines by embedding gambling into sports culture and social media. Couple the blurred lines with persuasive design, behavior theory and technology, and negative consequences are emerging. This session will explore how youth prevention education focusing on emotion-based media literacy by decoding media messages and persuasive design and gaining mental health literacy through the lens of neurobiology has been shown to be effective in preventing problem gambling and other addictive behaviors and substances.
Objectives:
Understand how digital media literacy can be utilized as a youth problem gambling prevention intervention.
Consider utilizing a lesson on digital media literacy in gambling and gaming with youth.
Live and On Demand CE Pending Approval.
This training is sponsored in whole or in part by the Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery.
ICPG workshops and trainings provide CEU (continuing education units) through the Illinois Certification Board based on approval for individual trainings. The State of Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation Division of Professional Regulation (IDFPR) has approved all ICPG workshops and trainings as a Registered Social Worker CE Sponsor. This program is recognized as providing CE hours for: LSW/LCSW and LPC/LCPC under IDFPR license #159.001302. The International Problem Gambling and Gaming Certification Organization recognizes ICPG as a preferred partner for workshops and trainings in line with the ICGC Level I & II.
Alison Wood
Alison Wood is the NC Problem Gambling Program Youth Prevention Coordinator with TELUS Health. She manages prevention grant programs, trains, and provides technical support on adolescent problematic behaviors in gambling, gaming, and digital media use. She has partnered with researchers to develop curriculum in emotional regulation skills and digital media literacy in gaming and gambling. In addition, she spearheaded an initiative to provide asynchronous modules on the prevention and treatment of gambling, gaming, and digital media modules utilizing cutting edge technology. She is a passionate advocate for youth prevention education and mental health promotion and believes expanded efforts in prevention research is vital.
Whether you're speaking to peers, students, or community groups, this "train-the-trainer" session will guide you through every step of the process—from choosing the right audience and topic, to developing engaging content and delivering impactful presentations.
Join us on December 1st, 2025 from 1:00 pm- 2:00 pm CST for a 60 minute virtual training with Kellie Gage and Jim Wilkerson.
Are you ready to expand your impact beyond one-on-one sessions and become a leader in problem gambling education? This hands-on session is designed to equip mental health providers with the tools and confidence to become effective trainers and advocates in their communities.
Whether you're speaking to peers, students, or community groups, this "train-the-trainer" session will guide you through every step of the process—from choosing the right audience and topic, to developing engaging content and delivering impactful presentations.
CE is pending approval.
This training is sponsored in whole or in part by the Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery.
Kellie Gage, Ph.D., M.S., CAADC
Illinois Department of Human Services
Kellie Gage, Ph.D., M.S., CAADC, is the Program Manager for Statewide Gambling Disorder Treatment Services at the Illinois Department of Human Services/Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery (IDHS/DBHR). She began her career in state government in August 2001 as the Gambling Initiative Specialist. In her current role, Kellie provides oversight for the development and implementation of statewide treatment and outreach services, gambling-specific training, public awareness campaigns, and helpline services for individuals in need of treatment and resources related to gambling disorder. Kellie earned her Doctorate in Counseling and Psychological Studies with a concentration in Crisis and Trauma and holds a Master of Science degree. She has dedicated over 34 years to the substance use and behavioral health field as a clinician, program manager, and trainer. She is credentialed as a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor (CAADC) through the Illinois Alcohol & Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Association, Inc.
Jim Wilkerson
Program Administrator
The Illinois Department of Human Services/Substance Use Prevention and Recovery
Jim Wilkerson is the Administrator of Gambling Initiative Programs for the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery (IDHS/SUPR). Jim is responsible for the development of gambling disorder awareness programming, research, provider training, and recovery services in Illinois. Jim holds a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, and is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois. He is an Adjunct-Professor teaching at Millikin University, a 2021 Operational Research Society Griffiths Medal winner, and an Institute on Rehabilitation Issues (IRI) Scholar.
Each year during the months of November and December, the Illinois Lottery participates in the Gift Responsibly campaign organized by the National Council on Problem Gambling and International Center for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors at McGill University. The campaign aims to educate on the dangers of buying lottery tickets for children, raise awareness about the risks of youth gambling, and support responsible gambling practices.
Join us on November 19th from 12:30pm-2:00pm CT for a virtual training on Responsible Gifting in Illinois!
Each year during the months of November and December, the Illinois Lottery participates in the Gift Responsibly campaign organized by the National Council on Problem Gambling and International Center for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors at McGill University. The campaign aims to educate on the dangers of buying lottery tickets for children, raise awareness about the risks of youth gambling, and support responsible gambling practices. The Illinois Lottery is a proud participant in the campaign and it signs up to promote the campaign at the highest participation level each year. The Illinois Lottery’s campaign efforts include a press release, social media posts, print and digital advertisements, a radio PSA, and messaging at retail point-of-sale.
CE accreditation is pending approval.
This training is sponsored in whole or in part by the Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery.
Becca Vykdal
Corporate Social Responsibility Specialist
Allwyn North America
Becca Vykydal is the Senior Corporate Social Responsibility Specialist at Allwyn North America and she oversees the day-to-day operations of the Illinois Lottery’s responsible gaming program. Becca is passionate about corporate social responsibility and promoting a safer and responsible gaming environment for Lottery players.
Dave Wohl
Executive Director
Illinois Council on Problem Gambling
Dave Wohl is a seasoned professional with a diverse background and over 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry. With a passion for improving patient care and healthcare systems, Dave holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Arizona State University, a Master of Science in Sports Medicine from West Virginia University, and an MBA from Western Governors University. Additionally, Dave is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE), demonstrating a commitment to leadership excellence within the healthcare field. Before joining ICPG in 2023, Dave held various roles within healthcare, ranging from direct patient care to department management and hospital administration. With a wealth of experience, Dave brings a unique perspective and leadership to ICPG.
The 15th Annual Conference on Problem Gambling, hosted by the Illinois Council on Problem Gambling, is a premier educational event designed for counselors, social workers, and professionals committed to addressing gambling-related harm across Illinois. This year’s conference will explore critical issues including modern treatment approaches, the evolving impact of technology, and the neurological factors contributing to problem gambling.
Join us for the 15th Annual Conference on Problem Gambling hosted by the Illinois Council on Problem Gambling on November 13, 2025. We’ll dive into treatment options, the role of technology, and the fascinating brain science that drives gambling behavior. With expert speakers who are leaders in their fields, this conference is designed to inform, inspire, and spark meaningful change. Designed for counselors and social workers across Illinois, the overarching message is the critical importance of being well-informed about problem gambling to better support and assist their patients. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your professional knowledge and network with peers dedicated to making a difference.
Event Objectives
Enhance Professional Knowledge:
Provide counselors and social workers with up-to-date information on treatment options, technological impacts, and the brain chemistry behind problem gambling, equipping them with the knowledge to better assist their patients.
Promote Evidence-Based Practices:
Showcase research findings and effective intervention strategies from esteemed speakers, fostering the adoption of evidence-based practices in the field of problem gambling treatment and prevention.
Facilitate Networking and Collaboration:
Create opportunities for attendees to network, share experiences, and collaborate with peers and experts, strengthening the professional community dedicated to addressing problem gambling in Illinois.
Event Details:
Location: Marriott Bloomington Normal 201 Broadway, Normal IL 61761-3200
Time: Registration and networking breakfast begins at 8:00 am. Welcome Session begins at 8:30 am and the event will conclude by 3:00 pm
Cost: $15.00 for the conference, including breakfast, lunch and CEU. Financial assistance applications are available here.
Parking: Complimentary parking on in the attached garage.
CEU: Pending Approval for ICB/IODACA categories, Approved for LSW/LCSW and LPC/LCPC
This training is sponsored in whole or in part by the Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery.
ICPG workshops and trainings provide CEU (continuing education units) through the Illinois Certification Board based on approval for individual trainings. The State of Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation Division of Professional Regulation (IDFPR) has approved all ICPG workshops and trainings as a Registered Social Worker CE Sponsor. This program is recognized as providing CE hours for: LSW/LCSW and LPC/LCPC under IDFPR license #159.001302. The International Problem Gambling and Gaming Certification Organization recognizes ICPG as a preferred partner for workshops and trainings in line with the ICGC Level I & II.
Michelle L. Malkin, JD, PhD
Michelle L. Malkin, JD, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice and Criminology and the Director of the Gambling Research and Policy Initiative (GRPI) at East Carolina University. Dr. Malkin's research interests include a focus on gambling-related harms, gambling-motivated crime, and the gambling prevalence, behavior, and risk of historically oppressed, marginalized, and under-researched populations. Her research has been recently published in journals such as the Journal of Gambling Studies and the Journal of Gambling Issues. Her dissertation on Problem Gambling, General Strain Theory, and Gender received the 2022 Dr. Durand Jacobs Dissertation Award from the National Council on Problem Gambling. She received the 2024 ECU Early Trendsetter Award for her research on gambling-related issues and has also been awarded ECU's Innovator of the Month Award for her creation and copyright of the Gambling-Motivated Crime Diversion Checklist.
Kellie Gage, Ph.D., M.S., CAADC
Illinois Department of Human Services
Kellie Gage, Ph.D., M.S., CAADC, is the Program Manager for Statewide Gambling Disorder Treatment Services at the Illinois Department of Human Services/Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery (IDHS/DBHR). She began her career in state government in August 2001 as the Gambling Initiative Specialist. In her current role, Kellie provides oversight for the development and implementation of statewide treatment and outreach services, gambling-specific training, public awareness campaigns, and helpline services for individuals in need of treatment and resources related to gambling disorder. Kellie earned her Doctorate in Counseling and Psychological Studies with a concentration in Crisis and Trauma and holds a Master of Science degree. She has dedicated over 34 years to the substance use and behavioral health field as a clinician, program manager, and trainer. She is credentialed as a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor (CAADC) through the Illinois Alcohol & Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Association, Inc.
Jim Wilkerson
Program Administrator
The Illinois Department of Human Services/Substance Use Prevention and Recovery
Jim Wilkerson is the Administrator of Gambling Initiative Programs for the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery (IDHS/SUPR). Jim is responsible for the development of gambling disorder awareness programming, research, provider training, and recovery services in Illinois. Jim holds a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, and is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois. He is an Adjunct-Professor teaching at Millikin University, a 2021 Operational Research Society Griffiths Medal winner, and an Institute on Rehabilitation Issues (IRI) Scholar.
This presentation focuses on the treatment of substance use disorders and problem gambling in an integrated manner. Topics covered include: The link between problem gambling and substance use disorder; risk factors for both disorders; integrated treatment; relapse prevention strategies; the use of the Edge SBIRT to identify clients with gambling disorder in order to initiate and guide treatment.
Please join us on November 7th, 2025 from 11am-12:30pm CT for Double Jeopardy: Addressing Substance Use Disorder and Problem Gambling with Mark Sanders!
This presentation focuses on the treatment of substance use disorders and problem gambling in an integrated manner. Topics covered include: The link between problem gambling and substance use disorder; risk factors for both disorders; integrated treatment; relapse prevention strategies; the use of the Edge SBIRT to identify clients with gambling disorder in order to initiate and guide treatment.
Objectives:
By the end of this presentation participants will be able to:
Articulate the link between substance use disorder and problem gambling.
Utilize the Edge SBIRT to identify problem gambling.
Address both disorders in an integrated manner.
Live and On Demand CE Pending approval.
This training is sponsored in whole or in part by the Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery.
ICPG workshops and trainings provide CEU (continuing education units) through the Illinois Certification Board based on approval for individual trainings. The State of Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation Division of Professional Regulation (IDFPR) has approved all ICPG workshops and trainings as a Registered Social Worker CE Sponsor. This program is recognized as providing CE hours for: LSW/LCSW and LPC/LCPC under IDFPR license #159.001302. The International Problem Gambling and Gaming Certification Organization recognizes ICPG as a preferred partner for workshops and trainings in line with the ICGC Level I & II.
This presentation will discuss the many ways there is an ever increasing convergence of gambling and gaming. A review of specific research will highlight the importance of examining gaming behavior in youth to reduce risk for problematic gambling. And learning how to use the Parenting Triangle model, clinicians can help parents develop better discipline strategies with their children as it relates to gaming. And finally, utilize interventions to help parents get involved in their child’s gaming and reduce potential gambling behaviors.
Join us for our second youth series! A 90 minute presentation by Matt Missar on November 5th from 10:30-12:00 pm CT. This presentation will discuss the many ways there is an ever increasing convergence of gambling and gaming. A review of specific research will highlight the importance of examining gaming behavior in youth to reduce risk for problematic gambling. And learning how to use the Parenting Triangle model, clinicians can help parents develop better discipline strategies with their children as it relates to gaming. And finally, utilize interventions to help parents get involved in their child’s gaming and reduce potential gambling behaviors.
Learning Objectives
Participants will:
- Define the convergence of gaming and gambling
- Review research literature findings for gaming and gambling
- Identify signs and symptoms of when gaming is and is not a problem
- Develop involvement strategies to use with parents and youth as it relates to gaming and gambling behavior.
CEU: Approval is pending from ICB regarding CEU for this training. More information will be provided as soon as possible.
This training is sponsored in whole or in part by the Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery.
ICPG workshops and trainings provide CEU (continuing education units) through the Illinois Certification Board based on approval for individual trainings.
The State of Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation Division of Professional Regulation (IDFPR) has approved all ICPG workshops and trainings as a Registered Social Worker CE Sponsor. This program is recognized as providing CE hours for: LSW/LCSW and LPC/LCPC under IDFPR license #159.001302.
The International Problem Gambling and Gaming Certification Organization recognizes ICPG as a preferred partner for workshops and trainings in line with the ICGC Level I & II.
Matt Missar, LSW, ICGC-I, IGDC
Matt Missar, LSW, ICGC-I, IGDC, is a licensed social worker with The Better Institute and a graduate from the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Social Work. Matt holds a Master of Social Work degree with a focus in Direct Practice and certificate in Mental Health. Matt has certification as an Internationally Certified Gambling Counselor Level I (ICGC-I) and has also obtained his International Gaming Disorder Certificate (IGDC). In his clinical practice Matt works with individuals with various mental health concerns, including but not limited to problematic gambling and gaming. Much of Matt’s recent clinical work and research has focused on the convergence of gambling and gaming.
Not A Chance is a problem gambling prevention curriculum written to protect students from problem gambling by increasing protective factors and decreasing risk factors. It is a 6-lesson curriculum written for early high school students in Illinois.
Join us on October 21, 2025 from 11:00 am-12:30 pm CT with Emma Bowen for part one of our three part youth series! Part one will focus on Not A Chance: A Problem Gambling Prevention Curriculum.
Did you know that teens who gamble are up to four times more likely to develop a gambling problem than adults? With gambling becoming more accessible and embedded into everyday life—from sports to social media—youth are facing greater risks than ever before.
That’s why Chestnut Health Systems created Not A Chance, a six-lesson prevention curriculum designed specifically for early high school students in Illinois. The program helps build protective factors, reduce risk factors, and spark important conversations about gambling before problems begin. After successfully piloting the curriculum with more than 1,000 students across four schools, we are now preparing to expand—and your agency could be part of it.
In this session, you’ll get an inside look at the Not A Chance curriculum, learn how it equips teens to make healthier choices, and hear how your organization can apply to bring this program into local schools.
Live and On Demand CE Pending Approval.
This training is sponsored in whole or in part by the Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery.
ICPG workshops and trainings provide CEU (continuing education units) through the Illinois Certification Board based on approval for individual trainings. The State of Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation Division of Professional Regulation (IDFPR) has approved all ICPG workshops and trainings as a Registered Social Worker CE Sponsor. This program is recognized as providing CE hours for: LSW/LCSW and LPC/LCPC under IDFPR license #159.001302. The International Problem Gambling and Gaming Certification Organization recognizes ICPG as a preferred partner for workshops and trainings in line with the ICGC Level I & II.
Emma Bowen
Chestnut Health Systems
Emma Bowen is a Community Health Specialist in the prevention department at Chestnut Health Systems. She went to Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville where she received both her MSW and BSW degrees through the Social Work Department. Her passion has always been prevention. In her time in the field, she has worked in prevention roles related to gender-based violence in college communities, youth mental health, and now problem gambling.
In her role at Chestnut, Emma works on outreach and education around problem gambling. One of the primary focuses of Chestnut’s gambling outreach includes writing a prevention curriculum for high school students in Illinois. Over the past three years, Chestnut has been creating, implementing, and improving a curriculum called Not A Chance.
This presentation will examine suicidality in the context of associated gambling-related harms. The presenter will share personal anecdotes that illuminate some of the complexities that can occur within this realm. Possible pathways for reducing stigma and shame as preventative measures will be discussed.
Join us on September 24, 2025 from 11:30 am-12:30 pm CT for a virtual training on Problem Gambling and Suicide with Ted Hartwell.
Behind the statistics on problem gambling lies a painful truth—those struggling at harmful levels face a greatly increased risk of suicide. Shame, debt, and silence often weigh heavily, while co-occurring challenges like mental health struggles and life stressors add to the burden. In this powerful session, attendees will gain insight into the real and often hidden connections between gambling-related harms and suicidality. Through both research and personal stories, presenter Ted Hartwell will shed light on the human side of this issue, breaking down stigma and opening the door to meaningful prevention. Together, we will explore practical ways to reduce shame, foster hope, and support recovery.
Objectives:
1. Attendees will learn about the processes and factors that contribute to the connection between suicidality and problem gambling.
2. Attendees will learn about several anecdotes that represent real-world examples of these processes.
3. Attendees will learn about possible pathways for reducing stigma and shame as preventative measures.
Live approved for 1 CEU in the following categories: COUN II, PREV II, CARS II, CODP II, PCGC I or II, CCJP II, CRSS I or II, CPRS I or II, RDDP, CPRS I or II, CFPP II, CVSS II1.5 CEU's: LPC/LCPC, LSW/LCSW .
On Demand approved for 1 CEU in these categories:COUN II, PREV II, CARS II, CODP II, PCGC I or II, CCJP II, CAAP I, CRSS I or II, CPRS I or II, CPRS I or II, MAATP II, CFPP II, CVSS II, 1.5 CEU's: LPC/LCPC, LSW/LCSW.
This training is sponsored in whole or in part by the Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery.
ICPG workshops and trainings provide CEU (continuing education units) through the Illinois Certification Board based on approval for individual trainings. The State of Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation Division of Professional Regulation (IDFPR) has approved all ICPG workshops and trainings as a Registered Social Worker CE Sponsor. This program is recognized as providing CE hours for: LSW/LCSW and LPC/LCPC under IDFPR license #159.001302. The International Problem Gambling and Gaming Certification Organization recognizes ICPG as a preferred partner for workshops and trainings in line with the ICGC Level I & II.
Ted Hartwell
Director of Storytelling and Development NVCPG
Nevada Council on Problem Gambling
Mr. Hartwell has a Master’s degree in Anthropology from Texas Tech University and in 2023 he retired from a 32-year position on the research faculty of the Desert Research Institute (DRI) of the Nevada System of Higher Education to become the Executive Director of the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling (NVCPG). In 2025 he stepped back from that role and now serves as the organization's Director of Storytelling and Development. He is a longtime member of the National Council on Problem Gambling.
While at DRI, Mr. Hartwell was the Principal Investigator of a study examining the impact of problem gambling in Nevada tribal communities. He is in long-term recovery from gambling disorder himself, and has promoted awareness, prevention, and treatment of problem gambling for the NVCPG for more than a decade. He has spoken publicly and personally on this issue on many occasions and is dedicated to humanizing and illuminating the illness of disordered gambling. He provides annual lectures on this topic for the UNLV Boyd School of Law Gaming Regulation and the University of Utah Gaming Regulation classes, as well as for many other departments within the higher education system.
Mr. Hartwell was a regular participant for many years in the UNLV International Gaming Institute’s Responsible Gaming Ambassador training program for Las Vegas Sands Corporation and has consulted to MGM Resorts International and the US-Japan Business Council in their efforts to develop business related to the first Integrated Casino Resorts in Japan. He introduced the NCPG’s youth gambling awareness and family gambling awareness programs into the Clark County School District in Nevada and he has recently developed educational programs for local schools on the topics of video game awareness and student-athlete gambling awareness (SAGA). In 2023, he successfully secured an NFL-sponsored Agility Grant for the NCPG through the National Council to implement SAGA in several Nevada high schools. Mr. Hartwell has served at the pleasure of four Governors on the Nevada State Advisory Committee on Problem Gambling since November 2012. He was the 2014 Shannon L. Bybee Award recipient for his continuing work on advocacy, outreach, and research on the issue of problem gambling. In 2021, he was elected to the Board of Directors of the National Council on Problem Gambling.
Mr. Hartwell lives in Las Vegas, where he is also a professional cellist with the Las Vegas Philharmonic, a devoted husband to a recent Russian immigrant, a past soccer and volleyball coach, and the proud father of a precocious 20-year-old daughter and three cats.
This session will have a review of how to apply for the ICB PCGC credential as well as a question and answer opportunity for all attendees.
Are you ready to take the next step in your professional development? Join us for an informative session that provides a comprehensive overview of the application process for the ICB PCGC (Problem and Compulsive Gambling Counselor) credential. Whether you're just beginning to explore the certification or are ready to submit your application, this session will walk you through the key requirements, timelines, and tips for success.
We'll conclude with an open Q&A segment, giving all attendees the chance to get their specific questions answered and gain clarity on the path to certification.
No continuing education will be offered for this training.
This project is funded in whole or in part by the Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery.
Dianne Williams
ICB Senior Operations
Illinois Certification Board
Dianne Williams, ICB Senior Operations has been a member of the ICB staff since November 1999. Her area of expertise is assisting members with the application and examination process from beginning to end. Ms. Williams is also the editor of the ICB Newsletter. She has traveled throughout the state of Illinois to promote the ICB credentials and is ready to assist individuals with the entire credentialing process.
