ICRG Raises $150,000 for Research on Problem Gambling

Las Vegas recently played host to an event that seamlessly combined sportsmanship with philanthropy. At the 25th annual Golf Classic, over $150,000 was raised for problem gambling research, thanks to the concerted efforts of participants and organizers. Sponsored by the American Gaming Association and the Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers, the proceeds were directed towards the International Center for Responsible Gaming (ICRG). This amount marks a significant increase from the tournament’s early days when raising $10,000 was considered a success. Dave Kubajak, senior VP of sales at JCM Global, humorously noted that no one needed a mulligan at this event, emphasizing the crucial role of responsible gambling within the industry.

Arthur Paikowsky, President of the ICRG, highlighted the significance of the funds, especially in the absence of a dedicated U.S. government-funded body to support problem gambling research. While some states allocate a portion of their gambling tax revenues for responsible gaming messages, none of these funds go directly to the ICRG. This year’s Golf Classic, held at MGM Resorts’ Shadow Creek Golf Course, saw 116 golfers and representatives from both the sports betting and traditional casino sectors. With 28 sponsors backing the event, it featured a charity raffle

The funds raised through such events go directly into the ICRG’s unrestricted research fund. This fund plays a vital role in supporting a wide array of studies, each approved by the group’s independent Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) and peer-review panels. Current research endeavors include a mixture of projects, some spanning over 2-3 years and a few funded directly by individual donors. Presently, a record number of 30 research projects are underway. Notably, four of these are concentrating on gambling behavior among young adults, which has emerged as a pressing concern.

One particularly significant ongoing study examines whether advertising contributes to problem gambling among sports bettors. The findings from this research are anticipated to be published in the Journal of the American Medical Association later this year. In another project, researchers are evaluating the efficacy of current public service messages that encourage individuals to call a hotline if they encounter problems with gambling. The goal is to make these messages less judgmental and more engaging, ensuring they resonate effectively with the target audience.

Founded in 1996, the ICRG was created to address the prevalent gap in scientific knowledge regarding pathological betting disorder (PBD). Current studies estimate that approximately 2% of individuals meet the diagnostic criteria for PBD, while