Since 2002, Nicasa has been helping individuals address gambling behaviors through awareness, outreach, and treatment services. Our team offers personalized support, including options to quit, take a break, assist loved ones, or enroll in self-exclusion programs. Whether you’re seeking gambling treatment or other forms of support, our services are tailored to fit your unique situation.

Just like with alcohol and drugs, early exposure to gambling can increase the addiction potential for young and developing brains.

Unlike with alcohol and drugs, parents, other caring adults, and kids and teens are often unaware of the potential risks when young people gamble.

How are young people gambling?

While some young people gamble traditionally (e.g., cards, dice, lottery), many engage in activities that may not even be recognized as gambling, such as:

  • Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)
  • Sports Wagering
  • Skins Betting
  • Video Games
  • Loot Boxes
  • eSports Betting

Did You Know?

Youth and young adults are 2–4 times more likely to develop a gambling disorder compared to adults due to brain development, gambling access, and low risk awareness.

Nicasa Gambling Services represent 3 of only 11 internationally certified gambling counselors in Illinois.

Nicasa contributed to the development of the Gamble Responsibly America app.

Here’s How We Help:

Education Workshops

We offer free sessions or workshops for parents, schools, teens, or community groups. These sessions outline the risks of underage gambling and provide helpful resources and tools.

Gambling Counseling

Our counseling services use technology to make help accessible. Watch this short video to learn more.

Teen Problem Gambling Prevention Volunteer Group

Teens can join our volunteer group to make a difference in their communities.

The Hidden Harm of Labels: Moving Beyond “Gambling Addict”

Understanding and treating problem gambling starts with empathy. In this blog post, we explore how person-first language shifts the focus from the issue to the individual, helping reduce shame and encourage engagement in gambling treatment. Read the full article to learn how language supports recovery at Nicasa.

Meet The Team:

Elisa Albarran
Counselor

Elisa Albarran

Provides gambling counseling services in English and Spanish.

Debra
Debra Bobo
Peer Recovery Specialist

Debra Bobo

Provides guidance and support around early recovery issues.

Tashia-Marie-Mauch
Tashia-Marie Mauch
Counselor

Tashia-Marie Mauch

Provides counseling for gambling and other addictive disorders.

Nina Naus
Counselor

Nina Naus

Provides Gambling Counseling Services to adults and youth.

Jesus-Rivera
Jesus Rivera
Counselor

Jesus Rivera

Provides Gambling individual and group counseling services.

Christina Romasanta
Counselor

Christina Romasanta

Provides Gambling Counseling Services.

Heather Shaver
Gambling Services Supervisor

Heather Shaver

Provides Counseling Services and Supervises Gambling Counselors.

Elizabeth Thielen, LPC, PCGC, ICGC-II
Senior Director

Elizabeth Thielen, LPC, PCGC, ICGC-II

A certified gambling counselor and public speaker on the subject, Elizabeth heads up an incredible team of counselors and outreach specialists.

Alexis
Alexis Warden
Counselor

Alexis Warden

Provides gambling counseling services for adults and youth.

Contact Our Team: 

Nicasa In The News

Nicasa is recognized as a trusted resource on problem gambling prevention, treatment, and education. Local, regional, and national media outlets frequently seek our expertise on emerging issues such as sports betting, youth gambling, responsible gaming, and the impact of gambling addiction on individuals, families, and communities. Explore some of the news stories and interviews featuring Nicasa’s work and perspectives.

Leadership & Conference Presentations

  • Illinois Council on Problem Gambling Annual Conference
  • Indiana Council on Problem Gambling Annual Conference
  • National Council on Problem Gambling Annual Conference
  • International Center for Responsible Gambling Annual Conference
  • The International Conference on Responsible Gambling and Gaming Addiction -Philippines

Industry Insights

In this in-depth, one-hour episode, Elizabeth shares her personal story while exploring the complex realities of gambling disorder and recovery. Topics include co-occurring mental health conditions, trauma and triggers, the unique ways gambling affects women, and their experiences with treatment and recovery. The conversation also examines the difference between abstinence and recovery, addresses the stigma and shame surrounding gambling disorder, and highlights the many different paths individuals can take toward lasting recovery.

In this 20-minute episode, learn about the growing risks associated with 24/7 access to gambling through smartphones and digital platforms, particularly for teens and young adults. The conversation also highlights local support resources, including Nicasa’s Monday night gambling support group in Highland Park, the Affected Others support group for family and friends, and Gam-Anon for those impacted by a loved one’s gambling.

In this 30-minute episode, Elizabeth shares her personal recovery journey and reflects on her unique perspective as an addictions counselor navigating her own path to healing. The conversation explores the often invisible nature of problem gambling, the impact of internalized shame, gambling withdrawal, and the lingering effects of addiction, including how experiences like adrenaline-seeking can continue to surface throughout recovery.

In this episode, Elizabeth shares her personal experiences with gambling disorder and recovery, offering insight into how her journey has shaped her perspective as a counselor, advocate, and educator.

In this follow-up conversation, Elizabeth discusses the current landscape of gambling, including emerging trends, ongoing challenges, and how awareness, prevention, and recovery efforts continue to evolve.

In this 21-minute episode, Elizabeth returns to discuss the growing concern of youth gambling and the factors that can increase early exposure. The conversation explores gaps in current laws surrounding social gambling, the impact of early gambling experiences, and how certain arcade-style games can blur the line between entertainment and gambling for young people.

Proud Members Of:

NCPG

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