Problem Gambling Trends and Treatment Practices in the Latine Community

Includes a Live Web Event on 10/05/2026 at 1:00 PM (CDT)

Please join is on October 5th from 1:00-2:00pm CT for Problem Gambling Trends and Treatment Practices in the Latine Community with Victor Ortiz!

This training explores emerging trends, risk factors, and treatment practices related to problem gambling within the Latine community. Participants will examine how the rapid expansion of online sports betting, cultural norms, immigration-related stressors, and structural inequities contribute to disproportionate gambling harm among Latine adults and youth. The session integrates current research, public health data, and culturally grounded approaches to prevention and treatment. Emphasis is placed on trauma-informed care, community health workers, engagement, family-centered interventions, and bilingual behavioral health strategies. Attendees will gain practical tools to strengthen culturally responsive gambling services and improve access to care for Latine individuals and families.

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

1. Identify key trends in gambling participation and problem gambling prevalence among Latine adults and youth, including the impact of online sports betting.

2. Describe cultural, structural, and immigration-related factors that increase vulnerability to gambling harm in Latine communities.

3. Recognize common co-occurring mental health and substance use conditions associated with gambling disorder in Latine populations.

4. Apply culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and family-centered treatment practices that improve engagement and outcomes for Latine individuals.

5. Integrate community health workers, bilingual services, and community-based strategies into prevention and treatment programming.

6. Evaluate gaps in current service systems and propose public health approaches that reduce stigma, expand access, and strengthen culturally grounded care.

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.

Victor Ortiz, MSW, LADC I, CADC II

Victor Ortiz is a social worker with over twenty five years of experience in the development of programs and services in the area of addiction, youth development, child welfare, and behavioral health. He has worked extensively with a wide range of populations, especially in addressing health disparities, promoting equity and social justice. Victor has served in various professional positions aimed at improving access, and advocacy of care for individuals and families.

In 2009, Victor received his BSW from Anna Maria College; He was recognized for academic excellence while serving as a mentor to many students seeking professional guidance. Victor received national scholarship recognition from the National Association of Social Workers and The Council on Social Work Education for his many years of advocacy in the Latinx community. In 2010, Victor received his MSW from Simmons College School of Social Work. Victor’s professional and personal experiences have contributed to many op-eds and publications, and was a contributor in the book: Responsible Gambling: Primary Stakeholders Perspective.

Victor is a nationally recognized speaker, trainer, and educator in the areas of addiction, gambling disorders, and health disparities and equity. Victor is currently the Director of the Office of Problem Gambling Services at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.