3rd Annual African American Conference on Problem Gambling
Includes a Live In-Person Event on 02/20/2026 at 8:30 AM (CST)
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Register
- General Registration - Free!
Join us for the 3rd Annual African American Conference on Problem Gambling, a transformative event focused on addressing the unique challenges and impact of problem gambling within the African American community in Illinois.
The African American community has been identified as an under-resourced population in the state, and this conference is dedicated to bridging the gap by providing essential education, resources, and support. By fostering dialogue and connection, we aim to empower attendees with knowledge about problem gambling and its far-reaching effects.
Event Highlights:
- Dynamic Speakers: Experts will lead discussions on key topics such as stigma, raising awareness, treatment options, and the critical role of community involvement.
- Educational Opportunities: Learn about the tools and resources available to support individuals and families affected by problem gambling.
- Community Connection: Network with counselors, social workers, community leaders, and other attendees passionate about making a difference.
Whether you’re a professional in the field or a community member seeking to better understand this issue, this event is for you. Together, we can build awareness, reduce stigma, and create a path to healing and support.
Who Should Attend: Counselors, social workers, community leaders, and anyone interested in learning more about problem gambling and its impact on the African American community in Illinois.
Let’s come together to create a stronger, more informed community equipped to tackle the challenges of problem gambling
Accreditation is pending for Continuing Education Units.
Hotel:
Conference Hotel Information Coming Soon!
Event Location:
South Shore Cultural Center 7059 S South Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60649
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.
Mark Sanders, LCSW, CADC
Mark Sanders, LCSW, CADC is an international speaker and consultant in behavioral health whose presentations have reached thousands throughout the United States, Europe, Canada, West Indies and Guam. He is the recipient of four lifetime achievement awards including the prestigious NAADAC Enlightenment Award. He was one of three finalists for the National Association for Addiction Professionals 50th Anniversary Legends Award. Mark is also the recipient of the Illinois Certification Board's Professional of the Year Award, The Illinois Certification Board, Jessica Hayes Lifetime Achievement Award and The Barbara Bacon Award for outstanding contributions to the social work profession as a Loyola University of Chicago alumni.
Mark is the author of five books on behavioral health recovery. Recent writings include: Slipping Through the Cracks: Intervention Strategies For Clients With Multiple Addictions Disorders and Relationship Detox: A Counselors Guide To Helping Clients Develop Healthy Relationships In Recovery. He was lead writer on a trauma informed gun violence prevention curriculum which is being implemented in several large cities in the United States. His groundbreaking monograph Recovery Management co-authored with historians William White and Earnest Kurtz helped shift addictions treatment and recovery from the acute care model solely towards a Recovery Oriented System of Care. Mark has had two stories published in the New York Times bestselling book series, Chicken Soup for The Soul.
Mark has also had a 30 year career as a university educator having taught at The University of Chicago, Loyola University of Chicago and Illinois State University School's of Social Work. He is co-founder of Serenity Academy Chicago, a program which sponsors recovery-oriented peer groups in local high schools.
Dr. Holly Sawyer
Dr. Holly Sawyer, affectionately known as Dr. Holly, is an author and scholar-practitioner as a licensed professional counselor (LPC), certified advanced alcohol and drug counselor (CAADC), credentialed alcohol and substance abuse counselor (CASAC), Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS) and DOT qualified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) who specializes in substance and process addictions. She offers clinical supervision services to those seeking licensure. For over 20 years, she has been teaching in the areas of k-12, Adult Basic Education and Higher Education. She has been a Program Director and Assistant Clinical Professor of Drexel University’s Masters in Addictions Counseling (MAC) program in Philadelphia, a clinical director at an intensive outpatient treatment facility and a clinical supervisor of a methadone clinic. She is also an international mental health public speaker and has been featured in USA Today, on Philadelphia's Fox News 29 and more.
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.
