—PROGRAMS

Ohio Problem Gambling Conference

A statewide conference for innovation in gambling support services

The Ohio Problem Gambling Conference is held each Spring in partnership with the Department of Behavioral Health to bring together national experts, state leaders, and local innovators in problem gambling prevention, recovery, research, and more. It features a two-day in-person conference in Columbus, Ohio.

Featuring interactive seminars and workshops, the conference allows attendees to showcase the latest research innovations, obtain continuing education units (CEUs) for those looking to receive or maintain their certification, and network with their peers.

Registration opens in the Fall on the PGNO website, along with presentation submissions, award nominations, and scholarship opportunities!

2026- our best conference yet

PGNO would like to thank all of those who attended and contributed this year. Your participation and commitment to the field makes a huge difference in our collective efforts to support those in need. We can't wait to see you all next year!

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Conference Attendees

Breakout Sessions

Insightful Speakers Presented

Amazing exhibitor tables

past Conference Highlights

Rob Minnick

Keynote:

Timothy fong

Rob Minnick opened the conference with an insightful keynote highlighting his experience in recovery from gambling addiction, his journey in recovery, and how clinicians can benefit from sharing peer stories with their clients.

Karen Russo, Derek Longmeier

pGNO Award of excellence:

Award winner names

Karen Russo's pioneering efforts and unwavering dedication to responsible gambling have set a standard that resonates far beyond Ohio. She spearheaded the Problem Gambling Addiction pilot program with the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court, addressing the root cause of gambling-related criminal behavior. Karen’s dedication to building relationships ensured the program’s success through seamless collaboration among all stakeholders.

Derek Longmeier, Lou Weigele

pgno Imact Award:

Award winner Names

Lou has been called upon for training, advice, and served as interim President of PGNO at one time. Lou has served in several capacities in the state including private practice. He is a regular presenter, trainer, and source of advice, and has served the field of problem gambling for a long tenure. He was here at the beginning of the Ohio Council and has been a constant source of information and support for over 30 years.

Stephanie Dietz-Morel

keynote:

stephanie dietz-morel

Stephanie Dietz-Morel gave an amazing keynote speech about Utilizing the Brain Disease Model of Addiction for Gambling and Gaming Treatment.

James Brill, Derek Longmeier, Alexa Burke, Jesse Wodrig, Katrina Arroyo, Kennidy Pitman, Josh Deutsch, Olivia Burris, Claire Spada, Natalie Alexander, Amanda DeVita

proclamation:

pgam

In January 2026, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed a proclamation recognizing March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month in Ohio. This accomplishment was celebrated at the 2026 Ohio Problem Gambling Conference.

Jesse Wodrig, Jimmy Hicks, Stacey Frohnapfel-Hasson, Mike Buzzelli

state of the state:

panel discussion

Leaders from the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, the Ohio Casino Control Commission, and the Ohio Lottery Commission came together to discuss the most pressing topics surrounding problem gambling in the state of Ohio.

Learning Opportunities

Learn from state and national leaders in an encouraging and collaborative environment.

Networking & Resources

Connect with innovators in the problem gambling field including: counselors, prevention professionals, individuals in recovery, operators, regulators, and researchers

Continuing Education

PGNO provides CEUs through the OCDP Board, CSWMFT Board,and IPGGC.

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Problem Gambling Network of Ohio, through funding by OhioMHAS and ORG (Ohio for Responsible Gambling), is providing scholarships for those in recovery or that have a family member in recovery from gambling disorder to attend the 2024 Ohio Problem Gambling Conference.

Recovery Scholarships & Travel Reimbursement can be awarded up to $750.
Individuals will be reimbursed for real and actual expenses.
Scholarships are awarded based on the value you will get from attending the conference as well as how this opportunity will advance your contribution to your community.
Scholarship recipients are required to stay for the entire duration of the training opportunity.
Should the scholarship recipient fail to show up and Problem Gambling Network of Ohio incurs any expense as a result, the recipient is responsible for reimbursing Problem Gambling Network of Ohio for these expenses. An invoice will be sent to the address submitted with the application.
The scholarship application must be received within two weeks prior to the pre-conference.
Notification of scholarship acceptance will be sent via email.

The scholarship application is available here. For more information about the scholarships or the conference, contact Cecilia Burford at CBurford@PGNOhio.org.

The Ohio Coaching & Mentoring Network (OCAM), funded by OhioMHAS and administered by PreventionFIRST! to increase the capacity of Ohio’s prevention workforce, is providing 10 scholarships to the 2024 Ohio Problem Gambling Conference. Scholarships are available to prevention professionals with an OCPSA, OCPS, or an OCPC working in Ohio. For more information about the scholarships, contact Christi Valentini-Lackner at cvalentini-lackner@prevention-first.org.

The prevention scholarship now covers travel and lodging! After you have attended the conference, you will need to provide a copy of your hotel receipt and a google map for your travel to and from the conference and include your registration receipt.

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