NCRG News: Annual Report Highlights NCRG Accomplishments In 2012

2012 NCRG Annual Report

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.
  • The NCRGenhanced its Board of Directors and Scientific Advisory Boardwith members whose expertise will provide well-rounded guidance to the organization.

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.

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New Collaborations In The Field Resulting From The NCRG’s 2013 Annual Education Summit

Bethany Bray, Ph.D.

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.

Dr. Tammy Chung provides strategies and tips for publishing as a new investigator

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.

Dr. Ken Winters talks with workshop participants

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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NCRG Names Centers Of Excellence In Gambling Research At The University Of Chicago And Yale University

NCRG Center of Excellence in Gambling Research at the University of Chicago

The NCRG is excited toofficially announcethe next NCRG Centers of Excellence in Gambling Research! The University of Chicago and Yale University were each awarded a three-year NCRG Centers of Excellence grant in the amount of $402,500 to employ a long-term, institutional approach to conducting innovative and multidisciplinary research and education programs about gambling disorders.

NCRG Center of Excellence in Gambling Research at Yale University

The NCRG established the Center of Excellence in Gambling Research grant in 2009 to encourage innovative, multidisciplinary investigations of gambling disorders. These three-year grants are intended to provide funding for a stable, long-term institutional focus on a complex set of gambling-related problems. The NCRG Centers of Excellence were awarded on a competitive basis under the leadership of the NCRG Scientific Advisory Board (SAB).

NCRG Center of Excellence at the University of Chicago

The NCRG Center of Excellence at the University of Chicago will be led by Jon E. Grant, J.D., M.D., M.P.H., professor in the department of psychiatry and behavioral neuroscience at the University of Chicago. Dr. Grant and his colleagues will expand on previous studies he led at the NCRG Center of Excellence at the University of Minnesota. This research is helping to determine if scientists can identify young adults who may be at risk for developing a gambling disorder through Dr. Grant’s proposed susceptibility model of impulsivity. This understanding will aid in the development and implementation of effective prevention, intervention and treatment programs for this disorder, especially pertaining to ethnically diverse populations. Dr. Grant will conduct this work in conjunction with colleagues from the University of Minnesota.

NCRG Center of Excellence at Yale University

Marc Potenza, M.D., Ph.D., professor of psychiatry, child study and neurobiology at Yale University School of Medicine, will continue to lead the NCRG Center of Excellence at Yale University through its second three-year round of NCRG funding. Dr. Potenza and his colleagues will continue their multidisciplinary approach to study the motivational and emotional factors that influence the development of gambling disorders in men and women, including the role of stress in gambling urges and cravings. With neuroimaging technology, this research team also will test medications to understand its role in the brain and potential effectiveness as a medication for gambling disorders.

Throughout the year, we’ll post updates on the findings from these NCRG Centers of Excellence.

Are you interested in applying for a NCRG grant? Earlier this year, theNCRG announcedit is allocating nearly $1 million to study gambling disorders in 2013. Visit theNCRG Research Centerfor more information. Also, connect with the NCRG onFacebookandTwitterfor updates and announcements about our research program.

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NCRG Visits Chicago For 2013 Annual Education Summit

Credit: www.cityofchicago.org

This week, the NCRG will be visiting Chicago for the 2013 Annual Education Summit! Each year, the NCRG conducts an Annual Education Summit in a different city to share information about the latest research on gambling disorders and make key stakeholders aware of the science-based programs and resources the NCRG has to offer. During the Annual Education Summit, the NCRG reaches out to a variety of stakeholders in gaming jurisdictions, including the casino industry, public policymakers, treatment providers, mental health professionals, regulators, scientists, university administrators and the general public.

The NCRG recognizes the importance of investing in the research and public health community by funding groundbreaking studies and advancing public education about gambling disorders and responsible gaming.

Chicago is an ideal place to make this investment. While in Chicago, the NCRG will connect with a large number of key stakeholders, share the latest research and trends related to this issue, and inform them of the NCRG’s science-based programs and resources.

For this year’s Annual Education Summit, the NCRG will be holding two events:

  • In conjunction with the University of Chicago, the NCRG will host a symposium, titled “Investing in Research, Responsible Gaming and the Community,” on March 14 from noon – 2 p.m. During the event, we will officially announce the NCRG Center of Excellence in Gambling Research to the University of Chicago and Yale University. The NCRG will also celebrate local and national partnerships that are making a significant impact on the public health for the state of Illinois. This event will be led by NCRG ChairmanAlan Feldman, and will feature presentations fromDr. Jon Grant,Dr. Ken WintersandMargo Bristow from the Illinois Council on Problem Gambling. This event is open to the public. If you are in the Chicago area and are interested in attending the symposium, contact Amy Kugler atakugler@ncrg.org.
  • The NCRG will also host an invite-only workshop for new investigators to learn about effective grant writing, the NCRG’s grant categories, National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding opportunities and strategies and tips for publishing research. The workshop will be held March 15 from 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at the University of Chicago and will feature presentations from Dr. Ken Winters,Dr. Tammy Chung, Dr. Jon Grant andChristine Reilly.

Next week, we’ll post a recap of our trip to Chicago. In the meantime, connect with us onFacebookandTwitter(#AES2013) for real-time updates about these events!

Where should the NCRG visit for the 2014 Annual Education Summit? Please leave your suggestions in the comments box below.

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NCRG’s Amy Kugler Discusses The Importance Of Responsible Gaming Partnerships

Amy Kugler, NCRG Communications and Outreach Manager

Over the past 17 years, the NCRG has seen the value of building long-lasting partnerships in order to best address gambling disorders and responsible gaming as a public health issue. From industry leaders to national public health organizations and government officials, collaboration among diverse groups is key to effectively increasing awareness and finding solutions that benefit the community as a whole.

Featured onGlobal Gaming Expo’s (G2E) blog today, NCRG Communications and Outreach Manager Amy Kugler takes a look at the NCRG’s emphasis on successful partnerships and the organization’s many initiatives for 2013.

Click hereto read Amy’s blog post, ‘Building Partnerships to Address Responsible Gaming.’

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The Toledo Pledge: Bringing Together Community Leaders And Organizers To Address Gambling Disorders

Photo © 2012 iStockphoto.com/ J-Elgaard

Last week, theNCRGandAGAreleased the winter 2013 edition ofResponsible Gaming Quarterly. While developing this edition of RGQ, we had the opportunity to learn more about a communitywide partnership effort in Toledo, Ohio, to increase awareness of gambling disorders.

From government and law enforcement to social services, community leaders came together in 2012 to take the steps necessary to increase community involvement and address the issue through education initiatives. This initiative is called The Toledo Pledge.

The Toledo Pledge states the following:

‘I will learn how to recognize the signs of a potential gambling problem, how to intervene with someone who has a problem, and what treatment options are available in our community. I will share this information with others and intervene when I recognize someone displaying the signs of problem gambling.’

Another version of the Toledo Pledge, which organizations can sign, has similar language. It also provides warning signs to help recognize problem gambling among employees or members, adding:

‘We will show compassion and patience to those with a gambling problem and commit to assisting them with steps toward a gambling-free life.’

To raise awareness about the Toledo Pledge and inform the community about gambling disorders, local stakeholders developed education initiatives that companies, service organizations, unions or places of worship could use to inform their employees or members. This, in turn, would encourage the employees and members to learn how to identify gambling disorders, know when to refer resources to individuals who might need help and to understand more about the treatment options available.

Organizers launched the program by publicizing it directly to the largest companies and organizations in the community. They also have created materials to distribute, including the brochure, “A Quick Guide to Safer Gambling: How Do You Play?” which offers guidance and encourages those concerned for themselves or someone they know to directly contact COMPASS, the Mental Health Board or the United Way. In addition to COMPASS, other organizations joining this effort include the Lucas County Commissioners and the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Lucas County.

The partner organizations are currently working toward the second phase of educating about The Toledo Pledge. They are developing methods to encourage these stakeholders to follow through on the pledge agreement, in order to send a broader message to a wider group of companies and organizations. This effort includes person-to-person encouragement, offering speakers for public events, providing materials and developing media and online campaigns to promote awareness.

Click hereto learn more about The Toledo Pledge and to read the full article inResponsible Gaming Quarterly.

What are some other communitywide initiatives to increase awareness of gambling disorders?

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Download The Winter 2013 Edition Of Responsible Gaming Quarterly

RGQ Winter 2013

Yesterday, theNCRGandAGAreleased the winter 2013 edition ofResponsible Gaming Quarterlyyesterday. In its 10th year,Responsible Gaming Quarterlyis a free publication that provides a broad range of coverage on recent research results, regulatory efforts, studies and developments in the treatment field and best practices for community programs that encourage responsible gaming.

This latest edition includes articles that highlight:

  • The release of the AGA’s revisedCode of Conduct for Responsible Gamingon its 10th anniversary.
  • The success of theNCRG Centers of Excellence in Gambling Researchin their first three years.
  • International responsible gaming initiatives, including the RG Check accreditation program in Canada.
  • Regional education activities designed to help youth lead the problem gambling education programs in Washington state.
  • One gaming company’s new responsible gaming initiative aimed at slot players.
  • A regional community partnership to increase awareness of gambling disorders.
  • And more!

Over the next few weeks, we’ll feature some of these articles onGambling Disorders 360o. In the meantime, clickhereto download the winter 2013 edition ofResponsible Gaming Quarterly.

Do you have suggestions for the next issue ofResponsible Gaming Quarterly? Tell us in the comments section below!

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Post-traumatic Stress Disorder And Problem Gambling – Free NCRG Webinar On Feb. 8

Dr. Lisa Najavits, Boston University School of Medicine

Register todayfor one of the more popular training sessions that the NCRG has held for clinicians:Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Problem Gambling. This one-hour free webinar, led by Lisa Najavits, Ph.D., professor of psychiatry at Boston University School of Medicine and NCRG Scientific Advisory Board member, will be heldFriday, Feb. 8from2-3 p.m. ESTand participants will receive1 CEUfor their attendance.

As with all addictive behaviors, people who struggle with a gambling disorder tend to have other psychological problems, including depression, anxiety, addictive disorders and more. Clinicians must often be prepared to assess and treat co-occurring psychiatric conditions when treating for gambling disorders.

Dr. Najavits is a leading expert in research and clinical care for trauma, PTSD and substance abuse and developed her evidence-based treatment for PTSD and substance use disorders.

In this free, one-hour webinar, Dr. Najavits will:

  • Comprehensively discuss her research findings on the intersection of PTSD and gambling disorders
  • Explain the ‘Seeking Safety’ treatment approach. This model, which has been used with problem gamblers as well as substance use disorder clients, is a present-focused cognitive-behavioral therapeutic approach offering psychoeducation and coping skills
  • Address additional questions about best practices for co-occurring disorders

To learn more, visit the NCRG’sUpcoming Webinars page. Spots are filling up fast, soregister today!

What other topics should the NCRG Webinar Series cover this year? Please leave your suggestions in the comments box below.

NCRG staffContinuing Education OpportunitiesDr. Lisa Najavitsgambling disordersNCRG WebinarPTSDSeeking Safety

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Aga Releases Updated Code Of Conduct For Responsible Gaming

AGA Code of Conduct for Responsible Gaming

To coincide with its 10thanniversary, the American Gaming Association (AGA)releasedan updated version of itsCode of Conduct for Responsible Gaming, which reflects the various ways the gaming entertainment industry has evolved during the past decade.

TheCodewas developed in 2003 and created a consistent, industrywide approach to responsible gaming, illustrating the impact the issue has on the industry’s daily operations. TheCodeis a pledge to employees, patrons and the public to promote responsible gaming in every aspect of the commercial casino industry, including employee training, customer education, the prevention of underage gambling, responsible alcohol service, and responsible marketing and advertising.

Code of Conduct for Responsible Gaming

All AGA member companies adhere to the provisions of theCode, and it has become a model for responsible gaming programs in international jurisdictions and nonmember casinos across the country as well. Throughout the past decade, it has remained as a blueprint for responsible gaming best practices. Many of theCode’s revisions reflect that the Internet has allowed the gaming industry to connect and communicate with employees, patrons and the community in new ways compared to a decade ago.

The AGA also used the 10th anniversary of theCodeto help reacquaint the gaming industry employees and patrons and regulators with theCode’sprovisions. The AGA developed a toolkit of educational material that includes communications materials to explain the changes to theCode, while also explaining the role theCodeplays in daily operations. Also to commemorate the anniversary of theCode, the AGA has translated the newly updatedCodebrochure into Spanish and traditional Chinese.

For more information on theCodeof Conduct for Responsible Gaming, or to download a copy of the new brochure, visit theAGA’s website. Also, be sure to check out the next issue of the NCRG’sResponsible Gaming Quarterly(coming soon!) for a story on theCode.

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Have Grants, Will Travel – Apply For The NCRG’s Travel Grants For Investigators To Present Their Work At Scientific Conferences

Jody Bechtold presents her research during the NCRG's poster session and reception.

One goal of the NCRG’s research program is to help investigators share their research findings with the larger addiction and mental health research communities. Because new research on gambling disorders is not usually represented at the premiere scientific meetings, the NCRG’s grants program established aTravel Grantscategory to support the participation of young gambling investigators in conferences such as the College on Problems of Drug Dependence, the American Psychological Association, the Society for Neuroscience and other meetings.

Those interested in applying for an NCRG Travel Grant may request up to $1,500 for travel in 2013 or 2014 to present their work to attend a scientific meeting. Eligible meetings include conferences that employ rigorous peer-review in the selection of posters and presentations.

Eligible applicants must be within 10 years of their doctorate (Ph.D.) or medical residence. The applicant must be the first author of the paper or poster that will be presented at the meeting. Funds can be used to support economy air transportation, lodging, ground transportation, meals and early-bird registration fees.

Upcoming Deadlines for Submissions:

  • The College on Problems of Drug Dependenceis accepting a limited number of abstracts for presentation as a five-minute talk in a session devoted to important late-breaking findings (i.e., after December 3, 2012) at the annual meeting scheduled for June 15-20, 2013, in San Diego.
  • The Association for Psychological Scienceis accepting submissions for its annual conference in Washington, D.C., on May 23-26, 2013, until January 31, 2013.
  • Collaborative Perspectives on Addiction, a joint conference of Divisions 28 and 50 at the American Psychological Association, will accept submission of poster abstracts until February 1, 2013. The conference will be held in Atlanta, May 3-4, 2013.

These are just a few of the conferences for which a Travel Grant can be used. If you are interested in applying for a Travel Grant, or would like to learn more about the NCRG’s grants program, clickhere.

What meetings will you attend this year?

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