The Purpose: To identify when and how gambling can be an addictive behavior and list its symptoms; To present potential ways to alleviate and treat gambling addiction as a mental health issue, especially among its most likely targets; To introduce the special challenges of online addictive behavior, especially online sports gambling; and To explain the past and present state of online sports gambling in Minnesota and elsewhere. The sponsors have applied for 1.00 hours of CLE credit for “Mental Health” in Minnesota.
The Presenters:
Moderator: Joseph F. Kueppers, JD: licensed attorney for over 40 years; since 2012, served as Chancellor for Civil Affairs, Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis; formerly in private practice, with experience addressing all aspects of civil law.
Speaker/Panel Member: Sonja Mertz: Board Member and Community Educator at Minnesota Alliance for Problem Gambling since 2021; former Prevention Research Specialist at Minnesota Prevention Resource Center where she planned and led annual substance abuse prevention skills training sessions; Certified Prevention Professional.
Speaker/Panel Member: Kevin D. Conneely, JD: licensed attorney and retired partner of Stinson LLP; trial and appellate attorney for over 35 years; ordained as a deacon and currently serving as Associate Director of Clergy Services for the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis; advisor to the Minnesota Catholic Conference.
Speaker/Panel Member: Michael J. Burke, JD: Former small-town attorney in Michigan for 25 years before being disbarred and convicted of embezzlement in 2001; speaker and advocate for helping those with gambling addiction; author of Never Enough: One Lawyer’s True Story of How He Gambled His Career Away.