NASW - National Association of Social Workers
08/03/2026 | News release | Distributed by Public on 08/04/2026 07:30
EP147: Understanding Gambling Disorder and How Social Workers Can Help
As sports betting, online gambling, and prediction market apps continue to grow, so does the risk of increased gambling addiction. In this episode of Social Work Talks, experts from the University of Maryland School of Social Work and its Center for Excellence on Problem Gambling discuss the warning signs of problem gambling, what drives gambling behavior, and how social workers can help through awareness, screening, and evidence-based treatment.
Hosted by NASW Senior Practice Associate for Behavioral Health Makeba Royall Guests: Paul Sacco, Ph.D., MSW, Professor at University of Maryland School of Social Work, and Kristen Beall LCSW-C, Clinical Manager at University of Maryland, Center for Excellence on Problem Gambling.
August 3, 2026
Read a transcript of episode 147
Show Notes:
Definition of Gambling
"Gambling is when a person bets or risks something of value (like money) based on a chance outcome that is out of their control or influence with the understanding that they will either gain increased value or lose their original value determined by the specific outcome. Common forms of gambling include lotteries, sports betting, and casino games - like card games, table games, or electronic gaming machines. Gambling is subject to state and federal legislation that limits the means and types of gambling and where gambling can take place and otherwise regulates the activity." https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/gambling
Books and Article Focused on Gambling Disorder and Treatment
- Bechtold, J., & Wilson, A. (2021). The gambling disorder treatment handbook: A guide for mental health professionals. Jessica Kingsley Publishers
- Derevensky, J. (2012). Teen Gambling: Understanding a Growing Epidemic. https://doi.org/10.5771/9781442202283
- Grant, J. E., & Potenza, M. N. (Eds.). (2022). Gambling disorder (2nd ed.): A clinical guide to treatment. American Psychiatric Publishing.
- Petry, N. M., Ginley, M. K., & Rash, C. J. (2017). A systematic review of treatments for problem gambling. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 31(8), 951-961. https://doi.org/10.1037/adb0000290
Maryland Gambling Prevalence Study
Articles ON DSM-5 Changes
- Petry, N. M., Blanco, C., Auriacombe, M., Borges, G., Bucholz, K., Crowley, T. J., Grant, B. F., Hasin, D. S., & O'Brien, C. (2014). An Overview of and Rationale for Changes Proposed for Pathological Gambling in DSM-5. Journal of Gambling Studies, 30(2), 493-502. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-013-9370-0
- From Pathological Gambling to Gambling Disorder: Changes in the DSM-5
Screening Tools
Organizations and Resources focused on Gambling Research and Treatment
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