In and Out of the Cooler: Disordered Gambling and Illegal Acts

Gambling problems can drive illegal acts to obtain money to gamble. Dr. Linda Graves examines the research behind gambling-related crimes, the “why” behind these behaviors, and available resources for treatment and support both during incarceration and after release. Learn practical ways to connect justice-involved clients to help.

Price: Free

Credit

1.25 CE

Prerequisite

None

Class Instructor

Class Description

Tales abound of those with gambling disorders and the means they used in which to obtain funds to gamble. This class, presented by Dr. Linda Graves, Psy.D, NCGC-II, examines the research about gamblers and illegal acts, looks at the “why,” and examines the availability of resources to address gambling disorders, both while incarcerated and after release.

Learning Objectives

  • Learn three ways disordered gambling can relate to committing illegal acts
  • Name six crimes that disordered gamblers are more likely to commit
  • Recall and share at least four prevention and treatment services available to parolees or probationers through the CalGETS program
  • Discuss why the criterion, illegal acts, was not included in the DSM-5 list of criteria for disordered gambling

Educational Goals

  • This course reviews a strong research base to support the hypothesis that people with gambling disorders commit illegal acts at a higher rate than those who do not have a gambling disorder
  • The course will describe ways gambling disorder can relate to the commitment of illegal acts
  • Doctoral level participants will learn why a client’s gambling history should be addressed when the client enters treatment for gambling disorder after incarceration

Outline

  • Relationship between crime and disordered gambling: a look at the research: 20 minutes
  • The types of crimes committed by disordered gamblers: 15 minutes
  • Gambling while incarcerated: 20 minutes
  • Re-entry and treatment options: 25 minutes
  • Why “illegal acts” was taken out of the diagnostic criteria in the DSM-5: 10 minutes

Topics: Gambler, Community Impact

Class Content