Gambling as an adolescent or college student sets the stage for gambling addiction as an adult, which is a problem for 1 in 50 West Virginians. Youth are 2-4 times more likely to develop a gambling problem than adults. There is a great overlap between Gambling Disorder and the recently categorized “Gaming Disorder” which focuses on internet use and video game play. We will discuss the highly controversial game feature of loot boxes. We will discuss the surprising results of recent surveys of youth on the issues of gaming and gambling, and the implications, especially considering the rapid expansion of “e-sports” teams in schools.
Learning Objectives:
1. Participant will learn how early conditioning and game design can make youth susceptible to gambling issues
2. Participant will learn early warning signs of problem gambling/gaming in youth, problems associated with the disorder, and why prevention services for these issues are crucial

Speaker Bio: Sheila Moran

Sheila is Director of Communications and Marketing for First Choice Services (FCS), a West-Virginia based non-profit that operates 16 helplines, most of which focus on behavioral health. She coordinates strategy and creative design for mass media campaigns which has helped FCS reach over 50,000 help seekers per year. She frequently presents workshops on mental health resources, problem gambling, youth gaming and gambling, and outreach strategies for social services organizations.

She has a Master’s Degree in Social Work and is a Licensed Social Worker. She is also a Nationally Certified Gambling Counselor.

Register online at: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_whf5KxyUSICjAzxdwcmUHg