Wager Danger

Wager Danger

Access to legalized gambling in the US is at an all-time high, and sports book betting apps, video slot machines, lotteries and casinos seem to be everywhere. How does the increased access to legalized gambling affect all of us? Are their unique harms that we haven’t considered? These are some of the questions we seek to explore as we chat with behavioral health professionals, academics, gambling disorder experts and individuals in recovery from gambling addiction.

Episodes

June 6, 2025 43 mins

During the past 3 years, Dr. Grubbs and his research team at the University of New Mexico have verified that increased sports betting has a direct correlation to increased alcohol consumption.  And furthermore, the tendency is for those who imbibe more frequently, their betting behavior becomes riskier.  Listen in as Dr. Grubbs and Shane discuss a wide range of sports gambling topics and dive further into this shocking link between...

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In this episode, we step outside the studio to attend and speak with guests attending a resource fair during problem gambling awareness month. Hosted by Healthcare Alternative Systems (HAS) and co-sponsored by Gateway Foundation, the event space was filled with energy and engaging conversations about gambling addiction and the power of recovery. 

 

Healthcare Alternativ...

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March marks Problem Gambling Awareness Month, and we coordinated a panel discussion with three remarkable leaders who are shaping how Illinois responds to problem gambling.

We're joined by Anita Pindiur, executive director of The Way Back Inn, Heather Martinez from the Illinois Council on Problem Gambling, and Emma Bowen from Chestnut Health Systems. We'll explore why March has become such ...

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Description:  From Midwest Book Review – Relatively few novels cover gambling addiction, in comparison to other forms of addiction, already making Shep and the King of Hearts notable….

Join Stacy and Shane as they discuss the motivations and underlying themes for her debut book.

Order...

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Dr. Michelle Malkin, Director of the East Carolina University Gambling Research & Policy Initiative joins the show to discuss the significant impact of legalized gambling in the US.  From gambling motivated crime to the prevalence of gambling on college campuses, to the surprising impact of gambling on LGBTQ+ communities, Dr. Malkin walks us through a fascinating peek at the impact gambling is having within our...

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December 20, 2024 38 mins

On this episode we take a look back on many interesting moments from the important conversations we've have over the last 12 months.

Engage with Wager Danger: 

wagerdanger@gatewayfoundation.org

Gateway Foundation Gambling Treatment

Call Gateway Foundation: 844-975-3663 (DONE)

 

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John Harris returns to the show and provides an update on the ‘Are You Really Winning’ awareness campaign for problem gambling. 

Whether you're curious about how gambling awareness is evolving or interested in the innovative ways this program is reaching communities, you won't want to miss this inside look at Illinois' groundbreaking prevention efforts.

Engage with Wage...

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Adolescent and young adults are gaming and gambling at a much higher rate...

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October 4, 2024 52 mins

Most of us, at some point in our lives, will struggle. The fortunate will find redemption, fewer will experience transformation.  Dan Trolaro’s story embodies what it means to transform and to grow.  Listen how Dan’s lived experience fuels his passion to educate NCAA collegiate athletes and youth in general.  He’s on a mission to expose the potential dangers and pitfalls associated with gambling and the all-too-accessible world of ...

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“It’s my hope that we can erase the stigma and shame so women will feel safe seeking the help they need without fear of judgement” - Broke Girl Society founder, Christina Cook. 

The BGS offers a “judgement free zone” for women in recovery from problem gambling.  Christina recognized early in her own journey that what she craved most was deep connections with other women who had walked a sim...

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Researchers at the International Gaming Institute on the campus of UNLV are diving deep into the effects of gambling on public health. Whether studying banking habits alongside gambling activity or creating chatbots to assist and educate users about responsible gaming, AI and machine learning is being utilized to develop guardrails that support responsible gaming. In this episode, Dr. Kasra Ghaharian, Director ...

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Rob ODAAT (one day at a time) Minnick is a social media influencer who is reaching a wide audience with his unique gambling content. His personal experience of recovery from gambling addiction allows him to uniquely impact those who view his content. Rob’s content reaches millions of viewers and he routinely receives messages from individuals seeking help with a gambling addiction. His work is being recognized ...

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After years of working the Gamblers Anonymous (GA) program, it was “tough love” from his family and some frank advice from a GA veteran (and mentor) that compelled Jimmy to fully commit to his recovery.  In ...

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It’s a trick question.  The answer is ALWAYS!  But sadly, not everyone sees it that way.  Jody Bechtold joins the show to discuss how various generations respond to the proliferation of gambling access in the US.  Jody’s experience and expertise in gambling dis...

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In recognition of National Problem Gambling Awareness Month, Wager Danger travelled to Waukegan to attend and capture highlights from Dr. Adell’s personal story “Confessions of a Slot Machine Queen.” 

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Dave Wohl has some big shoes to fill. As ICPG’s new Executive Director, Dave talks about taking over from ICPG’s founder, Bill Johnson, and how they are teaming up with other organizations across the state to spread the word on gambling disorder, and its effects on many underserved communities.

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“Helping people feel good about their finances is an important part of feeling better overall.” – Alex DeMarco. 

GamFin is an organization that connects gambling disorder counselors with expert financial counselors to help restore the financial health for individuals struggling with proble...

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December 20, 2023 26 mins

This episode takes a look back at some interesting moments from very important conversations we have had over the last 12 months.

Gateway Foundation Gambli...

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“Not a Chance” teaches High Schoolers how to make thoughtful decisions.  Enhancing the protective factors that lead to improved self-awareness and better decision making is the primary goal…problem gambling prevention provides the context.  Utilizing ...

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“Sports gambling itself is not inherently risky but sports gamblers are!”

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