ICRG Raises $150,000 for Problem Gambling Research

During a recent golf event in Las Vegas, players showcased their skills while helping to support an important cause — they raised over $150,000 for problem gambling research. The 25th annual Golf Classic was sponsored by the American Gaming Association and the Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers, with proceeds going to the International Center for Responsible Gaming (ICRG). 

ICRG President Points Out US’s Lack of Support for Responsible Gaming Research

No one needs a mulligan at this tournament, joked Dave Kubajak, senior vice president of sales at JCM Global. But all kidding aside, responsible gaming is important for everyone in the gaming industry.

ICRG President Arthur Paikowsky said finalizing totals from the May 8 event would take some time but he expects it to be between $150,000 – $200,000 — a significant jump from early years when they were lucky to hit $10,000 annually, reported CDC Gaming.

The ICRG is the largest organization funding scientific research on problem gambling and collaborates with about 2,000 experts worldwide. However, as Paikowsky pointed out during his speech there is still no US government-funded body devoted solely to these issues. Although some US states use part of their gambling tax revenues toward responsible gaming messages none goes directly into ICRG coffers.

This year’s Golf Classic took place at MGM Resorts’ Shadow Creek Golf Course and drew 116 golfers along with representatives from sports betting as well as traditional casino sectors among its 28 sponsors. There was also a charity raffle and silent auction featuring sports memorabilia and Las Vegas experiences up for grabs. 

ICRG’s Ongoing Research Projects Explore Key Questions

Funds raised through events like this are put into ICRG’s unrestricted research fund which supports studies approved by the group’s independent Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) and peer-review panels. These studies usually last between 2-3 years although sometimes donors will fund individual projects directly. There are currently a record 30 research projects underway, with four focused on gambling among young adults, a major area of concern.

One ongoing study looks at whether advertising increases problem gambling among sports bettors. Results are expected to be published in the Journal of the American Medical Association later this year. 

Another study is evaluating how well current messages urging people to call a hotline if they have a problem with their gambling work. The hope is that the messages can be refined so they are less judgmental and more engaging.

Founded in 1996, ICRG was established to address the lack of scientific knowledge pertaining to pathological betting disorder (PBD). Studies show that about 2% of individuals meet the criteria for PBD diagnosis while another 3-5% could be considered to have some form of problem gambling behavior.