International Gambling Prevention Specialist - IGPS

Prevention Track
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Requirements for certification as an International Gambling Prevention Specialistist (IGPS)

The International Gambling Prevention Specialist (IGPS) certification prepares professionals working in the field to prevent problem gambling and reduce related harms using a public health, prevention-focused approach. The certification emphasizes early intervention, risk and protective factors, and evidence-informed strategies to address gambling behaviors before they become problematic.

This certification recognizes the importance of gambling-specific training and promotes ongoing workforce development by encouraging continued learning and specialized training in problem gambling prevention. Participants will acquire practical, real-world skills that can be immediately implemented in community settings.

Certifications in this track will focus on evidence-informed prevention strategies, population-level approaches, and ethical considerations to reduce gambling-related harms.

International Problem Gambling Prevention Specialists must demonstrate a specific number of hours in gambling-specific prevention training and complete the Problem Gambling Prevention Capstone. International Problem Gambling Prevention Specialists must demonstrate an understanding of how to use the Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF) Model for gambling prevention to assess needs, build capacity, implement evidence-informed strategies, and evaluate outcomes to reduce gambling-related harm.

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View Guide to Core Competencies

Education

Bachelor’s degree/College Diploma or equivalent license or certification in a recognized behavioral/public health field (i.e. public health, human services, psychology, addictions, mental health, social work)

Training

15 hours of IPGGC-approved gambling prevention-specific training and education completed within the last 5 years

Experience

50 hours implementing problem gambling prevention strategies and education in communities

BAPC

Consent, evaluation, and a minimum of 4 consultation hours from Board Approved Prevention Consultant (BAPC)

*BACC consultation requires a contractual agreement that may also have fees associated.

Evaluations

Consent and evaluation from one colleague or co-worker

Forms

Complete the application form, ethical statement forms, and directory authorization form

Payment

Payment of $100.00 via credit card

Recertification

Recertification requirement is 15 hours of IPGGC-approved gambling prevention-specific CEs

Prevention Certification development committee

Kaitlin Brown, LPC, LADC, ICGC-II, IGDC, BACC, is a behavioral health professional with over 15 years of experience in co-occurring disorders, specializing in gambling and gaming prevention, education, and treatment. She currently serves as the Senior Director of Programs and Services for the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling (CCPG), where she leads statewide initiatives focused on prevention programming, helpline services, community outreach, and professional training.
In addition to her leadership role at CCPG, Kaitlin serves on the Board of Directors for the International Problem Gambling and Gaming Certification Organization (IPGGC) and is an Adjunct Professor at Fairfield University. She is committed to advancing the field through education, leadership, and workforce development, and frequently presents nationally on topics including gambling/gaming treatment, prevention strategies, and emerging trends in behavioral health.
Kaitlin has been recognized for her contributions to the field, including receiving the National Council on Problem Gambling’s Jim Wuelfing Prevention Award and the Coalition Sector All Star Award from the Connecticut Association of Prevention Professionals. As a mother of three young children, Kaitlin is especially passionate about prevention efforts aimed at reducing risks and increasing awareness among youth, families, and communities.
 
Julie Hynes, MA, CPS, IGDC is a Certified Prevention Specialist with more than 20 years of experience in problem gambling prevention and responsible gambling. She currently serves as Director of Responsible Gaming at DraftKings, where she leads initiatives in secondary and tertiary prevention focused on customer messaging and employee training. Prior to joining DraftKings, Julie served as Executive Director of the Oregon Council on Problem Gambling, teaching problem gambling and human services coursework at University of Oregon, and leading primary prevention efforts with the PreventionLane problem gambling prevention program. Julie’s work has been nationally recognized by the National Council on Problem Gambling with the Wuelfing Award for Prevention (2012) and the Don Hulen Award for Advocacy & Awareness (2022).
 

Melissa Toney-Williams is the Associate Director, Community Engagement and Partnerships at Responsible Gambling Council (RGC), leading the strategic development and implementation of RGCs Ministry funded program prevention education and awareness program in Ontario.

Melissa joined RGC in 2021 as the lead of Community Outreach where she has expanded upon program scope and reach through building relationships with a diverse range of community stakeholders who share a commitment to problem gambling prevention.  Melissa has over 25 years experience in community development/engagement, and leadership within municipal government and non-profit sector.

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