Regional Conferences in 2026

Apr 2, 2026 | Problem Gambling Conference

Two Regional NM Problem Gambling Conferences Set in 2026

May 8, 2026 | Sky City Casino | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (one day)
September 10–11, 2026 | Inn of the Mountain Gods | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (each day)

Problem gambling is often referred to as the “hidden addiction.” Unlike substance use disorders, it can remain concealed for long periods—impacting individuals and families before it is ever recognized in relationships, therapy sessions, primary care visits, or even emergency rooms. To help address this growing concern, Acoma Business Enterprises and the Mescalero Responsible Gaming Program, in cooperation with The Evolution Group, Inc., are hosting training opportunities with a spring or fall session in 2026, providing greater access for providers across New Mexico.

Why This Training Matters

Gambling disorder is complex and often misunderstood. Many professionals encounter individuals affected by problem gambling without immediately recognizing the signs. This can delay intervention and limit effective treatment. This symposium aims to:

Increase awareness of gambling disorder as a behavioral health issue
Equip providers with practical tools for identification and treatment
Address the cultural and social factors that influence gambling behaviors
Improve outcomes for individuals and families affected by problem gambling

A Comprehensive Training for Therapists

This training offers a comprehensive introduction for therapists and behavioral health providers who want to better understand and treat gambling-related issues. Participants will learn:

How to identify problem gambling in clinical and real-world settings
Evidence-based approaches to treatment
Strategies for working with co-occurring disorders
How to support clients while respecting cultural diversity and community context

Whether you are new to the topic or looking to expand your expertise, this training provides valuable insights that can be applied immediately in practice. If you are a provider looking to expand your knowledge and better serve your clients, this training is a valuable opportunity to gain practical skills and insight into gambling disorder treatment.

📅 Spring Session: 6th Annual Symposium on Problem Gambling: Two Roads Meet 2026

Date: May 8, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Sky City Casino, New Mexico

📅 Fall Session: 18th Annual Treatment Provider Training: Two Roads Meet

Dates: September 10–11, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (each day)
Location: Inn of the Mountain Gods, Mescalero, New Mexico

Supporting New Mexico Communities

By offering both a one-day session and an expanded regional conference, this symposium provides flexible opportunities for professionals across the state to participate. Strengthening awareness and treatment approaches can make a meaningful difference for individuals, families, and communities impacted by this often unseen addiction. Registration for the Spring conference in May is open now; click here to register. Please check back in the summer of 2026 for the Fall registration to open.

2026 Problem Gambling Conference

Apr 2, 2026 | Problem Gambling Conference

The Responsible Gaming Association of New Mexico’s annual conference for 2026 on Problem Gambling brings together a diverse array of researchers and industry treatment professionals from all across North America to discuss wide-ranging topics in support of healing from problem gambling. Launched in 1998 by the Responsible Gaming Association of New Mexico, the two-day conference stands as the first and largest conference on problem gambling in New Mexico.

The 2026 event will be held on Thursday and Friday, August 13-14 at Isleta Resort and Casino. The theme is “We Are All In This Together”. Click for registration.

The conference will deliver research-driven insights and actionable strategies for professionals addressing gambling-related challenges. Treatment providers who attend the two-day event can receive 12 CEUs, including 6 ethics credits.

Speakers and Topics scheduled for the 2026 Conference include:

Andrew Ecker, CRC, White Bison – Evidence-Informed Group Drumming and Sound-Medicine Intervention
Cara Macksoud – Money Habitudes Working with the Gambling Client’s Finances
Debra Kaplan – Beyond Gambling: Addressing the Emotional Drivers of Financial and Relational Recovery
Panel Session – Using Apps in Recovery Work
Dr. Ruby Gibson – Somatic Archeology
Hilarie Cash PhD – Topic TBD
Alex De Marco – Topic TBD
Ryan Dimeglio PhD – Screening and Assessing for Lethality Among Individuals with Gambling Problems

Please check back for information on early check-in for those pre-registered.

Discounted hotel rooms at Isleta Resort and Casino may be reserved for the 2026 RGANM Conference directly with the Isleta Resort & Casino Hotel reservations desk at (505) 724-3800, or using this link. Use Group Name/Group Code RES0826 for the discounted room rate of $144 per night plus tax. Treatment providers can learn more about problem gambling and also access more information and screening tools on our site.

RGANM Opens Grant Funding Request for Proposals

Oct 31, 2025 | Problem Gambling, RGANM In The News

RGANM Opens Grant Funding Cycle for Problem Gambling Awareness and Treatment

The Responsible Gaming Association of New Mexico (RGANM) has opened its 2025 grant funding cycle, offering opportunities for organizations across the state to receive support for problem gambling awareness, prevention, and treatment programs.

In past years, RGANM grants have supported a variety of organizations, including The Evolution Group, PeopleWorks, and the New Mexico Asian Family Center. These groups have used funding to provide counseling, education, and prevention services to individuals and families affected by gambling addiction.

For 2025, eligible organizations—including mental health providers, college student groups, and nonprofit health organizations—are encouraged to submit proposals. Projects may include traditional addiction treatment services or innovative new approaches to educate about problem gambling, such as community events, campus-based prevention campaigns, or other creative ideas to raise awareness about problem gambling.

Funding Details

Grants are available for up to $75,000.
Proposals may be for new startup ideas or ongoing treatment services.
Funding must be used for direct services such as prevention, education, counseling, or treatment of problem gambling (not administrative costs).

Application Requirements

Applicants should provide:

Background information on the organization, its community, and the populations it serves.
A detailed description of the proposed project, including budget, timeline, and expected impact.
Accreditation or licenses held, key staff qualifications, and prior experience with problem gambling services.
Plans for outreach and engagement, whether with the general public, youth, or specific community groups.

Organizations awarded funding will be asked to provide quarterly reports, attend an RGANM meeting, and participate in outreach activities such as Gambling Awareness Month or community events. Download the full grant proposal information here.

Deadline and How to Apply

All grant requests must be submitted on organizational letterhead and received electronically by December 5, 2025. Proposals should be sent to Shannon Dictson, [email protected]

2025 Problem Gambling Conference

Apr 15, 2025 | Problem Gambling Conference

The Responsible Gaming Association of New Mexico’s annual conference on Problem Gambling brings together a diverse array of researchers and industry treatment professionals from all across North America to discuss wide-ranging topics in support of healing from problem gambling. Launched in 1998 by the Responsible Gaming Association of New Mexico, the conference is the first and largest conference on problem gambling in New Mexico.

The 2025 event will be held on Thursday and Friday, July 31 to August 1 at Isleta Resort and Casino. The theme is “The Intersection Between Effective Treatment and Therapist Well-Being”. Click for registration.

The conference, in the pursuit of wellness from problem gambling, covers important topics such as promising and evidence-based treatments from east to west, indigenous, and other cultural points of view, the impact of technology, brain chemistry, trauma, co-contributing mental health issues, and the role of culture in healing. Click here for the agenda for more information. Treatment providers who attend the two-day event can receive 12 CEUs.

Join us for an engaging, two-day conference designed to tackle one of today’s most pressing issues– problem gambling. This event delivers research-driven insights and actionable strategies for professionals addressing gambling-related challenges.

Speakers and Topics scheduled for July 31-August 1 include:

Small Panel Presentation and Discussion: Sarah Nelson PhD, Harvard University and a Treatment Provider from the Healing Lodge of the Seven Nations – Building Cultures of Recovery in Tribal Communities

Heather Gray PhD, Harvard University – Gambling and Self-Harm

Noëlla Piquette, PhD, University of Lethbridge – Investigations Related to the Differences between Males and Females with Problem Gambling

Jon Grant PhD – University of Chicago – Improving Access to Care and Treatment Outcomes

Chris Willard, Harvard Medical School – The Neuroscience of Self-Compassion, Mindfulness, and Positive Psychology: Working with the Contagion of Emotional Regulation

Debra Kaplan, MA, MBA – The Power of Maladaptive Daydreaming: Treating Fantasy in Gambling Disorder, Love and Porn Addiction

Joshua Grubbs PhD, Saul Malek, Alexander Connoly– Sports Betting Panel – Three lenses: Research and Trends, Recovering Sports Gambler, and a Sports Bettor who Embraces Harm Reduction

On July 30th, early check-in for those pre-registered will be available from 5pm to 7pm in the convention center. The first 100 people to check in will receive a free book titled “The Red Road to Wellbriety”.

For discounted hotel rooms at $144 per night (plus tax), call 877-475-3827 and use code RGA0725 or book online. Treatment providers can learn more about problem gambling and also access more information and screening tools on our site.

Art Contest for 2026 Calendars

Mar 1, 2025 | Problem Gambling, RGANM In The News

June 2025: Our deadline for submissions of artwork has been extended to Oct. 24, 2025.

As part of the outreach for National Problem Gambling Awareness Month, the Responsible Gaming Association of New Mexico (RGANM) is sponsoring an art contest for New Mexico students in grades 6 through 12 to help educate their peers about the risks of underage gambling and the potential for harm. According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, between 60 to 80 percent of high school students report having gambled for money in the past year and 4-6% meet the criteria of a problem gambler.

Artwork should be on 8.5×11 white paper in a horizontal format. See the criteria here. It should illustrate a message of education or prevention. Submitted artwork will be evaluated for use in a 2026 calendar that RGANM will print and distribute. Thirteen submissions will be chosen for the calendar’s cover and 12 months; the winning cover design will receive a $100 gift card and each winner for a monthly page will receive a $50 gift card.

The student’s name, grade level and school should be included on the back of the artwork, as well as a valid phone number and email. Submissions can be made to [email protected]. For more information, call 575- 464-7106. The deadline for submissions is Oct 24, 2025. Calendars will be available by December of 2025 for distribution. Details of the distribution will be announced on our website.