Register for Beyond the Odds: Problem Gambling Prevention, Progress, and Protection | March 26th 2025

South County Library Auditorium

6303 Merriman Road

Roanoke, VA 24018

10:30 A.M. – 2:30 P.M.

Now is your chance to network and learn about problem gambling!

This FREE event will include discussions on the scope of gambling in Virginia, risk & protective factors, and general resources & information.

Registration is required to attend. FREE LUNCH is provided!

Agenda

10:30 A.M. – 10:40 A.M.

Welcome & Introductions

Amanda Nastiuk

10:40 A.M. – 11:40 A.M.

“Problem Gambling Prevention in Virginia: Problem Gambling Links to Other Risks”

Anne Rogers

11:40 A.M. – 11:45 A.M.

Break & Networking

11:45 A.M. – 12:30 P.M.

“An Overview of Impact, Risks, and Signs”

Ben Choate

12:30 P.M. – 1:30 P.M.

Lunch & Networking

1:30 P.M. – 2:15 P.M.

“Protective Factors & A Path Forward to Prevent Problem Gambling”

Ben Choate

2:15 P.M. – 2:30 P.M.

Closing Remarks

Amanda Nastiuk

Speakers

Anne Rogers is the Problem Gambling Prevention Coordinator for the Office of Behavioral Health Wellness in DBHDS. She currently leads the problem gambling prevention efforts in Virginia, responsible for overseeing all problem gambling prevention activities across the Commonwealth. Anne spent 20 years working for the State of Maine public health and behavioral health offices on substance misuse and abuse prevention as well as oversight of public health data and research systems. Anne received her master’s in health education from the University of Houston and is ABD status towards a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Massachusetts. She has worked in the public health and prevention field for over 25 years.

Ben Choate is a Prevention and Wellness Specialist at Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare who specializes in problem gambling prevention. His focus is on promoting awareness and educating youth, parents, and key community stakeholders about problem gambling.

He has over 8 years of prevention experience with notable work in collegiate peer education, wellness promotion, harm reduction, and substance use prevention.