Ohio Celebrated with Multiple Awards at the 2025 NCPG National Conference
Published: July 24, 2025
Ohio Shines in State’s Capital
Ohio for Responsible Gambling (ORG) and other state partners recently attended the 2025 National Conference on Gambling Addiction and Responsible Gambling in Columbus, Ohio, hosted by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG).
This conference is always a great opportunity to learn about new initiatives, best practices, and current studies from thought leaders and experts around the nation. It is also a way for the State of Ohio to share how we are working together to address the arising issues around problem gambling, acknowledging new topics and at-risk audiences as we learn more each year.
We are also proud to announce that Ohio for Responsible Gambling was recognized with two (2) awards at the 2025 National Awards luncheon for our exceptional work in the field. Three (3) additional awards were also given to excellent partners and experts from our state, positioning Ohio as a leader in the field.
Awards & Recognition
Media Award
ORG, in partnership with Irvin PR, was honored with the 2025 Media Award, which recognizes excellent practices of earned media. This award specifically featured a story placed statewide on the The Ohio Newsroom, titled “A statewide telehealth service is changing the game for Ohioans with gambling addictions”. In this segment, the Problem Gambling Network of Ohio (PGNO) promotes the value and benefits of launching our state’s new telehealth service, as it can help Ohioans struggling with problem gambling no matter where they live, meeting the increased needs of calls coming into the helpline after sports betting was legalized two years ago.
People’s Choice Award
In addition, ORG was proud to win the 2025 Corporate People’s Choice Award. This award recognizes an outstanding problem gambling or responsible gambling-related awareness message and campaign. This was awarded to our More than a Bet campaign, which is an initiative to prevent harassment of college athletes as a result of bets gone wrong. Campaign assets were featured during the conference and voted as the best print campaign and creative strategy amongst approximately 400 attendees against four other state finalists.
Other Ohio Accolades
Ohio for Responsible Gambling was also delighted to see other partners and leaders in this work recognized for their contributions in the field, including the following:
- NCPG Service Award: Susan Diamond, Responsible Gambling Program Manager, Ohio Lottery
- Jim Wuelfing Award for Prevention: Claire Spada, Director of Workforce Development, Problem Gambling Network of Ohio
- Don Hulen Award for Advocacy & Awareness: Megan Poliquin, LPCC-S, LICDC-GAMB, Zepf Center
Last, but not least, we want to say congratulations to our partner, Derek Longmeier (Executive Director, PGNO), for being elected the new Board President for the National Council on Problem Gambling. This is a well-deserved honor, as Derek has served the problem gambling and responsible gambling field for many years, volunteering his time, talents, and leadership, all to help advance the greater good of NCPG’s mission.
Ohio for Responsible Gambling was honored to receive these awards and see our other partners elevated on a national level, and we are excited to continue to advance the ways we spread awareness alongside collaborative groups across the state around this important cause.
To learn more about responsible gambling and access resources to support your next outreach and educational initiatives, please visit PauseBeforeYouPlay.org, ChangeTheGameOhio.org, and MoreThanaBet.org.