The Members of the Association of Problem Gambling Service Administrators (APGSA) voted this week to officially change the name of the organization to National Association of Administrators for Disordered Gambling Services, NAADGS. The move came after much discussion about having a name that was more reflective of the services member states and organizations provide throughout the United States. NAADGS saw fiscal year 2021 as an opportunity for change, assessing identity, future direction, and succinctly defining the mission.
“Our mission is to enhance state and federal efforts to raise awareness, educate, and mitigate the potential impact or related harm of gambling. We are gambling neutral, neither for nor against legalized gambling, but we realize that there are a certain number of people who are going to have negative consequences from their gambling behavior. We also know that as part of our mission we can prevent most negative consequences through education and public awareness. We are excited to reflect this in our new name,” said Linda Graves, Executive Director of NAADGS.
“This Association is comprised of experts and champions in behavioral healthcare, and in how Gambling Disorder can tear down an individual and a family without the proper care and supports,” added Stacey Frohnapfel-Hasson, NAADGS President and Chief of Prevention and Problem Gambling, Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. “As we collaborate across states, territories and countries, we continue to develop and implement the best practices in preventing gambling from causing health challenges.”
National Association of Administrators for Disordered Gambling Services (NAADGS) is celebrating its 20th anniversary this fiscal year. Since inception, the Association has conducted five surveys of problem gambling services in the United States, with the last two surveys conducted in partnership with the National Council on Problem Gambling. NAADGS offers mentoring and support services through a web forum for its members, and a resource library consisting of a compendium of works beneficial to other problem gambling program administrators. Even though the organization is a membership of state administrators, its services are far-reaching through each state funded program. An untold number of people are reached through programs in member states. Further, members have opportunities through a Learning Community to take workshops offered by experts on subjects that enable program managers to administer funds with informed and cutting-edge knowledge, offering the best of services to their constituency within the scope of program resources.
Currently there is no federal recognition nor funding available for services for those with gambling disorders, including responsible gambling prevention and education. Public funds for services come through state allocations, which are dependent on state budgets and are often tied to gaming allowed by the state. These services are grossly underfunded if compared to other addiction services. Though approximately 10-17% of the population is at risk or has problems related to gambling activity depending on the state, a mere $.23 per capita is spent in providing services to address services, whether prevention, education, public awareness, treatment, recovery, or aftercare. Funds have been sorely impacted by the COVID pandemic because in-person gaming venues have been closed for long periods of time, reducing gaming revenue. Simultaneously, on-line gaming opportunities have been legalized in many jurisdictions, increasing the need for responsible gaming awareness and the need to address the problems created by the 24/7/365 gaming availability in the comfort of one’s home or on the phone.
For information about this article or the availability of publicly funded services for those affected by gambling disorder, go to https://naadgs.org and click on the state services tab, then click on the state where services are needed. For more information, call Linda Graves, 916-663-8714.