CHICAGO – Problem-gambling experts will convene at the NCLGS Summer Meeting to assess the risks that the pandemic-fueled rise in online gaming could be having on stay-at-home gamblers. 

The NCLGS Committee on Problem Gambling, chaired by NCLGS President and Nevada Senator Keith Pickard, will examine whether the ease of access of online games, the speed of the games, and social isolation can magnify – and increase – the risk factors for those who have gambling problems or may be susceptible to them. The expert panelists will discuss how problem gamblers and those who treat them are dealing with these new circumstances and – importantly – whether are these conditions the “new normal” for those in the problem-gambling community.

Presenting to the Committee on Problem Gambling are three experts:

• Anita Pindiur, Vice President, Illinois Council on Problem Gambling

• Jennifer Shatley, Principal, Logan Avenue Consulting

• Patrick Willard, Director of Policy and Advocacy, National Council on Problem  Gambling 

NCLGS has long been at the forefront of elevating effective responsible gambling policies, and the Summer Meeting will be an optimal forum to examine how the surge in online gaming may be impacting the gaming industry.

The Committee on Problem Gambling will kick off the NCLGS Summer meeting agenda, which also includes:

• Luncheon Keynote Address from Neil Bluhm, Co-Founder of Rush Street Gaming

• Five other legislative-chaired Committee sessions that will focus on tribal and commercial casinos, sports betting, and lotteries.

• An International Masters of Gaming Law Masterclass that will focus on the topic: “Distributed Gaming – Legal and Otherwise”

• A general session panel discussion that will focus on the topic: “Gaming’s Awkward Stage: How to Regulate a Mature Industry that is Still Emerging?”

• Two evening networking receptions

• Colocation with the GLI University's Mid-Year Gaming Regulators Seminar 2021, which begins 1 p.m. Sunday, July 11.

Due to the popular demand of this event, interested attendees should register early to guarantee attendance. Registration is open to the public and available here.

Both NCLGS and the host InterContinental will fully adhere to CDC, state and local guidelines that govern public events. 

For sponsorship information, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Legislators and others seeking NCLGS membership information should contact Josh Faber at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

NCLGS meetings are organized and produced by Spectrum Gaming Group, which serves as NCLGS Executive Director.