Nearly 60 people attended the Bermuda Casino Gaming Commission’s recent free training on gambling disorders. Lori Rugle, program director at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling, led the two-part program, hosted by the Problem and Responsible Gaming Council. The sessions covered what is problem gambling, types of gamblers and stages of gambling addiction, as well as treatment options and industry best practices.
A range of addiction treatment service providers, including independent organizations, charities, Department of Corrections counselors and psychologists received the training.
Problem and Responsible Gaming Council Director Roger Trott said, “We are thrilled to see how engaged local treatment providers have been when it comes to receiving this specialized training. The truth is, the problem of gambling addiction already exists here in Bermuda, but it hasn’t been exposed to the degree that other substance abuse problems have, and local counselors are trying to stay ahead of the 8-ball in anticipation of the arrival of casino gaming in Bermuda. While there are similarities among the various addictions, there are also stark differences and with this training clinicians and agencies will be able to provide a broader range of services and better identify those with gambling disorders who may not have been previously screened for it.”
Rugle, currently president of the Association of Problem Gambling State Administrators, has worked with the National Council on Problem Gambling and the Ohio Council on Problem Gambling. She has won numerous awards in the field of problem gambling, including the 2004 Service Award from the National Council on Problem Gambling and the 1997 Herman Goldman Award, given in recognition of a career dedicated to improving the lives of problem gamblers and their families. A licensed clinical psychologist and board-certified clinical consultant in the specialty area of disordered gambling, Rugle served as director of problem gambling services at a state funded institution for gambling disorder treatment facility from 2008-2014.
Two more free training sessions will be offered in early 2018.
