On September 25th, 2020, we held our 38th Annual Statewide Conference. And although we’ve held this conference for many years, this event was unique in that it was our very first virtual conference!
If you missed out on attending, you’re in luck — you can view the slide shows and video recordings of each session online.
Here is a brief recap of the topics we covered during the conference:
Video Games: A Gateway to Gambling?
Today, video games look much different than they did 25 years ago. Mobile phone gaming and the use of microtransactions as part of the gaming model have caused a drastic shift. Cam Adair of Gamequitters.com explains how recent trends in the gaming industry can be problematic and proposes some potential solutions.
You can read more about how video games can act as a gateway to gambling in a previous blog we’ve written, as well.
Loot Boxes – Understanding a Phenomenon That Has Already Arrived and How to Respond
Christopher P. Hansford, Founder and Political Engagement Director at Consumers for Digital Fairness, discusses a mechanic popular in many video games today called “loot boxes” and focuses on action that can be taken at the government level.
We’ve discussed the potential problems with loot boxes before and whether or not they should be legislated.
The Relationship Between Internet Gambling & Mental Health – Overcoming Barriers to Treatment
In some respects, internet gambling may be even more dangerous than gambling at a casino. Olubukunola Oyedele, Public Health Specialist at CCGNJ, discusses how the ease of access has made internet gambling and gaming disorders more common — and how these issues relate to a person’s mental health.
Tech’ing it to the Limit
We’ve written recently about how technology is changing the gambling landscape. In this session, Daniel J. Trolaro, Assistant Executive Director at CCGNJ, takes a deep dive into the gambling industry as a whole and its impact on our society. He looks at current trends in gambling and gaming, identifies reasons why people develop gambling and gaming disorders, and current treatment options as well as barriers to treatment.
Video Game Addiction and the Link to Gambling Addiction
Research suggests that video games may be conditioning children to develop gambling disorders later in life. Andrew Walsh of The New Jersey Family and Addiction Institute talks about the prevalence of video game addiction and the similarity in behavior to problem gambling.
Gambling and Gaming: Creating Awareness, Resources, and Opportunity in the Latino Community
Fittingly, during National Hispanic Heritage Month, Luis DelOrbe, the Problem Gambling Prevention Specialist at CCGNJ, discussed some of the factors that can facilitate gambling problems for Latino Americans. He also shared some strategies to help the community combat this issue and helped participants become aware of the resources available.
Regardless of How Gambling Changes, CCGNJ Is Always Available
Over the course of the last 38 years that we have held this conference, we have seen several significant changes in both the gambling industry and the world at large. As you can see from the topics of this year’s conference, technology has continued to have a significant impact on accessibility to gambling and similar activities. No matter how things continue to change, CCGNJ will remain available as a resource for problem gamblers and their loved ones. Call or text 800-GAMBLER at any time or find a help meeting online.