Sports Betting Treatment Considerations (Fall 2026)

Description: 

Sports betting has become increasingly popular over the past few years and can cause meaningful harm, similar to other types of gambling. However, sports bettors are a unique group of gamblers with specialized needs. This clinical-based training will dive into the distinctive risk factors that can impact sports bettors at the individual, interpersonal, and environmental levels. Following this overview, we will outline concrete treatment interventions that can be used to address these risk factors in your own practice. Participants will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of the treatment strategies by engaging in a small group activity. To wrap up the training, we will discuss the very tragic reality of self-harm in gambling, including implications for clinical practice. Please come prepared to participate in this training, ideally with cameras on and microphones functioning! You must stay the full length of the training to receive CE credit.

Cost: Free

Location: Virtual

Number of CE(s): 1.5

Instructional Level: Intermediate

Agenda:

1. Welcome and background of sports betting (terms, rapid expansion, technological advancements, involvement of athletes)
2. Problem gambling risk factors 
3. Clinical interventions to address problem gambling risk factors
4. Breakout room activity (identifying triggers, thoughts, behaviors related to sports betting and swapping behaviors for more adaptive coping strategies)
5. Large group shareback
6. Suicide and gambling and clinical implications
7. Closing and key takeaways 

Learning Objectives: 

As a result of completing this training, you will be better prepared to…

1. List at least one risk factor for problematic sports betting at the individual, interpersonal, and environmental level.
2. Identify at least one evidence-based strategy that can be used to treat sports bettors experiencing problem gambling. 
3. Explain how to reduce the occurrence of suicidal ideation among sports bettors by addressing perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness. 

Instructor Bios:

Instructor #1: Nakita Sconsoni, MSW; Nakita is a Community Health Educator, Continuing Education Specialist, at the Division on Addiction at Cambridge Health Alliance and is part of M-TAC’s Training and Education team. She has 3+ years of experience working in the field of addiction, with a focus on gambling. Ms. Sconsoni has developed and facilitated live trainings and online courses, and created educational materials for allied health professionals, recovery and support providers, and others. She is also a Content Manager of the Brief Addiction Science Information Source (BASIS; https://basisonline.org/) research blog. Ms. Sconsoni has also worked as a mental health therapist for adults comorbidly diagnosed with a developmental disability and a mental health condition. Ms. Sconsoni is particularly interested in the intersectionality between addiction and other social identities. She earned her MSW from the University of New Hampshire.

Instructor #2: Anupria Davenport, MPH, CHES; Senior Manager for Training & Education on the Strategic Planning & Organizational Effectiveness team. In this role, she will support HRiA’s problem gambling projects – M-TAC and PBU. Prior to joining HRiA, Anupria worked as a Consultant for the Center for Research & Evaluation at the University of Mississippi. Anupria is passionate about advancing public health, committed to improving outcomes with data-driven solutions, and interested in creating innovative pathways to systems change. Based in Houston, TX, Anupria is a Certified Health Education Specialist and currently pursuing her Doctor of Public Health at The University of Texas. She has a master’s degree in epidemiology from Jackson State University.

Instructor #3: Deborah Rodriguez, DSW, LICSW, LADC I; Dr. Rodriguez is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with over 19 years of experience working with at-risk populations and co-occurring disorders in the Greater Springfield area. She received her Doctorate of Social Work from Simmons University in Boston and her Master’s Degree from the University of Connecticut School of Social Work. Her varied professional experience with behavioral health ranges from community mental health services and advocacy to extensive relationship-building with community members and leaders. Dr. Rodriguez is an adjunct professor for Our Lady of Elms Social Work Program, and is providing direct care through her private practice Faros Counseling.

Approval Statements:

• NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals – This course has been approved by the Division on Addiction, as a NAADAC Approved Education Provider, for educational credits. NAADAC Provider #84058, the Division on Addiction is responsible for all aspects of the programing.
• National Association of Social Workers (NASW) – This program has been approved for 1.5 Social Work Continuing Education hours for relicensure, in accordance with 258 CMR. NASW-MA Chapter CE Approving Program, Authorization Number D10615-1.
• Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) – The Massachusetts Technical Assistance Center for Problem Gambling Treatment is authorized by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to sponsor, conduct or approve continuing education programs for alcohol and drug counselors/assistants (LADCs). This program offers 1.5 continuing education credits.

Funding Statement: The Division on Addiction and Health Resources in Action collaborate to produce M-TAC trainings, courses, and resources, which are funded by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Office of Problem Gambling Services. The instructors have no financial interests that might create a conflict of interest in the development or delivery of this training. Click here to access our full list of our funders and conflict of interest/grievance policies and procedures.