Southwest Kansas Problem Gambling Taskforce - Latest News

Town Hall Meeting Live Stream with Cam Adair

3/17/2019

Picture of Cam Adair

Is it possible to actually be addicted to video games?
Meet Cam Adair!
March 27, 2019
6:30 to 8:00 pm
Dodge City Public Library
1001 N 2nd Avenue
Dodge City Kansas

Attendance is Free!

Cam is a talented hockey player, whose life took a dramatic turn at the age of 11 when he began to experience intense bullying, leading him to drop out of high school. He never graduated, and while all of his friends were off to college he was playing video games up to 16 hours a day. Struggling with depression he got to the point of writing a suicide note, and it was this night when he made a commitment to change.

Today, Cam Adair is a speaker, entrepreneur, and pioneer on video game addiction.

He's the founder of Game Quitters, the world's largest support community for video game addiction, serving members in 91 countries.

His work has been published in Psychiatry Research, and featured in two TEDx talks, Forbes, BBC, ABC 20/20, and VICE, amongst many others.

He has spoken at the Mental Health Commission of Canada, the American College Personnel Association, and even at the Nevada State Conference on Problem Gambling where his keynote in 2017 was voted "best presentation" of the conference. He speaks regularly around the world at high schools, universities, parent nights, and addiction conferences.

Cam is signed by CAMPUSPEAK, a higher education speaking agency. His keynotes combine deep and meaningful personal insights with lessons on addiction recovery, personal development, social dynamics, entrepreneurship, leadership, creativity, and psychology.

His videos on YouTube have been seen over two million times.

Sponsored by the:

Kansas Coalition on Problem Gambling
South Central Problem Gambling Task Force
Southwest Problem Gambling Task Force
Southeast Problem Gambling Task Force

Problem Gambling Task Force Meeting Minutes

3/14/2019

Members present: Amy Falcon, Debbie Snapp, Ethel Schneweis, Larissa Craig, Cindy Jacobs, and Christa Roy.

Members present by phone: None.

Call to order and approve agenda: Debbie Snapp.

Review and Approval of Minutes: Minutes were passed out and approved.

Fiscal agent Financial Report: Debbie reviewed the financial report.

Agenda Item 1: Public Awareness: Amy reviewed the status of media ads and other public awareness activities. Amy provided fliers promoting the Cam Adair live stream to the task force members. Several of the members requested an electronic copy, which will be sent to them. It was also suggested that we do an e-blast through the Chamber as well. The final budget will be presented at the next meeting now that the conference has been finalized.

Agenda Item 2: Membership: There are no new members at this time. Amy had recruitment packets available for task force members to take with them.

Agenda Item 3: Education: NA.

Agenda Item 4: Data Collection: Amy and Debbie led a discussion about the need for another community survey. Amy talked with Shannon Dick about this and he wanted to know if the task force wanted to change any questions, which they did not. Amy will talk with Shannon about the possibility of an online version of the survey as well as who to survey.

Agenda Item 5: KDADS update: An update was not available as Juan Baez with KDADS was in Topeka.

Old Business: 2019 Grant Deliverables: Amy provided information regarding the status of the grant deliverables as well as the media that will be renewed and/or added.

New Business: None.

Next Meeting Reminder: April 11, 2019

Time of Adjournment: 2:30 p.m.

Problem Gambling Task Force Meeting Minutes

2/14/2019

Members present: Amy Falcon, Debbie Snapp, Juan Baez, Richard Falcon, Ethel Schneweis, Larissa Craig, Misty Powers, Claire Albert.

Members present by phone: None.

Call to order and approve agenda: Debbie Snapp.

Review and Approval of Minutes: Minutes were passed out and approved.

Fiscal agent Financial Report: Debbie reviewed the financial report.

Agenda Item 1: Public Awareness:Amy led a discussion regarding the budget for the remainder of the year. Depending on what the Cam Adair live stream event costs, there will be some money left to spend. Amy also discussed a proposal from Glen Hoyt with KWCH television. For 1,000.00, we would receive 200,000 digital impressions targeted to our 18 counties in SW Kansas. For 400.00, we would receive 40 :30 ads in a 6:00 am to midnight rotation in SW Kansas. The task force member want to know what time period the ads will run.

Agenda Item 2: Membership: There are no new members at this time. Amy had recruitment packets available for task force members to take with them.

Agenda Item 3: Education: Ethel provided a flier regarding an upcoming training for Mental Health First Aid. This will be held on 3-5-19 in the Rose Room at the Ford County Government Center. This is a training for adults.

Agenda Item 4: Data Collection: Amy will take with Shannon Dick about completing another community survey.

Agenda Item 5: KDADS update: Juan Baez with KDADS reported the following information:

Awareness and action, gambling disorder screening day is 3-12-19 and there is a tool kit on the NCPG website.
The quarterly reports are all turned in to KDADS.
There are no longer any Prevention Talks meetings, this is now a podcast, which can be shared on social media.
Juan reached out to National about TV spots for problem gambling awareness month, however, there were not any spots left.
Cam Adair will be speaking on 3-27-19 at the Learning Library in Wichita from 6:30-8:00 pm. This will be live streamed to Dodge City. He will then be speaking in Wichita on 3-28-19 at the Hillside Christian Church from 8:00 am – noon. This session will be for professionals.
Patricia Houston is the new Prevention and Promotion Specialist with WSU.

Old Business: 2019 Grant Deliverables: Debbie led a discussion about the upcoming Cam Adair conference and if the task force is going to be able to live stream it in Dodge City. Ethel has checked with the public Library for a location. Juan will check with WSU to determine what technology and equipment is needed. This can be done as a go to meeting.

New Business: None.

Next Meeting Reminder: March 14, 2019

Time of Adjournment: 2:30 p.m.

Problem Gambling Task Force Meeting Agenda and Minutes

1/10/2019

Here are the minutes from the January Problem Gambling Task Force Meeting below:

Problem Gambling Task Force Meeting Agenda and Minutes

12/13/2018

Here are the minutes from the December Problem Gambling Task Force, below:

Problem Gambling Task Force Meeting Agenda and Minutes

11/18/2018

Here are the minutes from the November Problem Gambling Taskforce meeting, below:

Save the Date in 2019: Video Game Addiction

11/8/2018

Kansas Welcomes Cam Adair!

Topeka KS March 26th and 27th
Wichita KS March 27th and 28th

Meet Cam Adair---

Cam Adair is a speaker, entrepreneur, and pioneer on video game addiction.

He's the founder of Game Quitters, the world's largest support community for video game addiction, serving members in 91 countries.

His work has been published in Psychiatry Research, and featured in two TEDx talks, Forbes, BBC, ABC 20/20, and VICE, amongst many others.

He has spoken at the Mental Health Commission of Canada, the American College Personnel Association, and even at the Nevada State Conference on Problem Gambling where his keynote in 2017 was voted "best presentation" of the conference. He speaks regularly around the world at high schools, universities, parent nights, and addiction conferences.

Cam is signed by CAMPUSPEAK, a higher education speaking agency. His keynotes combine deep and meaningful personal insights with lessons on addiction recovery, personal development, social dynamics, entrepreneurship, leadership, creativity, and psychology.

His videos on YouTube have been seen over two million times.

Sponsored by the:

Kansas Coalition on Problem Gambling
South Central Problem Gambling Task Force
Southwest Problem Gambling Task Force
Southeast Problem Gambling Task Force

Mega-Millions Jackpot Media Frenzy Offers Opportunity for Responsible Gambling Messaging

10/22/2018

WASHINGTON, DC – As the Mega Millions jackpot has reached record levels, the National Council on Problem Gambling urges consumers to protect themselves against excessive gambling and calls upon lotteries and the media to promote responsible gambling messages.
Keith Whyte, Executive Director of the National Council on Problem Gambling, states, “The media and consumer interest in high lottery jackpots creates an opportunity to provide responsible gambling messages designed to help people who choose to gamble make informed decisions about their play.” Responsible gambling efforts should be made by lottery operators and players alike.
Here are four simple responsible gambling tips to know and share:

Set a limit of time and money spent gambling.
Don’t gamble to escape feelings of anxiety, stress or depression.
Know where to get help for a gambling problem.
Minors are prohibited from most forms of gambling.

Whyte notes “Lotteries play an important role in reminding retailers and players about the minimum age to play and in educating their players about simple steps to promote responsible gambling.”
State lotteries and media are asked to incorporate responsible gambling messaging and the National Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-522-4700) into their upcoming promotion and coverage of the Mega Millions jackpot.
The National Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-522-4700 or www.ncpgambling.org/chat) is the single national point of access for problem gambling help. Help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in all 50 states. All calls are confidential and offer local information and referral options for problem gamblers and their families. In 2017 the Helpline received 233,000 calls, an average of one call every two minutes.

About the National Council on Problem Gambling
NCPG is the national advocate for problem gamblers and their families. NCPG is neutral on legalized gambling and works with all stakeholders to promote responsible gambling. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call or text the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700 or visit www.ncpgambling.org/chat for confidential help.

For Problem Gamblers and Families Help is a Phone Call Away

3/17/2016

A recent problem gambling prevalence and awareness survey revealed the extent to which Kansans are exposed to the risks associated with problem gambling. Problem gambling is considered a behavioral disorder that can be diagnosed and treated by certified problem gambling counsellors who are licensed by the Kansas Department For Aging and Disability Services.

The vast majority of Kansans who gamble do so responsibly. But for the segment of gamblers who succumb to disordered gambling behavior the consequences can be devastating in terms of financial consequences, harm to relationships, job loss, mood disorders and even suicidal thoughts.

Making matters worse, there is evidence of strong correlations between problem gambling and other behavioral and mental health disorders including substance abuse disorders and other psychological illnesses.

When the Kansas Legislature enacted legislation authorizing state-owned casinos, the Problem Gambling and Other Addictions Grant Fund was created to provide treatment, communications services, community support, and public awareness programs to mitigate the harmful consequences experienced by problem gamblers and their families.

The breadth of services is comprehensive but conveniently accessed through a single Problem Gambling Helpline where trained professionals are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

1-800-522-4700 will connect problem gamblers, friends, and families to information about the warning signs and symptoms of a problem gambling disorder and the options available to individuals and their families.

Referral to certified problem gambling treatment counsellors located throughout Kansas
Information about state-funded reimbursement for treatment which is available at no cost to problem gamblers, family members and others affected by the problem. The State of Kansas will supplement insurance co-pays, deductible, or the entire cost for uninsured families including associated transportation costs for up to 12 counselling session for anyone diagnosed with a gambling addiction. Treatment beyond those 12 sessions is available if a mental health professionals considers it necessary.
Contact information for Gamblers Anonymous and Gam-Anon.
Information and referral to the Voluntary Exclusion program that gives Problem Gamblers the option of self-exclusion from entering any of the state-owned casinos in Kansas. In addition they will be prohibited from cashing checks or using credit cards and will be removed from casino mailing lists.

Calls to the Problem Gambling Helpline are confidential.

According to Kansas Coalition For Problem Gambling president Joyce Markham many gambling addicts report substantial financial losses. “The problem gambler may feel the only way to quickly get back that money is to gamble more and more, desperately chasing their losses. This can lead to a downward spiral of increasingly negative consequences. The longer you gamble, the more likely you are to lose,” according to Marham.

Data collected at the commencement of problem gambling treatment indicates over 80% of those with the disorder have outstanding gambling debt and nearly as many relied on others for money. About 30% engage in illegal acts to cover their outstanding debt or filed for bankruptcy. Not surprisingly the majority of problem gamblers suffer trouble with personal relationships.

With expansion of state-owned casinos planned for Southeast Kansas and increasing availability of internet gaming, Kansans’ access to gambling will continue to grow. But so is the availability of services and programs Kansans have to mitigate the associated risks and potentially negative consequences that can arise when gambling becomes problematic.

The Difference Between Gambling and Problem Gambling Is Worth Knowing

3/14/2016

State and Community Coalitions Promote Awareness and Helpline

Gambling is a popular form of entertainment for many Kansans. Planned expansion of casino gambling to Southeast Kansas, the fourth state owned venue, attests to the continued appeal of gaming and allure of upside economic impact it can bring to the host communities.

There is, of course, another less appealing outcome: the harmful consequences for families when someone develops a gambling problem and the detrimental effects on personal finances and relationships, job loss, criminal activity, and even suicide.

The stark contrast between those scenarios for communities and families warrants understanding the difference between responsible gambling and a gambling problem. That’s the premise of a statewide awareness campaign coordinated by the Kansas Alliance For Responsible Gambling and the focus of a tool for gamblers and their families that is highly predictive of gambling behavior that can put them at risk.

The Kansas Alliance For Responsible Gambling and Kansas Coalition For Problem Gambling have partnered with the State of Kansas Department For Aging and Disability Services to provide information to Kansans who gamble, problem gamblers, their affected and concerned friends and family, and the community coalitions devoted behavioral health prevention programs and problem gambling treatment services.

A self-assessment tool being promoted in the campaign is referred to by behavioral and mental health professionals as the NODS (National Opinion Diagnostic Survey) CliP, three direct questions that are highly predictive of whether a gambler has crossed the line into a gambling disorder. Like other disorders, friends and family may recognize the warning signs before the disordered individual themselves. In either case, gamblers and their families are encouraged to take a moment for self-‐assessment that could mean the difference between gambling being an enjoyable form of recreation and the distress brought on by problem gambling.

The “CLiP”questions revolve around problem gamblers’ obsession with gaming and trying to stop, cut down, or control their gambling; and lying about gambling behavior and losses. The NODS CLiP questions and other similar diagnostics help gamblers understand if they’re in the zone of responsible gambling or are dealing themselves a losing hand.

Among the resources is a website www.ksgamblinghelp.com where the diagnostic questions can be found as well as links to statewide and community information and contacts for counseling.

At the center of those resources is the Kansas Problem Gambling Helpline 800-522-4700 where trained professionals are available 24/7 to answer questions about risks, treatment options, casino Voluntary Exclusion programs, and state reimbursement policy and resources for counseling professionals.

For those who choose gambling as a form of recreation and their families it’s important to understand the warning signs that you or someone you care about might be at risk. These information channels are a convenient, confidential, and no-‐risk place to start.

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Southwest Kansas Problem Gambling Task Force • 906 Central, Dodge City KS 67801 • Tel: (620) 227-1588 • info@SWKS-ProblemGambling.org
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