PRESS RELEASES

CT COUNCIL ON PROBLEM GAMBLING ANNUAL CONFERENCE
November 9th, 2007

The Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling (CCPG) would like the Press to be a part of our Annual Conference. CCPG is a private, not-for-profit organization affiliated with the National Council on Problem Gambling and is a national and local leader in problem gambling prevention and advocacy. The Council's mission is to reduce the prevalence and impact of problem and pathological (compulsive) gambling on individuals and families through education and public awareness, research, advocacy, and the operation of Connecticut’s only Problem Gambling Helpline.

The theme of this year’s Annual Conference is: Problem Gambling and Crime: Alternatives to Incarceration. It will bring together a variety of mental health, public health, addiction professionals, and legal experts, as well as educators, students, persons in recovery, community advocates, policy makers, and gambling industry representatives.

The Keynote Address: Given by Judge Mark G. Farrell, the Senior Justice in Amherst, New York Justice Court; presiding judge over the Gambling Treatment Court in NY, the only gambling court in the nation.

The Luncheon Address: Given by Dr. Henry Lesieur, one of the first and foremost international experts in the area of problem and pathological gambling. He is currently practicing at Rhode Island Hospital.

Panel Discussions:

MORNING PANEL: Can the Courts be more constructive in addressing problem gambling and crime? The Discussion will look at what alternative could be developed for handling gambling cases in CT.

Kevin J. O’Connor, Esq., US States Attorney, District of CT
Paul F. Chinigo, Esq. Private Practice, Norwich, CT
John Brooks, Esq., Director of Administration, Court Support Services Division, CT
Bruna L. DiBiase, Esq., Chief of Staff, New York Problem Solving Courts.

AFTERNOON PANEL: moderated by Pat Devendorf, MSS, LADC, NCGCII, Coordinator, Bettor Choice Program, Wheeler Clinic.
Experiences of recovering problem gamblers who have committed gambling related crimes resulting in incarceration, as well as family members describing the effects on the family following the gambler's imprisonment.

This year’s conference will be held at Water’s Edge Resort & Spa in Westbrook, CT and we anticipate close to 150-200 attendees. This is a media opportunity to increase public awareness of the impact of problem gambling, not only in CT, but across the country.

Please Include CCPG’S Problem Gambling Helpline Number in Gambling Stories:
1-800-34 NO BET
Free • Confidential • 24 Hours

For further information Contact: Marvin A. Steinberg, Ph.D., Executive Director or Mary A. Drexler, MSW, Assistant Director, at 203-453-0138