Navigating Gambling Policy in Tough Economic Times: Insights and Strategies
Includes a Live Web Event on 05/15/2025 at 12:00 PM (CDT)
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Navigating Gambling Policy in Tough Economic Times: Insights and Strategies
Join the Conversation with Brianne Doura-Schawohl, Keith Whyte, and Dave Wohl on May 15th, 2025 from 12-1:00 pm.
As the U.S. faces potential economic downturns, state governments may increasingly look to gambling legalization and liberalization as a revenue source. But what does this mean for individuals struggling with problem gambling?
While states might see a short-term increase in money, funding for problem gambling services is often one of the first things to get cut, leaving vulnerable populations at greater risk. At the same time, recreational gambling may decline, exacerbating state financial pressures. This complex intersection of economic change and gambling behavior demands our attention.
Join Dave as he facilitates a conversation between Keith and Brianne, who will utilize their years of experience working with both national and international organizations to highlight strategies for ensuring that responsible gambling programs remain effective and adequately funded, even in tough economic times.
Key Takeaways:
- The impact of economic downturns on gambling behavior and policy
- How state governments balance financial needs with public health concerns
- Strategies to support and strengthen prevention, treatment, and responsible gambling initiatives
- Collaborative approaches for state and community partners to thrive in challenging environments
But the conversation doesn’t end here—continue the discussion at the ICPG Conference two weeks later, where we’ll work together to develop sustainable strategies that will equip ICPG, community partners, and state prevention and treatment programs to not just survive, but thrive in a difficult economic landscape.
Don't miss this opportunity to learn, engage, and make an impact. Secure your spot today!
CEU Information: CE Application is pending approval from ICB.
Keith Whyte
Keith Whyte has 30 years of national experience in promoting responsible gambling and preventing gambling addiction. Keith is a highly effective advocate, public speaker, policy analyst and program designer with extensive broadcast media experience. He is Founder & President of Safer Gambling Strategies LLC where he serves as a strategic advisor to U.S. and international organizations, NGOs and companies, including gambling operators, vendors, investors, state and tribal governments, on gambling-related issues. He provides expertise in advocacy, government relations, planning, program design, policy analysis, public speaking, fundraising, training, assessment and project management.
Brianne Doura-Schawohl
Brianne Doura-Schawohl is founder and CEO of Doura-Schawohl Consulting LLC, a boutique global government relations firm that specializes in problem and responsible gambling policy. She most recently served as Vice President of US Policy and Strategic Development for EPIC Risk Management, a global harm prevention consultancy, conducting work in over 24 countries. Prior to her role at EPIC, Brianne served as Legislative Director for the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG). Her experience includes over a decade of leadership in advocacy, public policy, government affairs, and communications.
Doura-Schawohl’s practice spans a wide range of work with executive and legislative branch officials and private sector stakeholders at the international, federal, state, and local levels of government. She has a history of achievements in State and United States Congressional legislative work, including a diverse portfolio of complex problem gambling policy issues. This continues to be invaluable in her ability to make a difference on behalf of people with gambling problems around the world.
Doura-Schawohl works with Congress and numerous state legislatures and regulators to provide expert advice on gambling policy. She continues to work with stakeholders on both sides of the aisle. Additionally, she has been featured in international, national, state, and local media, including ABC News, Bloomberg, CBS, CNBC, Forbes, ESPN, The Athletic, The Financial Times, The New York Times, The Washington Times, The Washington Post, The Guardian, CBC and others.
Brianne was named one of the top lobbyists in 2023 and 2022 by ‘The Hill’, named one of the top 100 lobbyists in 2022 and 2021 by the National Institute of Lobbying & Ethics (NILE), was featured as one of the 25 People to Watch in 2022 by Global Gaming Business, an honoree of the 2023 class of 40 under 40 Emerging Leaders in Gaming, is an honoree of the 2023-2024 ‘10 Women Rising in Gaming’ by Global Gaming Women and CDC Gaming Reports and named one of the top 10 most influential women in gaming in 2023 by iGB. In 2019 she was appointed as a member of the Digital Gaming Advisory Group for the State of Hawaii and continues to serve on various coalitions.
In 2020 and 2021 she was a guest faculty member for Seton Hall Law School at their Gaming Law, Compliance, and Integrity Program and continues to be a guest lecturer for the University of Minnesota, Global Institute for Responsible Sport Organizations, and at Bradley University. Doura-Schawohl presents at conferences and other public events on gaming policy across the United States, Europe, Canada, and Australia.
Doura-Schawohl serves on the Board of Directors for Kindbridge Behavioral Health and is a member of the leadership team of the NILE Next Gen Executives committee, a group committed to advancing educational & networking opportunities for the next generation of leaders within the government relations profession. She is a member of the National Council on Problem Gambling military affairs committee.
Mrs. Doura-Schawohl holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Mary Washington. She is a proud military spouse and resides in Fairfax, Virginia with her family.
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.
