New EDC and Omni Toolkit Helps Leaders Strengthen Problem Gambling Prevention
Strategic decision support tool ensures effective statewide responses to problem gambling
EDC and The Omni Institute (Omni) have published a vital new resource for state public health leaders nationwide: An Introduction to the Essential Elements for an Effective Problem Gambling Framework: A Strategic Decision Support Tool. On April 28, two of the toolkit’s co-authors, EDC public health expert Chuck Klevgaard and Omni research manager T Schweimler, will co-lead a session to launch the toolkit at the Western Regional Conference on Problem Gambling Awareness: Focus on the Future in Vancouver, Washington.
As the gambling industry rapidly evolves across the U.S., public health systems are scrambling to keep pace with urgent and emergent societal challenges related to problem gambling. Available online at no cost, the new toolkit supports state public health leaders in proactively addressing and mitigating these challenges. The toolkit will be especially useful to state administrators of problem gambling services, executive directors of state problem gambling councils, program directors, and state problem gambling prevention and treatment coordinators.
“We are so glad to provide this free new resource to aid state leaders in designing, implementing, and sustaining successful responses to problem gambling,” said Chuck Klevgaard. “From our work with problem gambling leaders, we’ve heard that this kind of decision-making tool is acutely needed and will significantly advance their efforts.”
“Our toolkit’s comprehensive approach and assessments can guide state public health leaders in taking swift, impactful action to respond to this growing public health crisis,” said Eden Griffin, co-author of the toolkit and Omni director. “Recent studies and reports spotlight that it is imperative to take action now before negative impacts worsen.”
Figures concerning the number of adults directly affected by problem gambling range from 2.5 million (serious problems) to 5-8 million (some problems). A recent national survey by The Harris Poll on behalf of the National Council on Problem Gambling found that “nearly eight in ten Americans (79%) believe gambling addiction in the U.S. is as serious or more serious than other types of addiction like alcohol or drug addiction.” And, underage gambling is emerging as an acute risk for American youth, whose developing brains make them vulnerable to problem gambling—especially young boys.
EDC’s and Omni’s tool guides problem gambling leaders in building and strengthening a comprehensive infrastructure for prevention, treatment, and recovery services. By supporting decision-making across the full continuum of care, this framework helps ensure coordinated, effective, and sustainable responses.
Do you or someone you love need support to address challenges related to problem gambling? Nationwide, call 1-800-MY-RESET for support.
About Education Development Center (EDC):
EDC is a global nonprofit that works with partners to advance every person’s journey to learn, work, and be well. For more than 65 years, EDC has partnered with communities, governments, and the private sector to improve education, workforce development, and health outcomes. Explore our services focused on problem-gambling prevention.
About The Omni Institute:
Founded in 1982, Omni is a non-profit consultancy that delivers research, evaluation, and capacity building projects for clients across the country. Their experts work in partnership with clients—leaders and change-makers in governments, nonprofits, foundations, and social enterprises—to accelerate change and improve lives. Learn about their work to address problem gambling nationwide
