Human trafficking is often examined through the lenses of labor exploitation, sexual exploitation, and economic vulnerability. However, the intersection between problem gambling and trafficking risk remains largely overlooked in professional training and prevention efforts. This presentation introduces the concept that gambling-related financial distress can create conditions that increase vulnerability to exploitation. Gambling harm may contribute to financial instability, debt pressure, and coercive relationships that traffickers or exploitative actors may leverage. In gaming environments and surrounding communities, these financial vulnerabilities can intersect with other risk factors associated with trafficking and exploitation. Drawing from professional experience in problem gambling treatment, community outreach, and workforce development, this presentation explores how financial stress, addiction dynamics, and coercive control can intersect with trafficking risk. The session introduces a conceptual model referred to as the Gambling–Exploitation Vulnerability Pathway, which helps professionals identify overlapping risk factors and better understand how gambling-related harm may increase vulnerability to exploitation. Participants will also examine the role of behavioral health professionals, victim advocates, and community systems in recognizing early warning signs and strengthening prevention strategies. By expanding awareness of this intersection, professionals can better identify financial vulnerability, improve cross-sector collaboration, and develop more comprehensive responses to exploitation risk. This session contributes to broader social justice discussions by highlighting an often-overlooked pathway to vulnerability and encouraging professionals to incorporate financial harm and addiction dynamics into trafficking prevention and response efforts.
Trigger Warning: This presentation contains information (written, spoken, or visual) that may be triggering or (re)traumatizing to attendees.
Cindy Chizewick is a behavioral health professional specializing in problem gambling treatment, trauma-informed care, and workforce development. Her work focuses on the intersection of addiction, financial exploitation, and coercive control, with an emphasis on strengthening professional awareness of vulnerabilities linked to trafficking and systemic harm