Class Description
The expansion of legalized gambling has been fueled in part by younger, predominantly male sports bettors and traders with uninterrupted access to online gambling through mobile devices. This class examines the profile of the new tech-savvy gambler engaged in fast-paced crypto trading and live betting, along with clinical approaches for working with these clients in short-term virtual treatment settings. Topics include engagement strategies, family interventions, curriculum content, and fostering genuine camaraderie and community in a fully online program.
Learning Objectives
- Identify three key tasks to accomplish during the screening/assessment process for digital gambling disorder
- Describe the difference between an “open” and “closed” virtual group treatment program for gambling disorder and the advantages of having a “closed” group
- Identify three approaches to treatment utilized in the WGT EOP curriculum
Educational Goals
- Understand the variables that could contribute to the development of a digital gambling disorder among young clients
- Recognize common examples of distorted thinking and/or relapse justifications evident in individuals presenting with gambling disorder
- Learn efficacious tools and strategies for clinicians to implement with younger clients presenting with problem crypto trading and sports betting
Outline
- Clinical engagement strategies for a problem sports bettor and/or trader who contacts the 1-800-Gambler hotline: 5 minutes
- Building therapeutic alliance with a family member who inquires about treatment for a problem sports bettor or crypto trader: 5 minutes
- How gambling disorder manifests differently (and similarly) in digital and brick-and-mortar gambling environments: 5 minutes
- Fostering cohesion in virtual group settings for problem digital gamblers: 15 minutes
- Clinical differentiation between problem crypto traders and sports bettors: 10 minutes
- The secret sauce of WGT treatment: Good chemistry and diverse approaches among the clinical team: 10 minutes
- Relevant client feedback (client satisfaction surveys and exit interview data) to inform the WGT treatment approach: 10 minutes