NCPG Award History 

Given to honor a person for exceptional long-standing achievement in the direct provision of services to problem gamblers and their families. Direct service is defined as prevention, direct awareness outreach, treatment/counseling, helpline work, and other related activities. Named after the problem gambling pioneer Dr. Robert Custer, the Custer Award for Service is only bestowed in exceptional times and circumstances, to individuals who exemplify at least twenty years of service on behalf of problem gamblers.

Award Recipients
Phil Satre – 1990
Henry R. Lesieur, Ph.D – 1996
Tom Cummings – 1998
Edward Looney – 2002
Arnie & Sheila Wexler – 2003
Richard Rosenthal, M.D. – 2004
Julian Taber, Ph.D – 2005
Chuck Maurer, Ph.D – 2009
Dr. Marvin Steinberg, Ph.D – 2011
Sandi Brustuen – 2012
Joanna Franklin – 2014
Linda Graves, Ph.D – 2017
Dr. Loreen Rugle – 2019
Heather Chapman, PhD, ICGC-II – 2021

Given in recognition of a career dedicated to improving the lives of problem gamblers and their families through advocacy, research, training, or the promotion of public awareness. Named after NCPG founder Monsignor Joseph Dunne, the Lifetime Award for Advocacy is only bestowed in exceptional times and circumstances to individuals who exemplify at least twenty years of advocacy on behalf of problem gamblers. Formerly the Herman Goldman Foundation Award for Advocacy.

Award Recipients:

Robert L. Custer, M.D. – 1983
Hon. Elizabeth Connelly – 1984
Henry R. Lesieur, Ph.D – 1985
Julian I. Taber, Ph.D – 1986
Durand Jacobs, Ph.D – 1988
Irving Sachar – 1990
Arnie Wexler – 1991
Carl J. Gerber M.D. – 1992
Monsignor Joseph Dunne – 1993
Joanna Franklin, M.S. – 1994
Richard J. Rosenthal, M.D. – 1995
Marvin Steinberg, Ph.D. – 1996
Loreen Rugle, Ph.D – 1997
Rachel Volberg, Ph.D – 1998
Roger Svendsen – 1999
Christopher Armentano – 2000
Paul Ashe – 2002
Rena Nora, M.D. – 2005
Reece Middleton – 2006
Kathleen Scanlan – 2011
Bill Eadington – 2012
Pat Fowler – 2013
Carol O’Hare – 2014
James Pappas – 2015
Lisa Pertzoff – 2016
Don Feeney – 2017
Maureen Greeley – 2018
Deborah Haskins, PhD, ICGC-II, BACC – 2021
Marlene Warner – 2022

Given to honor a person for exceptional long-standing achievement in the field of research to assist problem gamblers and their families. Research is defined as the deliberate scientific study which fosters assistance to problem gamblers, families, and the prevention of problem gambling. This award for research is only bestowed in exceptional times and circumstances, to individuals who exemplify at least twenty years of treatment on behalf of problem gamblers.

Award Recipients:

Dr. Mark Griffiths – 2013
Dr. Alex Blaszczynski – 2014
Dr. Howard Shaffer – 2015
Dr. Marc Potenza – 2016
Dr. Jeff Derevensky – 2017
Dr. Richard Rosenthal – 2018
Rachel Volberg, PhD – 2021
Lia Nower, JD, PhD – 2022

Given annually to recognize the dedication to improving the lives of problem gamblers and their families through advocacy, training, or the promotion of public awareness. Named after Don Hulen, Arizona Council on Compulsive Gambling founder and longtime NCPG Board member, few could match his dedication to helping problem gamblers.

Award Recipients:

Mike Ryan – 2009
Jennifer Filmore – 2010
Maureen Greeley – 2013
Jean Holthaus – 2014
Alice Garland – 2016
Dr. Deborah Haskins – 2017
Terri Sue Canale-Dalman – 2018
Marlene Warner – 2019
Chip Polston – 2020
Judge Cheryl Moss – 2021
Julie Hynes – 2022
Jeffrey Marotta Ph.D. – 2023
Derek Longmeier – 2024

Given annually to recognize achievement in the direct provision of services to problem gamblers and their families, this award is named after Joanna Franklin, outstanding counselor, trainer and advocate who helped found the NCGC credential and the International Gambling Counselor Certification Board (IGCCB). Direct services are defined as prevention, training, direct awareness outreach, treatment/counseling, helpline work, and other related activities.

Award Recipients:

Dr. Eddie Chiu – 2010
Dr. Timothy Fong – 2011
Midwestern CT Council on Alcoholism – 2013
Dr. Heather Chapman – 2014
Dr. Henrietta Bowden Jones – 2015
Morneau Shepell – 2016
Michael Rosen – 2017
Loreen Rugle – 2018
Gary Lange, Ph.D, MFT – 2019
Charles P. (CP) Mirarchi, III, JD, ICGC-II, BACC – 2020
Lihn Ho – 2021
Jody Bechtold – 2022
Janet Miller, MS, LAC, CCGC, CCDP-D – 2023
Mary Drexler – 2024

Outstanding annual achievement in advocacy, development, integration, outreach, research or training in the area of prevention of problem gambling. This award is named for Jim Wuelfing, well known national trainer and evangelist in problem gambling prevention.

Award Recipients:

James Wuelfing – 2009
Dr. Larry Ashley – 2010
International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors – 2011
Julie Hynes – 2012
Jim Kooler – 2013
Carl Robertson – 2014
Elizabeth McCall – 2015
Rodney Anderson – 2016
Dr. Josephine Wilson – 2017
Susan McLaughlin – 2018
“Betting On Our Future” Program, CA Friday Night Live Partnership
Epic Risk Management – 2020
Kaitlin Brown – 2021
Derek Longmeier – 2022
Amanda Jo Burke, Ph.D., CTRS, CHES – 2023
BetBlocker – 2024

Given annually to recognize a person in recovery who is active with NCPG and offers their personal experience with addiction and recovery to the problem gambling and/or responsible gaming fields in the same spirit that Jeff did – with warmth, professional expertise and an open heart, serving as a resource in pursuit of better outcomes for all concerned. He was an esteemed colleague, well-known as an inspirational leader in the problem gambling field. He was also a friend and mentor to many here at NCPG.

Award Recipients:

Jeffrey M. Beck – 2018
Jodie Nealley – 2019
Marc Lefkowitz – 2020
Roger Olsen – 2021
Stephen Block – 2022
Gloria Block – 2023
Stephen Matos – 2024

An award is given to an individual in the gambling industry who has done exceptional work in responsible gambling over the past year. The award is named in honor of Don Feeney who is a pioneer in taking down the wall between the industry and those in the treatment and advocacy arena.

Award Recipients:

Chrissy Thurmond – 2022
Martin Lycka – 2023
Jade Luchauer – 2024

An award is given to an individual, agency, or non-profit for outreach at the grassroots level in marginalized communities or in communities of color. This award is to be given in memory of Denise Phillips an early advocate of community outreach, a direct service provider of gambling treatment, and a strong NCPG supporter.

Award Recipients:

Denise Phillips – 2022
Eunice Aviles Psy.D., MHC, AASECT – 2023
Dr. Michelle L. Malkin – 2024

The best original peer-reviewed research article on problem and pathological gambling published within the past year. The research must contribute substantially to the understanding of this disorder. The criteria include the impact, quality and relevance to gamblers and their families.

Award Recipients:

William Eadington, Ph.D – 1989
Marvin Steinberg, Ph.D – 1990
Rachel Volberg, Ph.D – 1991
Richard Rosenthal, MD – 1993
Loreen Rugle, Ph.D – 1994
Alex Blaszczynski, Ph.D and Nathaniel McConaghy, MD – 1996
Robert Ladouceur, Ph.D – 1997
Henry Lesieur, Ph.D – 1998
David Comings, MD – 1999
Sue Fisher, Ph.D – 2000
Ken Winters, Ph.D and Randy Stinchfield, Ph.D. – 2002
Frank Vitaro, Ph.D – 2005
David Hodgins, Ph.D – 2006
Marc Potenza, MD, Ph.D – 2007
Jon Grant, MD, JD, MPH – 2008
Mark Griffiths, Ph.D – 2009
Dr. Mark Dixon, Ph.D – 2011
Dr. Kahlil Philander and Dr. Terri-Lynn MacKay – 2015
Dr. Jeffrey Derevensky, Dr. Thomas Paskus, Dr. Marc Potenza. Dr. Caroline Temcheff – 2016
Lia Nower, JD, Ph.D – 2019
Spencer Murch, University of British Columbia – 2020
Nassim Tabri, Richard Wood, Kahlil Philander and Michael Wohl – 2021

For the outstanding graduate doctoral dissertation award in the area of problem gambling. This award is dedicated to Dr. Durand Jacobs’ lifelong commitment to the mentoring of students and will be presented annually to a student who has successfully completed a Doctoral Dissertation that merits special recognition. The recipient shall have completed a research study that has the potential to contribute to our scientific knowledge and clinical understanding of problem gambling behavior. Formerly the Outstanding Dissertation Award.

Award Recipients:

Rina Gupta, Ph.D – 1999
Jeffrey Marotta, Ph.D – 2000
Gerry Cooper , Ed.D-2001
Hermano Travares, MD, Ph.D – 2002
Guy Jeff Powell, Ph.D – 2003
William Jolley, Ph.D – 2004
Laurie Dickson, Ph.D – 2005
Kate Diskin, Ph.D – 2007
Bethany Cara Bray, Ph.D – 2008
Ryan Martin, Ph.D – 2009
Jennifer Zorland-Allison – 2010
Ty Lostutter – 2011
Dr. Jamey Lister – 2014
Jessica McBride – 2015
Dr. Renee St-Pierre – 2016
James Broussard – 2018
William Spencer Murch – 2021
Michelle Malkin – 2022
Ke Zhang, Ph.D. – 2023

For the outstanding graduate master’s thesis in the area of problem gambling. The award will be presented annually to an individual who has successfully completed a master’s Thesis that merits special recognition. The recipient shall have completed a research study that has the potential to contribute to our scientific knowledge and clinical understanding of problem and pathological gambling behavior.

Award Recipients:

Karen Hardoon, MA – 1999
Kate Diskin, MA – 2000
Karyn Mararchuk, MA – 2001
Jennifer Felsher, MA – 2002
Laurie Dickson, MA – 2003
Robert Pietrzak, MA – 2004
Isabelle Lussier, MA – 2005
Meredith Gillespie, MA – 2006
Mariko Ono, MA – 2007
Jessica McBride, MA – 2008
Renee St-Pierre, MA – 2009
Guillaume Pagnier – 2015
Yaxi Zhao – 2018
Jeremie Richard – 2019

An award given in recognition of extraordinary Volunteer Contributions to the NCPG over the course of the past year by an NCPG Member.

Award Recipients:

Joanna Franklin – 2002
Linda Graves – 2003
Lori Rugle, Ph.D – 2004
Renee Seigel – 2011
Dr. Mark Griffiths – 2013
Enrique Zuniga – 2021
Michael Buzzelli – 2024

Outstanding news reporting by a News Organization in any communications channel that has best-covered problem gambling. Formerly the Annual Reporting Award.

Award Recipients:

WNBC News 4 Dr. Frank Field – 1983
WCBSTV Marie Torre – 1983
WMCTV “Dealing in the Delta” – 1984
Mathew Kaplowitz (Electronic) – 1986
Ruth Harwayne (Print) – 1986
Theodore Weber Jr., McGraw Hill Foundation – 1986
New York Times – 1989
John Grassie NBC (Electronic) – 1991
Maryland Public Television – 1991
CBS Children’s Entertainment Division – 1993
O’Hara-Horowitz “Playing to Win” (Electronic) – 1998
James Bishop, Jr. “High Stakes” Phoenix Magazine (Print) – 1998
Connecticut Public Television “One Last Bet” – 1999
Mary Faffalli “Women and Gambling” ABC News 20/20 – 1999
Mary Wozniak “Hidden Shame” Florida Sun (Print) – 1999
David Farrell and Matea Gold “Going for Broke” LA Times (Print) – 1999
John Block and Josh Mankiewicz “Out of the Money” Dateline (Electronic) – 2000
Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling “Problem Gambling Tonight” (Electronic) – 2001
Maura Casey, New London Day (Print) – 2002
Shapiro/Grodner Productions, “Flipped” MTV (Electronic) – 2002
Nebraska Public Television (Electronic) – 2003
Louisville Courier-Journal (Print) – 2003
Dateline NBC “Betting on Mary” (Electronic) – 2004
Channel 12/KSLA “Betting It All” (Broadcast) – 2005
Seattle Post-Intelligencer “Out of Luck: Washington’s Gambling Problem” (Print) – 2005
Twin Cities Public Television/Russell & Herder “The Hidden Addiction” – 2006
Connecticut Partnership for Responsible Gaming “New Home”- 2006
Manahan Group & The Media Center “xl” (Electronic) – 2007
World Journal “Asian Outreach Initiative” (Print) – 2007
King 5 (NBC) “New Campaign Targets Underage Gamblers” (Broadcast) – 2010
Kathrine Schmidt “$1 Billion Spent on Poker in 4 Years” The Houma Courier – 2011
New England Center for Investigative Reporting – 2013
Harry Esteve – 2014
Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling and GoodTherapy.org – 2015
ESPN – 2016
Problem Gamblers Help Network of West Virginia – 2017
NBC-4, Columbus, Ohio Veterans and Gambling Addiction
“Bay State Confronts Problem Gambling In Ways Connecticut Does Not”
Mark Pazniokiss, Capital Bureau & Co-Founder of the CT Mirror in Hartford Connecticut – 2021
“Powerball Social Experiment and Problem Gambling Awareness Month” Stephanie Haney, WKYC TV-3 Northeast Ohio – 2022
“Former Gambler Bringing Awareness To Problem Gambling Month” WNWO-TV – 2023
“Experts Address Problem Gambling on World Suicide Prevention Day” Fox 28 Columbus – 2024

For the best material prepared by a Lottery in support of the NCPG Holiday Responsible Gambling Campaign. Formerly the Holiday Responsible Gambling Campaign Award.

Award Recipients:

Connecticut (US) and Austrian Lotteries (International) – 2011
Connecticut (US) and BCLC (International) – 2012
Illinois Lottery – 2013
Hoosier Lottery – 2014
British Columbia Lottery Corporation – 2015
British Columbia Lottery Corporation – 2016
British Columbia Lottery Corporation – 2017
New York Council on Problem Gambling on behalf of the New York Responsible Play Partnership – 2018
IGT Indiana (Hoosier Lottery) – 2019
Illinois Lottery – 2020
North Carolina Education Lottery – 2021
Connecticut Lottery Corporation – 2022
Virginia Lottery – 2023
New York State Gaming Commission – 2024

An award given to an organization that has demonstrated outstanding commitment to social responsibility as it relates to problem gambling in the past year.

Award Recipients:

Ohio Lottery Commission – 1989
Casino Association of New Jersey-David Gardner – 1989
Washington State Gambling Commission-Ronald Bailey – 1991
Foxwoods Casino – 1992
Minnesota Indian Gaming Association – 1994
Illinois Riverboat Council – 1996
Turner Gaming – 1997
Ohio State Lottery-Julie Ault – 1998
Powerhouse Technologies – 1999
Washington State Industry Working Group – 2001
Alberta Gaming Industry Association – 2002
Kentucky Lottery Corporation – 2003
Churchill Downs – 2004
New Mexico Responsible Gaming Association – 2005
Sands Casino Bethlehem – 2009
Potawatomi Bingo Casino – 2010
Ohio for Responsible Gambling – 2012
Massachusetts State Lottery – 2013
Seminole Tribe of Florida – 2014
British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) – 2015
Oregon State Lottery – 2016
New Jersey Lottery – 2017
MGM Resorts International – 2018
Jackpocket – 2019
HardRock International and Seminole Gaming – 2020
GamRes Limited – 2021
DraftKings – 2022
DraftKings – 2023
Caesars Entertainment – 2024

Outstanding public awareness campaign by an NCPG Affiliate in the past year via any communications channel.

Award Recipients:

Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling – 2013
Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling – 2014
Ohio for Responsible Gambling – 2017
Oregon Council on Problem Gambling – 2019
Oklahoma Association on Problem & Compulsive Gambling – 2020
The Responsible Gambling Council of Toronto, Canada – 2021
Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling – 2022
Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling – 2023
Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling – 2024

Outstanding public awareness campaign in the past year via any communications channel.

Award Recipients:

Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Council – 1992
Gear Up With Music – 2009
British Columbia Lottery Corporation ”Game Sense”- 2010
Ohio Lottery Commission – 2011
Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling and MedSchool Maryland Productions – 2015
Ohio for Responsible Gambling – 2016
Connecticut Lottery Corporation – 2017
Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling – 2018
MGM Resorts International – 2019
Ohio for Responsible Gambling – 2020
North Carolina Education Lottery – 2021
The Ohio Lottery Commission – 2022
Ohio for Responsible Gambling – 2023
PGA TOUR – 2024

An outstanding website by an NCPG Affiliate that has best raised public awareness of problem gambling.

Award Recipients:

Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling – 2010
Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling – 2012
Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling – 2015
Ohio for Responsible Gambling – 2017
California Council on Problem Gambling – 2020
Evergreen Council of Problem Gambling – 2021
Indiana Council on Problem Gambling – 2022
Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling – 2023

An outstanding website that has best raised public awareness of problem gambling.

Award Recipients:

California Office of Problem Gambling – 2011
MN Department of Human Services/Russell & Herder – 2013
Loto-Quebec – 2014
Ohio for Responsible Gambling – 2016
Minnesota Department of Human Services – 2017
Russell Herder – 2018
British Columbia Lottery Corporate/GameSense – 2019
Ohio for Responsible Gambling – 2020
North Carolina Education Lottery – 2021
IGT Indiana, on behalf of the Hoosier Lottery – 2022
The Ohio Lottery Commission – 2023
Ohio for Responsible Gambling – 2024

Most effective multi-cultural outreach program by an NCPG Affiliate using integrated communication channels.

Award Recipients:

Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling, Puyallup Tribal Health Authority and Puyallup High School – 2016
Evergreen Council of Problem Gambling – 2021
Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling – 2022
Illinois Council on Problem Gambling – 2023
Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling – 2024

Most effective multi-cultural outreach program using integrated communication channels.

Award Recipients:

Minnesota Department of Human Services – 2017
California Office of Problem Gambling – 2018
Responsible Gambling Council, Ontario, Canada – 2019
New Jersey Lottery – 2021
Oregon Lottery – 2022
New Jersey Lottery – 2023
Wisconsin Lottery – 2024

An award for an outstanding problem gambling-related newsletter by an NCPG Affiliate in the past year.

Award Recipients:

Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling – 2010
Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling – 2011
Northstar Problem Gambling Alliance – 2012
Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling – 2013
Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling – 2019
Northstar Problem Gambling Alliance – 2021
Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health – 2022
Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling – 2023
Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling – 2024

An award for an outstanding problem gambling-related newsletter in the past year.

Award Recipients:

Connecticut Lottery Corporation – 2014
North Carolina Education Lottery – 2015
Missouri Alliance to Curb Problem Gambling – 2016
Connecticut Lottery Corporation – 2017
McGill University International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors – 2018
Connecticut Lottery Corporation – 2019
Oregon State Lottery – 2020
Plainridge Park Casino – 2021
North Carolina Education Lottery – 2022
North Carolina Education Lottery – 2023
North Carolina Education Lottery – 2024

The Affiliate People’s Choice Award recognizes an outstanding print problem gambling or responsible gambling-related awareness message prepared by an NCPG Affiliate.

Award Recipients:

Nevada Council on Problem Gambling “Problem Gambling Breaks More Than The Bank” – 2008
Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling “Reaching Diverse Populations” – 2011
California Council on Problem Gambling and Betting On Our Future – High Tech Middle School, Chula Vista, CA – 2017
Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey “Your Recovery is Our Goal” – 2018
“Smart Play OK” Oklahoma Association on Problem & Compulsive Gambling – 2020
“Ivy Tech Community College Media Content Program” Indiana Council on Problem Gambling – 2022
“2022 Annual Report” Virginia Council on Problem Gambling – 2023
“Jon’s Story” Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling – 2024

Award Recipients:

Massachusetts Lottery/Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling “Lose” – 2006
Manitoba Gaming Control Commission & “Throw It Away,” Atlantic Lottery Corporation, “So You Think I’m Hot?” (First Place) – 2007
Responsible Gambling Council of Ontario, “Know a Friend Who’s Lost in the Shuffle?” (Second Place) – 2007
Missouri Alliance to Curb Problem Gambling “Hope & Help,” & Northstar Problem Gambling Alliance, “Lost,” (Third Place) Place – 2007
California Office of Problem Gambling “More than Just Your Money” – 2010
West Virginia Problem Gamblers Helpline Network – 2013
West Virginia Problem Gamblers Helpline Network – 2014
The Problem Gamblers Help Network of West Virginia – 2015
First Choice Health Systems “His Dad” – 2017
The Problem Gamblers Help Network of West Virginia “Problem Gambling is a Heart Breaker” – 2018
“What Does Teen Gambling Look Like?” – Problem Gamblers Help Network of West Virginia – 2019
“Change the Game – Youth Prevention Campaign” Ohio for Responsible Gambling – 2020
“New Jersey Lottery Life Balance Advertisement” New Jersey Lottery – 2021
“Get Set Before You Bet- Life Can Be Complicated” Ohio for Responsible Gambling – 2022
“Pause Before You Play” Ohio for Responsible Gambling – 2023
“Pause Before You Play” Ohio for Responsible Gambling – 2024

Award Recipients:

Dr. Jim Kooler, Betting On Our Future
Janine Robinson “The Responsible Gambling Council’s Youth Prevention Approach” – 2018
Mina Hazar & Adela Colhon, “Gambling and Comorbidities” – 2022
Natalie Taylor & Ronda Hatefi, “Starting Conversations: Building Take-A-Break Toolkits to Spread Gambling Safety Awareness” – 2024

Award Recipients:

Mina Hazar & Adela Colhon: YMCA Youth Gambling Awareness

Nyamal (Mal) Tutdeal “Influence of the Gambling Industry on the Immigrant & Refugee Community” – 2018

Award Recipients:

Delaware Council – 1998

Award Recipients:

Valley Forge Medical Center – 1989
Taylor Manor Hospital – 1989
Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling – 2001
Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling – 2002
International Center for Youth Gambling Problems and High Risk Behaviors – 2005

Award Recipients:

State of Iowa Health and Human Services – 1989
Hon. Mike Jaros, Minnesota House of Representatives – 1991
Hon. John Montford, Texas Senate – 1992
Oregon Legislature – 1994
Hon. Paul Kollios, Massachusetts State Legislature – 1995
Hon. Rosemary Mulligan, Illinois House of Representatives – 1996
Hon. Richard Davis, Delaware Legislature – 1998
Tim Christensen, State of Nebraska Gambling Counselor Certification Program – 1999
New Mexico Gaming Control Board – 2001
Oregon State Lottery – 2002
Minnesota State Lottery – 2003
Connecticut Lottery – 2004
Vermont Lottery – 2005
Louisiana Attorney General’s Office – 2006

Award Recipients:

Mary Heineman, MSW – 1998

Award Recipients:

Deaconess Medical Center – 2001
Howard Shaffer, Ph.D – 2002
Trimeridian, Inc. (Organization) – 2003
Honorable Mark G. Farrell (Individual) – 2003
Vanguard Compulsive Gambling Treatment Program/Project Turnabout – 2006
Norman Kruedelbach, Ph.D – 2007

Award Recipients:

Michael Razavi “Alcohol, Tobacco and Gambling Advertising Under Three Feet” – 2010

Award Recipients:

Ohio for Responsible Gambling – 2016