02/09/2026
Welcome back to our partner spotlight series, which highlights some of the fantastic organisations we work with to help our users better understand the support available.
Each of our partners does amazing work across the gambling harm space and explains, in their own words, how and when you can access these services.
Organization Name
The Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling (CCPG)
What do you do?
The CCPG is committed to addressing gambling-related harm through prevention programming, community outreach, education, advocacy, and connection to resources.
A central component of our work is facilitating Connecticut’s 24/7 Problem Gambling Helpline, which provides confidential support, gambling-specific resources, and referrals to treatment services throughout the state.
Kaitlin Brown and Mallory Schultz representing the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling at the DMHAS Maternal Behavioral Healthcare conference.
CCPG administers several prevention and recovery-focused initiatives, including:
Educational Opportunities
We offer specialized training opportunities for behavioral health professionals, including clinicians and prevention specialists, to enhance their knowledge of gambling and gaming-related issues.
Our 32-hour Clinical Training Series supports professionals in obtaining gambling-specific certification both within Connecticut and internationally. CCPG is a Preferred Provider with the International Problem Gambling and Gaming Certification Organization (IPGGC) and offers continuing education credits for all training programs.
Multicultural Problem Gambling Prevention Program
Research shows that there are higher rates of problem gambling reported among under-resourced and under-served populations such as the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI), Veterans and active military, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual (LGBTQIA+) and Latino/Latina/Latine communities.
The program strives to increase protective factors in these populations while reducing the harm associated with gambling through prevention programming.
College Campus Problem Gambling Prevention Initiative
The College Campus Gambling Prevention Initiative was created in response to the rising prevalence of gambling among Connecticut’s undergraduate population with frequent engagement in fantasy sports, sports betting, and internet gambling.
Its goal is to design and promote activities that educate students, raise awareness about the risks of gambling, enhance campus policies, and organize events such as screening days and resource tables. Additionally, the initiative focuses on providing training and developing awareness campaigns. Through these combined efforts, the initiative aims to create a safer, more informed campus environment, helping students make healthier choices and reduce the risks of gambling-related harm.
Department of Correction Program
Research consistently finds that individuals within correctional settings have much higher rates of problem gambling or Gambling Disorder than the general public. The DOC program provides educational and recovery-focused presentations to individuals who are currently incarcerated. Weekly meetings are held by a person with lived experience. This program also aims to educate DOC staff on what is Gambling and Gambling Disorder, warning signs, risk factors, screening tools, and available resources for help.
CCPG joined Senator Richard Blumenthal to support stronger protections against gambling harm ahead of the World Cup Finals.
Advocacy
The Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling advocates for policies, programs, and public awareness efforts that reduce gambling-related harm and expand access to prevention, treatment, and recovery supports. Through collaboration with lawmakers, regulators, and community partners, CCPG works to ensure that individuals and families affected by gambling harm have pathways to help, stronger consumer protections, and a voice in shaping responsible gambling policies.
Annual Recovery Retreats
This retreat offers individuals and families affected by gambling-related harm a supportive space to connect with others and strengthen recovery. Participants engage in workshops, discussions, and peer support activities focused on coping strategies, mindfulness, and overall wellness. The retreat emphasizes community, empowerment, and multiple pathways, providing tools and connections to sustain long-term recovery.
Annual Statewide Conference
This conference brings together professionals, advocates, and community partners dedicated to addressing gambling-related harm across Connecticut. The event provides a valuable forum for education, networking, and the exchange of best practices in prevention, treatment, and recovery. Attendees engage with expert speakers, participate in sessions focused on emerging trends and evidence-based strategies, and connect with others. The conference underscores CCPG’s commitment to enhancing statewide capacity to support individuals and families impacted by gambling-related issues and to advancing a collaborative response across sectors.
CCPG braved the rain at West Hartford Pride, connecting with the community and raising awareness of gambling-related harm.
Where are these services available?
Gambling-specific resources and treatment referrals are available to individuals residing in Connecticut. Prevention programming is delivered statewide to targeted at-risk populations through funding partnerships with the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS).
All Connecticut residents may access CCPG’s Problem Gambling Helpline and prevention services. Educational and professional training opportunities are also available outside of Connecticut through virtual learning options.
Who can access services?
Individuals seeking to reduce or stop gambling as well as family members, professionals and others who may be concerned about another person's gambling can access services. The helpline offers resources for support and treatment referrals. You may contact the 24/7 Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-888-789-7777 or access live chat at www.ccpg.org/chat/
For inquiries related to training, prevention programming, advocacy, or outreach opportunities, please contact Kaitlin Brown, Senior Director of Programs and Services at Kaitlinf@ccpg.org.
Inquiries will be directed to the appropriate CCPG staff member.
CCPG joined Senator Richard Blumenthal to support the GAME Act and stronger protections for young people from gambling advertising.
Are These Services Free?
Helpline services are provided at no cost and are confidential. Many prevention and training programs for organizations are offered at no charge as a benefit of membership. Certain educational events may require a registration fee depending on the format of the event or training offering. Treatment services may involve insurance coverage, sliding fee scales, and/or co-pays depending on the provider.
How have we made a difference?
One of the great things about working directly with people who have been harmed by gambling disorder is the gratitude we often receive on our Helpline.
Recently, I received a call from an older couple whose adult son had disclosed to them that he was having financial difficulty due to online gambling. They were in shock when he disclosed that he had nothing left and that he needed to seek help.
During my call with them, I was able to identify multiple resources for him and also for them. I was also able to answer many questions and provide them hope and encouragement in dealing with the situation. By the end of the conversation, they had a plan and both stated how much better they felt after speaking with me.
I reached out to a colleague, and the same day they were able to attend a family group to get counseling and support. It is rewarding to know that the work we all do makes a real difference in the lives of others.
