Oklahoma Association on Problem Gambling and Gaming

11/05/2025

“A gambling diagnosis was a stronger predictor of su***de than other mental health conditions, such as depression, schizophrenia or alcohol use – indicating gambling disorder poses a unique risk."

People diagnosed with a gambling disorder are significantly more likely to die by su***de, according to new research led by Swansea University – marking a major step forward in understanding gambling-related harm.

11/03/2025

Beginning this Thursday evening, join other women for a confidential, compassionate space to share, listen, and support one another as you move toward recovery. This meeting is for women at any stage of recovery, whether you are just starting or have been working on it for a while. It will be hosted by Christina Cook, IGRS, who is a lived-experience advocated and founder of The Broke Girl Society.

When: Thursdays at 7:00 PM
Where: OAPGG office (501 E Alameda St, Suite E, Norman, OK 73071)

The group will meet every Thursday except on holidays or during inclement weather.

Learn more on our website at https://www.oapgg.org/find-help

10/31/2025

Happy Halloween!!! Day 2 of ODAPCA's 2025 Fall Conference. Several of the board members dressed for the occasion. Others, including myself & Amy Turner, are presenting.

10/31/2025

What doesn't work: gambling to escape from difficult situations. Gambling may distract you in the short-term, but it never really solves the underlying issues.

What does work: help and recovery. Reach out today.

10/30/2025

Day 1 of the 2025 ODAPCA Fall Conference at OKANA is underway with over 300 treatment and prevention professionals in attendance. A special "thank you" to Martin Flores and Comanche Nation for setting up the tipi.

10/30/2025

Criteria no. 9 is one of the first signs of a gambling disorder that a loved one might notice.

As hard as it may be, if you know someone with a gambling problem, it is important to not lend them money.

We have resources to address the financial impact of gambling disorder on our website.

10/29/2025

2025 ODAPCA Fall Conference starts tomorrow at the new OKANA Resort downtown OKC. Pre-conference setup has begun.

10/29/2025

"Gambling addiction is a choice."

We hear this often, but the truth is that gambling disorder rewires the brain.

People with gambling disorder not only deal with the consequences of their gambling but also with the incredible shame of not being able to quit.

With help and support, recovery is possible.

10/28/2025

How can gambling be addictive when it isn't a substance like alcohol or drugs? It can be hard to believe that gambling addiction is just as serious as other addictions, because we don't see anything physical going into the body, and we don't see any signs of intoxication. But when we look at what's happening in the brain, it's exactly the same.

10/27/2025

Criteria #2 is the same for gambling disorder as it is for substance use disorder--you need to gamble more, for longer periods of time in order to experience the same level of satisfaction.

How can you build up tolerance for something that isn't a substance? Your brain responds with dopamine when you gamble just like it would to drugs or alcohol. Even worse, when you're gambling, your body can't ever send a signal that it's overdosed.

10/24/2025

There was no mention of gambling disorder in yesterday's sports betting study group, except for an outdated 1% national prevalence rate.

The truth: nearly 1 in 3 (29.8%) Oklahomans are struggling or at-risk.

https://oklahoman.com/story/news/politics/2025/10/24/legalized-sports-betting-okc-thunder-pitch-plan-oklahoma/86854380007/ via
The Oklahoman

Under the Thunder's proposal, the team would earn 0.25% of wagers placed in certain parts of the state.

10/24/2025

"I wish I'd never started gambling." When someone starts gambling to escape from challenging situations or feelings, that immediately increases their risk of developing a problem.
It's important to remember that no matter how much regret you're feeling, it's never too late to find recovery.