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.

3rd Annual Northern New Mexico Conference on Problem Gambling

Jan 28, 2026 | Problem Gambling Conference

The 3rd Annual Northern New Mexico Conference on Problem Gambling – “The Many Paths” Therapist Conference 2026 is coming to Northern New Mexico this spring, bringing together therapists, behavioral health professionals, and community partners for a powerful day of education, collaboration, and professional development.

With the continued expansion of sports gambling and online gaming across the U.S., more individuals and families are being impacted by problem gambling than ever before. In New Mexico alone, accessibility continues to grow through mobile betting, casino gaming, and lottery locations statewide. This increased access has created new challenges for clinicians, counselors, and service providers who are supporting individuals with gambling-related harm and co-occurring mental health conditions. This conference is designed to directly address those challenges by providing practical, evidence-based tools that can be applied in real-world clinical and community settings.

This year’s training will explore a broad range of topics, including:

Problem gambling treatment approaches
Cultural considerations in therapeutic settings
Mindfulness-Based Somatic Emotional Processing (MBSEP)
Multi-diagnosis treatment models
Trauma-informed care approaches
Community-based recovery strategies
Ethical considerations in gambling disorder treatment

The conference will be led by Daniel Blackwood, LPCC, IGCC2-BACC, who brings over 40 years of experience in mental health, trauma recovery, addiction treatment, and gambling disorder intervention. His extensive clinical background and practical approach to treatment provide attendees with valuable insights, actionable strategies, and therapeutic frameworks that can be integrated into daily practice across a wide range of behavioral health disciplines.

Event Details:

Location: Santa Claran Hotel Casino

Date: Friday, March 20, 2026

Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

CEUs: 6 CEUs available

Registration: $10

This conference is made possible through the generous support of Santa Claran Hotel Casino, Ohkay Hotel Casino, and Taos Mountain Casino Responsible Gaming Programs, helping ensure accessible, high-quality training opportunities for professionals across Northern New Mexico. Their continued investment in responsible gaming education strengthens prevention efforts, early intervention strategies, and long-term recovery support systems throughout the state.

2025 Annual Conference

Aug 13, 2025 | Problem Gambling, Problem Gambling Conference

Last week’s Responsible Gaming Association of New Mexico Conference brought together professionals, tribal representatives, and community members from across the state to address the importance of responsible gaming and behavioral health support. As part of the event, we were honored to witness a beautiful performance by the Pueblo of Acoma Dance Group. Thank you to all who attended and contributed to an inspiring and impactful conference.

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.

Regional Problem Gambling Conferences in 2025

Feb 27, 2025 | Problem Gambling Conference, RGANM In The News

In an effort to provide continuing education to treatment providers across our large state, the Responsible Gaming Association of New Mexico holds occasional workshops and symposiums on problem gambling in locations across New Mexico. Information about our annual conference is found here. Here are the more intimate, regional sessions that are scheduled for 2025:

September 25-26, 2025 at Inn of the Mountain Gods in Mescalero, NM. This will be a two-day session. Our topic is “Two Roads Meet: Problem Gambling Treatment and Therapist Well-Being”. Presenters will include Daniel Blackwood, David Lente, and Ilse Burton. Register for the session or download the agenda to learn more.
October 23-25, 2025 at the Buffalo Thunder Hotel Conference Center. This three-day session on Reconsolidation of Traumatic Memories ProtocolTM will focus on problem gambling and trauma treatment. This conference is at capacity. If you’d like to know about other sessions, please email [email protected].