Wednesday, August 5, 2026 - 12:00pm-1:00pm CT via Zoom

Presenter: Sonja Mertz, MLIS, CPP, Community Educator, Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling (MNAPG) 

1 CEU  - Clinical

As access to gambling and its influences on society and communities increases, the need for problem gambling awareness becomes vital to ensure that those communities remain healthy. The typical gambler, now younger and more diverse, can also be affected by mental health issues, substance use disorders, and financial distress. All of which can co-occur with problematic gambling behavior. The blurred lines between gambling and gaming can also cause problems for young people, as well as adults. Social workers are in the pivotal position of recognizing the signs of problem gambling and gaming and providing services to those in need. This presentation will include the signs of problem gambling and gaming, the risk factors for those affected by problem gambling, common co-morbidities, treatment and tools that are available, and the concept of low-risk guidelines and other prevention topics.