This week, the Kindbridge Research Institute (KRI) launched the Financial Stability and Responsible Gambling Initiative, which aims to address gambling-related financial harm as both a public health concern and a threat to financial stability.
Kindbridge Research Institute Unveils New Program
Daniel Umfleet, director of Kindbridge Research Institute’s Financial Stability and Responsible Gambling Initiative, said that financial stress connected to gambling is often one of the earliest signs that a person is under serious strain. According to him, the Initiative has a real chance at coordinating care and support for those affected by gambling-related harm by bringing together sectors that haven’t traditionally worked in partnership.
As Umfleet explained, the Initiative is a national endeavor uniting professionals from finance, healthcare, and research to create practical solutions aimed at reducing the financial harm caused by gambling. These can be as broad as escalating debt, missed bills, and financial stress that can undermine personal stability and well-being.
These financial issues are often early indicators of more serious underlying problems. In clinical settings, individuals seeking help for gambling often discover they are also coping with mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, or trauma, highlighting this as a crucial opportunity for early intervention.
Dr. Timothy Fong, clinical professor of psychiatry at UCLA and co-director of the UCLA Gambling Studies Program, explained that stress is one of the most common and damaging consequences of harmful gambling. He said that the Initiative helps professionals intervene before much of the damage has been done. It also helps researchers collect new data that can directly inform how to design the support system.
The Financial Stability and Responsible Gambling Initiative will be led by a national working group composed of cross-sector leaders who will collaborate to share insights and explore proactive strategies. As part of the initiative, researchers at UCLA will also conduct research to better understand how gambling and financial instability intersect. Researchers hope to find out what patterns may signal early risk, and which interventions are most effective at preventing more serious financial and health consequences.
What Is the Kindbridge Research Institute?
The Institute is a nonprofit organization committed to advancing research and developing solutions for mental health and behavioral addictions. By working closely with leading experts, policymakers, and mental health professionals, KRI fosters impactful change aimed at improving the lives of individuals and families affected by gambling-related harm and other behavioral health challenges.