Beyond the Bet: Supporting Youth in Today's Gambling Culture
Includes a Live In-Person Event on 07/31/2026 at 8:30 AM (CDT)
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Register
- General Registration - Free!
Join us for a one-day event focused on understanding the growing impact of gambling on the youth of our community. As gambling becomes increasingly visible through sports betting, gaming, social media, and online platforms, it is more important than ever for communities to recognize the warning signs, understand the risks, and learn how to support youth in healthy and informed ways.
Beyond the Bet: Supporting Youth in Today’s Gambling Culture will provide practical tools, engaging discussions, and valuable resources designed to raise awareness and strengthen prevention efforts. Attendees will hear from experts and community voices on current trends in youth gambling, mental health impacts, prevention strategies, and ways families, schools, and communities can work together to support young people in our community.
Whether you are a parent, educator, school social worker, counselor, healthcare provider, community advocate, or simply interested in learning more, this event offers an opportunity to connect, learn, and take action.
Attendees Will:
- Gain a better understanding of today’s gambling landscape and its impact on youth Learn to recognize warning signs and risk factors associated with problem gambling
- Explore prevention, education, and early intervention strategies Discover local and statewide resources available to youth and families
- Engage in meaningful conversations with professionals and community members committed to youth wellness
- Network with like-minded professionals and community focused individuals
Breakfast, lunch, and conference materials will be provided. We invite you to join us for a day of learning, collaboration, and community engagement as we work together to support youth in today’s evolving gambling culture.
Who Should Attend:
This conference is ideal for counselors, social workers, community leaders, mental health professionals, researchers, and advocates who are passionate about addressing problem gambling and its impact on individuals and communities.
Date: July 31st, 2026
Time: 8:30 am Registration Opens, 9:00 am Opening Session and 4:00 pm Closing Session with Post Conference Activities after!
Location: Cantigny Park 1 S, 151 Winfield Rd, Wheaton, IL 60189
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.
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.
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.
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