Two New NCRG Publications Highlight Landmark Research Findings, Address Gambling Disorders For The Justice System

NCRG Monograph Showcases Key Research Studies from the University of Minnesota and Yale University; “Gambling and Health in the Justice System” Educates Judges and Others

Aug 6, 2013

WASHINGTON – The National Center for Responsible Gaming (NCRG) today released two new publications that will provide a clearer picture of how a gambling disorder develops and potential roads to recovery. The NCRG’s eighth volume ofIncreasing the Odds:A Series Dedicated to Understanding Gambling Disordershighlights research findings from the NCRG Centers of Excellence in Gambling Research at the University of Minnesota and Yale University. The second volume of theGambling and Healthseries, “Gambling and Health in the Justice System,” was developed to help judges, parole officers, attorneys and other professionals within the judicial system address gambling disorders with individuals in their courtroom. Both resources are free to download from the NCRG’s website atwww.ncrg.org/resources.

“These two publications amplify the NCRG’s commitment to both funding the highest-quality research and translating those research findings into resources that people can use in their daily lives,” said Alan Feldman, chairman of the NCRG and executive vice president of global government and industry affairs for MGM Resorts International. “With these resources, I’m extremely proud to feature the many accomplishments of the NCRG Centers of Excellence in Gambling Research and highlight the latest research we have that can help professionals within the justice system.”

Increasing the Odds:Innovative Studies from the NCRG Centers of Excellence in Gambling Research

This latest edition of the monograph series summarizes six selected research studies published by the NCRG Centers of Excellence in Gambling Research at the University of Minnesota and Yale University, which were each awarded a three-year grant in 2009 to address a complex set of gambling-related issues through exacting scientific research. The NCRG’s monograph series provides easy-to-understand summaries of seminal, peer-reviewed research on gambling disorders, as well as implications for future research and prevention efforts.

The NCRG Center of Excellence at the University of Minnesota, led by Jon E. Grant, J.D., M.D., M.P.H., has primarily focused on risk factors for the development of a gambling disorder – ultimately attempting to identify problematic gambling behavior earlier among young adults. The following studies are summarized by Dr. Grant in this volume:

  • Can We Predict Future Disordered Gamblers?
  • Does it Run in the Family? A Look at Gambling and Family History
  • Impulsivity and Cognitive Flexibility in No-risk, At-risk and Pathological Gamblers

The NCRG Center of Excellence at Yale University, led by Marc Potenza, M.D., Ph.D., explored various strands of research that looked at the many genetic and environmental factors – including co-occurring disorders – that influence the development, progression, maintenance of, and recovery from, a gambling disorder. The following studies are summarized by Dr. Potenza in this volume:

  • Understanding the Neurobiology of a Gambling Disorder (co-written with Iris M. Balodis, Ph.D.)
  • Shared Genetics of Anxiety Disorders and Pathological Gambling
  • The Potential Impact of Giving Lottery Tickets to Teens

To download a free copy ofIncreasing the Odds,visit the NCRG’s website atwww.ncrg.org/resources. The first seven volumes of the series are also available as a free download.

“Gambling and Health in the Justice System”

The second edition of the NCRG’sGambling and Healthseries was produced to bridge the gap between research and practice, equipping leaders in the criminal justice field with the information necessary when encountering individuals with this addiction. The guidebook includes the latest research and frequently asked questions regarding gambling disorders, as well as models that others have used to introduce therapeutic options into their court system. Additionally, the NCRG has created a one-page flyer that outlines the facts and resources to learn more about gambling addiction.

To download a free copy of “Gambling and Health in the Justice System,” visit the NCRG website atwww.ncrg.org/gamblingandhealth. To request a hard copy of the any of the NCRG’s publications, contact Amy Kugler at 202-552-2689 or akugler@ncrg.org.

For more information about the NCRG and its programs, visitwww.ncrg.org. To stay up-to-date on year-round educational opportunities and the latest news and issues in the field, visit the NCRG’s blog –Gambling Disorders 360° – and connect with the NCRG onFacebookandTwitter.

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