Addiction Professionals of North Carolina (APNC) has opened two new crisis centers to address rising gambling harms and strengthen the state’s treatment workforce.
The Center of Excellence for Gambling Addiction Policy and Practice (CEGAPP) and the Professional Development Center (PDC) are funded by the North Carolina Division of Mental Health/Developmental Disabilities/Substance Use Services.
Together, they aim to expand help for people affected by gambling and give providers better tools to respond across North Carolina.
Why APNC Launched These Centers
NC sports betting and online gambling are easier to access than ever, and advocates say that means more residents are seeking help.
APNC reports that gambling is now one of the most accessible forms of addiction, yet it hasn’t always received the same attention as alcohol or drugs. The new CEGAPP exists to close that gap by focusing on policy, training, and public awareness statewide.
The timing also reflects a workforce challenge. Many counselors and treatment programs are stretched, and not all have specialized training in gambling disorder.
APNC’s PDC was created to strengthen core professional skills, connect mentors with newer staff, and support career growth so providers can better serve patients over time. The goal is to keep skilled people in the field while improving the quality of care.
The North Carolina responsible gambling push provides the backdrop. Industry watchers note growing interest in prevention tools, clear helpline information, and better referral pathways as legal gambling has expanded in recent years.
The APNC initiative fits into that trend by pairing policy leadership with hands-on provider development under one umbrella.
How the New Centers Will Help North Carolinians
CEGAPP will serve as a statewide hub for best practices. According to APNC, the center will offer resources to clinicians, deliver trainings on prevention, treatment, and recovery, and advise on policies that reduce harm. It will also work to raise public awareness so families, coaches, and community leaders know where to turn when someone’s gambling is getting out of control.
Sara Howe, APNC’s CEO, has emphasized that tackling gambling harm takes a comprehensive approach, and this center is designed to lead that work.
The Professional Development Center focuses on people who do the work every day. It will provide practical training in communication, supervision, and leadership; offer mentorship; and promote workplace habits that help teams function under pressure.
Morgan Coyner, APNC’s executive vice president, has said recruitment alone isn’t enough—workers also need chances to build skills and grow, which is what the PDC is built to deliver.
For residents, the impact should show up in clearer pathways to care and more informed support. When someone calls a helpline, visits a community clinic, or asks a school counselor for guidance, the people on the other end should have better training and stronger networks.
Over time, that can mean faster assessments, more referrals to appropriate services, and better follow-up for those at risk. The centers also aim to help policymakers and regulators understand what is working on the ground and where rules or funding need to evolve.
APNC’s dual-center approach links policy and practice. If CEGAPP identifies a best practice or a policy change that can reduce harm, the PDC can help translate it into everyday skills for providers.
If front-line teams spot new trends—such as risk among student-athletes, military families, or older adults—that feedback can inform statewide guidance and outreach. By connecting these loops, the organization hopes to build a system that responds quickly as gambling patterns change.
Residents who need help today can contact problem gambling resources, including the state’s helpline and national support lines, to get confidential guidance and referrals.
As the new APNC centers spin up training and outreach, those touchpoints should become easier to navigate, with more providers ready to assist across North Carolina.
