Southern Illinois Conference on Problem Gambling
- Registration Closed
The Illinois Council on Problem Gambling invites counselors, social workers, educators, mental health professionals, and community advocates to a powerful day of learning and collaboration at the Southern Illinois Conference on Problem Gambling on September 11th, 2025 . This conference aims to raise awareness about the often-overlooked issue of problem gambling and introduce attendees to the resources available through the Illinois Council on Problem Gambling.
Esteemed speakers Mark Sanders and Alyssa Wilson, both recognized leaders in behavioral health, will share their expertise on how gambling impacts individuals, families, and communities—and what professionals can do to help.
Whether you're on the front lines of mental health care or working to strengthen your community, this event is designed to equip you with essential knowledge, tools, and connections. Stay informed. Stay prepared. Be the difference. Don’t miss this chance to expand your expertise and engage with others dedicated to addressing this critical public health issue.
Event Information:
Venue: The Outlet 2477 S State Rte 157 Suite B, Edwardsville, IL 62025
Time: Registration will open at 9:30 am CST and the event will begin at 10:00 am CST.
Parking: Complimentary Parking Available on Site.
CE Information: This training has been approved for 3.5 hours of continuing education units for the following categories: COUN I or II, PREV I or II, CARS I or II, CODP II, PCGC I or II, CCJP II, CAAP I, CRSS I or II, CPRS I or II, MAATP II, RDDP, CFPP II, CPRS I or II, CVSS II, LSW, LCSW, LPC, LCPC.

This training in whole or in part is sponsored by the Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery.
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.
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.
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.


