International Gambling Counselor Certification Board (IGCCB)

ICGC-I and ICGC-II - transfer to IGRS at no additional cost! Grandparenting Previous ICGC I & II to IGRS or BARA Certification Period: 10/1/2024 - 12/31/2024 Peers who hold a certification for ICGC-I or ICGC-II will be offered the option to transfer their ICGC certifications to the new IGRS (International Gambling Recovery Specialist) certification or grandparent into the BARA (Board Approved Recovery Advisor) supervisory certification. There will be no additional cost, and the time period will reset for renewal every 3 years, regardless of when their current certification is due for renewal. During the transition period, the IGCCB Board members will be available to review and discuss an individual’s circumstances for transferring to the IGRS. Certification Period: 1/1/2025 Forward Complete all training and credential requirements for IGRS and/or BARA certification as stated. We will continue to phase out the remaining ICGC certification holders who do not meet the stated educational requirements for counselors and move forward with the credentialing process as created for the IGRS and BARA certifications. View and Download Details: https://loom.ly/0zNcKSw

The International Gambling Counselor Certification Board (IGCCB) is thrilled to announce the launch of our newest certification, the International Gambling Recovery Specialist (IGRS)! This important credential is designed to expand the crucial support network for individuals in disordered gambling recovery by empowering peers with specialized knowledge and skills. What is an IGRS? IGRS-certified individuals are peers who have completed rigorous training focused on gambling disorders and have demonstrated experience working directly with those affected by problem gambling. They adhere to the highest ethical standards and are committed to guiding others through the recovery journey. With their lived experience and acquired expertise, IGRS professionals offer invaluable support, understanding, and encouragement. Learn more at: https://loom.ly/VHZSVsM #igccb #recoveryspecialistcertification

Celebrating Recovery Month September marks National Recovery Month, a time to honor the strength and resilience of individuals on their journey to recovery. It's a reminder that recovery is possible, and we all play a role in supporting those who are striving to rebuild their lives. Our own IGCCB Board Secretary shares her thoughts on Recovery Month: "To celebrate Recovery Month, I’d like to share what recovery means to me. Recovery isn’t just about stopping the harmful and destructive behavior—in my case, gambling. It’s about reclaiming control over my life and healing the damage caused, not only financially but also emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually. It’s been a challenging yet rewarding journey of rediscovering my self-worth, rebuilding trust, and developing positive habits that support my mental health and overall goals. For me, recovery is ultimately about moving forward with resilience and hope, free from the chaos and harm that gambling once created in my life." - Christina Cook, IGCCB Board Secretary and Host of The Broke Girl Society Podcast. #recoverymonth #nationalrecoverymonth #recovery #igccb #problemgambling #endthestigma

Help Us Welcome Our New Board Members! Elliott Rapaport is the Founder & CEO of Birches Health, a national provider of virtual treatment for gambling and gaming disorders, as well as other high-acuity behavioral and process addictions. With a strong background in healthcare operations, Elliott has scaled companies across all 50 states, working with thousands of providers and patients to ensure high-quality care is widely accessible. Elliott holds an MBA from the University of Cambridge and a BA from Amherst College. Elliott is a lifelong New Yorker and lives in New York City. Please email Elliott at elliott@bircheshealth.com and visit www.BirchesHealth.com to learn more or discuss collaboration. https://loom.ly/zOi5p_Y

Help Us Welcome Our New Board Members! Šimon Vincze is Casino Guru’s Head of Sustainable & Safer Gambling, and an advocate for Responsible Gambling. He provides guidance on player protection, steers the company towards current best practices, and seeks opportunities for Casino Guru to have a positive influence. He leads the Global Self-Exclusion Initiative and the Casino Guru Academy. Šimon is dedicated to making gambling sustainable and secure for all involved parties, prioritizing legitimate entertainment with acknowledged risks for players, while ensuring operators uphold responsibility. Within the Global Self-Exclusion Initiative, Šimon is guiding a dedicated team that envisions an effective global self-exclusion scheme to deter struggling players. Recognizing shortcomings in existing tools, he aspires to create a strong barrier against online gambling allure. As part of the Initiative, Šimon is working on Self-Exclusion Standards together with the City, University of London. In Casino Guru Academy, a free educational hub embodying collective knowledge, a team led by Šimon offers interactive courses on industry best practices, while emphasizing safer gambling. With insights from the Casino Guru and esteemed partners, the Academy fortifies player-operator relationships and shares vital practical knowledge. Find out more about other social responsibility activities in which Šimon is involved: https://loom.ly/YMCxs3U https://loom.ly/zOi5p_Y

Help Us Welcome Our New Board Members! Craig Cornforth brings a unique perspective to the board of directors, fuelled by his deeply personal journey through gambling addiction and its consequential harms. Craig’s personal story of a multi-platform gambling addiction led to a loss of his job, home, relationship, and severe mental health battles. With his last bet dated October 7th, 2017, Craig has since been using his lived experience – initially in a personal and subsequently a professional capacity – to drive positive change within the industry. With Craig Cornforth, the board gains a compassionate advocate whose unwavering dedication to leveraging his own experiences for the greater good epitomizes the ethos of transformative leadership. https://loom.ly/zOi5p_Y

Help Us Welcome Our New Board Members! Dr. Richard A. Woodruff, PhD (they/them), serves as the Director of Esports at the University of the Pacific. Dr. Woodruff is also the founder and commissioner of the Central California Esports League (CCEL), which began over seven years ago based on one student’s voice. They have over 20 years of experience studying performance enhancement and stress management, coupled with their background as an ex-pro gamer, Dr. Woodruff developed performance enhancement and wellness resources/training to support law enforcement, healthcare professionals, educators, gamers, esports athletes, and esports coaches for greater success. They are passionate about bridging the gap between mental health and gaming, particularly for esports athletes. They specialize in developing innovative programs and advocate for scholastic esports, neurodiversity, mental health, and community empowerment. https://loom.ly/zOi5p_Y

Help Us Welcome Our New Board Members! Christina Cook (She/Her) is the Founder/Host of The Broke Girl Society Podcast where she uses her personal journey of resilience and transformation to advocate and amplify the voices of women in the disordered gambling community. Through her work with various committees, boards, advocacy projects, and her work with the BGS, it’s her hope that anyone impacted by gambling harm finds the hope and healing recovery offers. As the new Secretary to the Board Directors, Christina is committed to using her lived experiences, expertise, and passion for recovery to assist the IGCCB in fulfilling its mission and vision. https://loom.ly/zOi5p_Y

Updates to our Board of Directors! The International Gambling Counselor Certification Board (IGCCB) is very pleased to share that the following Board of Directors positions have transitioned: Jody Bechtold, LCSW, ICGC-II, BACC, PC has returned as President of the Board of Directors. Dr. Daniel Kaufmann has transitioned to the general board to continue supporting our work in gaming and gambling. https://loom.ly/H0l-uX4 #igccb #problemgamblingawareness

What's New from IGCCB: CERTEMY UPDATES Your digital wallet now contains your receipts as well as your certificates and other documentation. https://loom.ly/RvyV5Ko