Do you have new empirical research on gambling disorders that you would to share with colleagues and others interested in gambling research? If so, we encourage you to submit a poster abstract for the session on Sept. 22, 2013, at the 14thannualNCRG Conference on Gambling and Addiction.
Subject Matter
Posters can focus on any aspect of gambling disorders and must report on empirical research. Abstracts will be reviewed for scientific merit. An award for the outstanding poster will be presented at the conference.
Submission Guidelines
Abstracts are limited to 500 words and should be submitted electronically in Microsoft Word or other word processing software using a font size no smaller than 12 pt. Please include the following information:
Title of presentation
Name(s) and affiliation(s) of the author(s)
Mailing address, telephone and email address of the first author
Poster abstract (no more than 500 words). Please follow APA format for text and references. The abstract should address sample and methods, preliminary findings and implications for the field.
By submitting a poster, at least one author must agree to attend the conference and to participate as the poster presenter. No individual can be first author on more than one abstract.
Abstracts will be accepted on a rolling basis until August 1, 2013. Send abstract via email to Nathan Smith, program officer at the NCRG:nsmith@ncrg.org. Questions? Email or call 978-338-6610.
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By now, you’ve probably marked your calendar for the14thannual NCRG Conference on Gambling and Addictionfrom September 22-24 in Las Vegas. We hope you’ll put one more date on your calendar: June 15 – the deadline to apply for scholarships for the NCRG Conference!
For the third year, the NCRG is offering the need-based scholarship program for anyone interested in attending this year’s NCRG Conference. This is a popular program, so it is best to turn your application in early! Insofar as we are able, it is the NCRG’s wish to provide fair access to the NCRG Conference to all interested stakeholders, especially those in academia and the clinical and public health sectors. In 2012, the NCRG supported almost 30 NCRG Conference attendees. This year, the NCRG will award scholarships to more than 15 individuals and a portion of these scholarships may also include travel assistance. Additional scholarship funds may be available at a later time thanks to the generosity of the NCRG Conference’s sponsors.
To apply for a scholarship, interested applicants must submit their application and registration form byJune 15, 2013,one of three ways:
By fax, attention Christine Reilly, at 978-522-8452
Applicants must submit two pieces of information:
Answers to the following questions in the application document
Completed NCRG Conference registration form(Note: By filling out this form, you are not automatically registered for the NCRG Conference. NCRG staff members will give you instructions should you receive a scholarship.)
Applications will be reviewed and applicants will be notified about receipt of a scholarship no later than July 1.
We hope you’ll apply and share this information with interested colleagues around the nation. We look forward to seeing you in Las Vegas!
Questions or comments? Leave them in the comments section below or contact Christine Reilly atcreilly@ncrg.orgor 978-338-6610.
This post was written byAmy Kugler, the NCRG’s Communications and Outreach Manager
Even though March is a great month to watch some of the ups and downs of the NCAA college basketball tournaments, those of us on staff for the National Center for Responsible Gaming (NCRG) were busy traveling to Chicago, Ill., for the seventh Annual Education Summit and to Seattle, Wash., for the first session of the2013 NCRG Treatment Provider Workshop Series. What a busy month!
First, we had such agreat time at the Annual Education Summit, held in partnership with theNCRG Center of Excellence in Gambling Research at The University of Chicago. Each year, this event is a unique opportunity to gather legislators, researchers, academics, industry members, mental health professionals and community leaders together to discuss the latest research on gambling disorders and explain more about the resources that the NCRG has to offer. It was an honor to hold it at The University of Chicago, and we were pleased to announce the next round of funding for the NCRG Centers of Excellence in Gambling Research at The University of Chicago andYale University.Margo Bristow, board member for the Illinois Council on Problem Gambling, also announced a state-wide initiative that will gather more stakeholders to address gambling disorders in Illinois. We’ll also cover this new partnership in a blog post in the future.
During this year’s Annual Education Summit, we also were fortunate to bring together 20 early stage investigators who show great promise in their work on gambling disorders and addiction. With the goal of cultivating the next generation of researchers, we held an all-day workshop for them that was led byKen Winters, Ph.D., from the University of Minnesota;Tammy Chung, Ph.D., from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine; andJon E. Grant, J.D., M.D., M.P.H., from The University of Chicago. This was the first time that the NCRG convened a workshop of this type, and we look forward to replicating it in the future.
Chicago wasn’t the only stop for the NCRG in March. I was able to travel to Seattle, Wash., to meet and partner with theEvergreen Council on Problem Gambling(ECPG) on the first session of the 2013 NCRG Treatment Provider Workshop Series led bySarah Nelson, Ph.D., from the Division on Addiction, Cambridge Health Alliance, a division of Harvard Medical School. Dr. Nelson explained the basics of gambling disorders screening and assessment strategies, and resources to use such as theBrief Biosocial Gambling Screen(funded by the NCRG). What I valued about this workshop is that there were many counselors who mostly saw clients with substance use disorders, but they realized that they should be screening for gambling disorders as well. Also, members from almost all of the tribes in Washington State attended this training! (For more information on the ECPG, check outlast week’s blog postthat highlighted the organization and its programs.)
While I was in Washington, I also had the opportunity to meet with our NCRG-funded researcherTy Lostutter, Ph.D., from the University of Washington, and potential partners with the Washington Indian Gaming Association.Maureen Greeley, executive director for ECPG, and I also were able to meet with the University of Washington’s athletic department to discuss more about programs that address gambling and gambling-related harms on college campuses, specificallyCollegeGambling.org. Overall, it was a month packed with fun travel and fantastic new partners (and lots of college basketball games on the television)!
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Earlier this year, theNCRGandAGAreleased the winter 2013 edition ofResponsible Gaming Quarterly. While developing this edition of RGQ, we had the opportunity to speak in depth with members from theEvergreen Council on Problem Gamblingin Washington state to learn more about the organization and their 2013 initiatives.
Led byExecutive Director Maureen Greeley, the Evergreen Council is dedicated to expanding the availability of services for those affected by gambling disorders and encouraging research and programs for education, prevention and treatment. The Evergreen Council serves as a connection hub for both counseling services and residential treatment options for individuals with a gambling disorder. Its website and the state helpline are resources for individuals and their family members to receive information about in-state counseling services for gambling disorders and other addictions.
Additionally, the council currently is the only source of funding for residential pathological gambling treatment. In order to give individuals the care that they need, the council pays to send patients to neighboring states to receive treatment at residential facilities.
For 2013, the organization also has expanded its contract with the state certification boards to offer more education opportunities for clinicians wanting accreditation to treat those with gambling disorders. Throughout the year, Greeley and her staff will organize two conferences and quarterly trainings that will be attended by mental health practitioners from across the state. (The NCRG partnered with the Evergreen Council for one of those trainings. More information about this will be including in an upcoming blog post).
The organization’s third goal for 2013 is to work with new partners to reach a wider audience with information about gambling disorders, ways to gamble responsibly and resources to use for help. In December 2012, the council launched a new initiative that expanded its prevention programs targeting youth and solicited the help of other non-profit organizations and radio personalities.(Read more about this two-part campaign in the winter 2013 edition of RGQ.)
If you are interested in learning more about the Evergreen Council,click here.
What are some of the initiatives your local organizations are doing to help problem gamblers and promote responsible gaming?
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Today, the NCRG isexcited to share two new resourcesthat focus on important issues impacting the understanding, identification and treatment of gambling disorders and the development of responsible gaming strategies.
The Evolving Definition of Pathological Gambling in the DSM-5
The publication ofDSM-5is one of the most anticipated events in the mental health field this year. As the primary reference book for mental health professionals, it contains descriptions, symptoms and other criteria for diagnosing mental disorders. TheDSMalso includes diagnosis criteria used by clinicians to report disorders to insurers for reimbursement and to public health authorities for causes of illness and death.
When this newest edition is released next month, a new diagnostic code will be in the hands of clinicians across the globe. And,DSM-5will incorporate several changes, including the reclassification of gambling disorders as an addiction.
In anticipation of the release ofDSM-5, the NCRG developed a white paper that provides an overview of these expected changes to gambling disorders and how they will impact our understanding, identification and treatment of the disorder and the development of responsible gaming strategies. Titled“The Evolving Definition of Pathological Gambling in the DSM-5,”and prepared by the NCRG’s Christine Reilly and Nathan Smith, this white paper addresses the evolving nature of theDSM, the current diagnostic code for pathological gambling, and the expected changes for the disorder in theDSM-5.Click hereto download the white paper.
Internet Gambling: An Emerging Field of Research
While Internet gambling isn’t legal in all parts of the U.S., it is a growing form of gambling around the world and this often leads to speculation that its level of accessibility makes it more addictive than other types of gambling. The NCRG’s second white paper, titled“Internet Gambling: An Emerging Field of Research,”(prepared by Reilly) provides the latest empirical, peer-reviewed research on Internet gambling to help address many questions that have been raised as U.S. federal and state government officials debate the legalization of online gambling.
This white paper includes the most reliable research available on online gambling, and it summarizes the findings of Harvard Medical School ProfessorHoward J. Shaffer, Ph.D.,and colleagues, on this topic. It also contains research on online poker, sports betting and casino games, and includes information on online gambling among college students. Additionally, it suggests how the research can be used to develop responsible gaming strategies.Click hereto download the Internet gambling white paper.
These new publications are evidence of theNCRG’s continued commitmentto advancing the field and serving as a primary source for information on problem gambling. We hope that you will find them educational and useful, and we encourage you to share them with your colleagues.
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One goal of the NCRG research program is to cultivate the next generation of researchers in the field of gambling disorders and responsible gaming. The NCRG is committed to giving the best and brightest young investigators an opportunity to gain funding, which is one of the reasons why we brought together 20 young investigators for the March workshop in Chicago, Ill. Another way that we’re supporting young researchers is with theEarly Stage Investigatorgrant category of ourProject Grants Program. Some grantees includeIris Balodis, Ph.D., from Yale University, andHeather Gray, Ph.D., from the Division on Addictions, Cambridge Health Alliance, a division of Harvard Medical School.
The 2013 deadline to apply for an Early Stage Investigator Grant is quickly approaching, so if you have an idea for a research project in this category, be sure to submit your application by Wednesday, May 1.
Eligible applicants must be within 10 years of completing their terminal research degree or within 10 years of completing medical residency. Applicants may request up to $65,000 per year in direct costs for a period not to exceed 24 months.
Applications for this award must propose a research plan that has:
intrinsic research importance in the area of prevention and treatment of gambling disorders; and
will serve as a suitable vehicle for learning the methodology, theories and concepts needed for a well-trained, independent researcher in the area of gambling research.
For more information on the NCRG Project Grants Program, including the Early Stage Investigator Grants Program, clickhere. If you are a young investigator and have questions about this opportunity, contact Christine Reilly, the NCRG’s senior research director, atcreilly@ncrg.orgor 978-338-6610.
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One of the most anticipated events in the mental health field is the publication of thefifth editionof theAmerican Psychiatric Association’s (APA)Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)in May 2013. Many of the changes have caused great debate and “pathological gambling” is no exception, with substantial changes in classification, the name of the disorder and the number of symptoms required for a diagnosis.
Are we ready for these changes?Jon E. Grant, J.D., M.D., M.P.H.,professor in the department of psychiatry and behavioral neuroscience at the University of Chicago School of Medicine, will bring us up-to-date during a free, one-hour webinar, titled“From Pathological Gambling to Gambling Disorder: Changes in the DSM-5,”on Wed., April 24, 2013 from 2-3 p.m. EST. He will discuss the rationale for the changes in the diagnostic code and the implications for assessing individuals with a gambling disorder.
NCRG webinar series sessions are approved for one hour of continuing education by:
The NCRG is also approved by theAmerican Psychological Association (APA)to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The NCRG maintains responsibility for this program and its contents.
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Changes in health care policies and mental health diagnostic codes are driving a larger conversation about what recovery and prevention should include for those with addictive disorders. From the Affordable Care Act to the American Psychiatric Association’s DSM-5, these changes impact how researchers study gambling disorders, how the industry builds responsible gaming programs to educate their patrons, and how clinicians relate to their clients.
In less than six months, stakeholders in the field of gambling disorders and responsible gaming will come together at the14th annual NCRG Conference on Gambling and Addictionto discuss what these changes in the mental health space mean for communities. This year, the conference will take place Sept. 22-24, 2013 at The Sands Expo and Convention Center at the Venetian Las Vegas.
The 2013 NCRG Conference will examine these issues by discussing the latest and most relevant research on gambling disorders, co-occurring disorders and responsible gaming. Conference sessions will examine how the Affordable Care Act and DSM-5 will impact treatment options, the effectiveness of evidence-based self-help recovery resources, the neurobiology of gambling disorders and the effectiveness of responsible gaming programs — both in person and online.
Visitwww.ncrg.org/conferencefor registration information, the schedule, speakers, and CEU approvals. Register online at www.ncrg.org/conference or find combined rates with the full slate of G2E offerings atwww.globalgamingexpo.com. As always, you can receive up-to-date information on the Conference by subscribing toGambling Disorders 360°and connecting with the NCRG onFacebookandTwitter.
What is your favorite part about the NCRG Conference? What are you interested in learning about this year?
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If you’ve been followingGambling Disorders 360°and the NCRG’sTwitterandFacebookfeeds, you know that 2012 was a busy and successful year for our organization. To highlight our initiatives and major accomplishments, the NCRG recently released the2012 Annual Report.
From successful events and new resources, to productive collaborations and innovative research projects, here are some of the highlights from 2012:
The NCRGawarded more than $870,000to allow pioneering investigators the ability to implement unique and creative research methods to improve our understanding of pathological and youth gambling.
The NCRG formed new partnerships with national and regional organizations to share more about the organization’s quality research, publications and online resources than ever before.
To expand its reach, the NCRG’s leadership and staff presented or exhibited at more than 12 national and regional meetings — a record number of outreach events for the organization .
Designed specifically for human resources and employee assistance professionals, the first edition of theGambling and Healthseries was published and provides these professionals with knowledge they can use to address gambling disorders and provide helpful referrals in their workplace.
The NCRG promoted the use of the newly-developedBrief Biosocial Gambling Screen (BBGS)to clinicians nationwide. This new screener is a direct result of NCRG funding.
These are just a few of the NCRG’s accomplishments from last year.Click hereto download the 2012 Annual Report and read more.
For 2013, we are building on this success and will continue to lead the field by building partnerships, funding innovative studies and putting those research results into practice. To keep informed of the NCRG’s accomplishments and initiatives throughout the year, make sure you follow us onTwitterandFacebook.
What initiative from 2012 did you find most beneficial? Which types of programs are you interested in for 2013 and beyond? Leave your suggestions in the comments box below.
The following is a guest post from Bethany Bray, Ph.D., a visiting faculty associate at The Methodology Center of Penn State University. Dr. Bray is a member of the NCRG Conference on Gambling and Addiction’s Advisory Board, and recently attended the NCRG’s workshop for early stage investigators as a part of the 2013 Annual Education Summit.
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Last week, the National Center for Responsible Gaming (NCRG) hosted a workshop for early-career scientists on grant and manuscript writing as part of the2013 Annual Education Summit. The workshop provided an invaluable opportunity for young investigators to network with established researchers who focus on gambling disorders and other addictions. The speakers provided advice on submitting grants to theNational Institutes of Health(NIH) and theNCRG, as well as tips on how to strategize which journals to send manuscript submissions. This event was a critical investment in the future of gambling disorder research; it established a supportive community and mentoring network for young investigators interested in researching an incredibly understudied area.
Whether an early-career scientist is on the tenure track or not, there are two primary markers of success: receiving grant funding and publishing peer-reviewed articles. For those of us interested in gambling, it can be difficult to achieve these goals for a variety of reasons. First, gambling disorders currently is not a priority area for the largest funder of public health research,NIH. Second, the field is small and it can be difficult to find collaborators and more senior researchers who can be mentors. The NCRG’s workshop brought a few of the biggest names in gambling disorders research to meet with more than 20 young investigators.Mr. Alan Feldman,Dr. Jon Grant,Dr. Ken WintersandDr. Tammy Chungprovided valuable advice and feedback on grant and manuscript submissions that will help early-career scientists transform their ideas into important scientific products.
The goals of the workshop were straightforward: (1) understand grant writing best practices, (2) discover innovative approaches to gambling research, and (3) build collaborations. The mentors helped us learn about NCRG grant opportunities like theEarly Stage Investigator Grantthat can be used to fund our work and establish ourselves as leading scientists in gambling and addiction research. We also learned about the ongoing work of all of the presenters, as well as work being done at theCenters of Excellence in Gambling Researchheaded by Dr. Grant andDr. Marc Potenza. Excitingly, some of us even connected and have plans to pursue work together;Dr. Serena KingandIare already moving forward on a project together.
Several key principles for young investigators emerged from our time together. First, as Dr. Winters stressed, you must bePERSISTENTandFLEXIBLEwhen crafting your grant proposals. Second, you should take theINITIATIVEin seeking out mentoring and guidance, as well as in pursuing your research agenda. Third, as Dr. Chung emphasized,FIND A STRATEGYthat helps you maintain your motivation and momentum for writing. Fourth, as Mr. Feldman reminded, always keep in mind thePEOPLEyou are trying to help at the end of this long road of research.
Workshops like this one for early-stage investigators are essential to the success of the field of gambling disorders. Together, we are building a strong community young investigators can rely upon to support each other when we hit bumps in the road. Connections made among members of the research community and other key stakeholders in the field are essential to the future of research in this area. I hope that the NCRG will continue to offer workshops like this one to young investigators!
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