Take On the Odds

Over 11,600 Vermont residents are estimated to be struggling with a gambling problem. Yet there are few certified statewide providers.

Supporting Struggling Gamblers

Whether you’re early in your career or a seasoned treatment professional, you’ve likely had clients experiencing gambling problems.

U.S. adults have a gambling addiction
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U.S. adults are at risk
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Get Training

Join our Winter Problem Gambling Essentials Winter 2026 Series!

You are invited to join problem gambling experts for a series designed to deepen your clinical skills. Earn free CEUs and take a deep dive into advanced topics impacting your clients. These training courses are available at no cost for providers who live or work in Vermont. Sessions start January 2026. 

Please click here for more information about the Problem Gambling Essentials course description.

Course Offerings: 

  • Session 1: Introduction to Problem Gambling
    Trainer: Jodie Nealley
    Date: Tuesday, January 13, 2026
    Time: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm ET
    CEU Hours: 3.0

  • Session 2: Gambling as a Co-Occurring Disorder
    Trainer: Dr. Lori Rugle
    Date: Wednesday, January 14, 2026
    Time: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm ET
    CEU Hours: 3.0

  • Session 3: Assessment and Diagnosis
    Trainer: Katie Kirch
    Date: Tuesday, January 20, 2026
    Time: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm ET
    CEU Hours: 3.0

  • Session 4: Ethics, Legal System and Future Trends
    Trainer: Jody Bechtold
    Date: Thursday, January 22, 2026
    Time: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm ET
    CEU Hours: 3.0

  • Session 5: Neurobiology and Pharmacology and Harm Reduction
    Trainer: Dr. Lori Rugle
    Date: Tuesday, January 27, 2026
    Time: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm ET
    CEU Hours: 3.0

  • Session 6: CBT and LGBTQ Cultural Competence
    Trainer: Dr. Eunice Avilés
    Date: Thursday, January 29, 2026
    Time: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm ET
    CEU Hours: 4.0

  • Session 7: Not All Bets Are the Same: Targeted Intervention Guide
    Trainer: Katie Kirch
    Date: Tuesday, February 3, 2026
    Time: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm ET
    CEU Hours: 3.0

  • Session 8: Case Studies – Applications
    Trainer: Jody Bechtold
    Date: Thursday, February 5, 2026
    Time: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm ET
    CEU Hours: 3.0

  • Session 9: Finances and Families
    Trainer: Dr. Lori Rugle
    Date: Tuesday, February 10, 2026
    Time: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm ET
    CEU Hours: 3.0

  • Session 10: Integrating Recovery Supports into Clinical Practice
    Trainer: Jodie Nealley
    Date: Thursday, February 12, 2026
    Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm ET
    CEU Hours: 2.0

Vermont Problem Gambling Specialist Certificate

With the expansion of sports betting in Vermont, it is more important than ever to help people struggling with gambling harm. The Vermont Department of Mental Health has partnered with the Institute for Consumer Health to increase treatment availability.

The VT PGS Certificate allows your treatment agency or private practice to be listed as a referral source on the Vermont Gambling Helpline at no cost. 

If you would like to keep in contact about future training opportunities, please fill out the form below. 

Discover More Resources

All providers are welcome to reach out for guidance or treatment referrals at 1-800-GAMBLER or via LiveChat, 24/7. Learn more about Self-Exclusion for individuals struggling with sports betting. Find local and virtual support groups. Understand more about how problem gambling acts like an addiction in the brain at Brain Connections.