The Scientific Advisory Board of the National Center for Responsible Gaming (NCRG) is pleased to invite grant applications for research that explores the full spectrum of gambling behaviors from healthy to disordered. In addition, we are specifically interested in policy-relevant research. We invite applicants from a wide range of disciplines to apply, including economics, public health, cultural anthropology, neuroscience, psychology, psychiatry and public policy. This request for applications (RFA) is in effect for both Large Grant and Seed Grant applicants, Jan. 1, 2019 - Dec. 31, 2019.
The consensus in the scientific literature is that the process of policy-making should be based on strong evidence in order to increase the quality, credibility and relevance of a policy (Soare, 2013). However, there is a dearth of scientific research aimed at informing policy. For example, several reviews have noted the lack of peer-reviewed research on responsible gambling policy (Harris & Griffiths, 2016; Drawson et al., 2017).
The Scientific Advisory Board has determined there is a need for empirical research on the following topics:
- Public health policy on prevention and treatment of gambling disorder, with special focus on health disparities
- Public policy, such as laws and regulations designed to reduce gambling-related harms
- Tribal gaming policy designed to reduce gambling-related harms
- Social and economic impact of gambling
- Treatment provider policy on screening, diagnosis and treatment of gambling disorder
- Policies of private entities designed to address gambling-related harms
- Population studies with ramifications for policy
- The efficacy and safety of self-exclusion from gaming venues and internet gambling sites
- Education and awareness for the public, gambling patrons and gambling employees
- Structural changes to gambling devices designed to moderate excessive gambling behavior
- The impact of the physical and informational environment
- Pre-commitment and mandatory or voluntary limits on wagering amounts and time
- Gambling on a continuum from healthy to disordered
- Lower risk gambling guidelines
- Tracking behavioral characteristics, especially in internet gambling
There is no geographic limitation. Applications from investigators outside the US are welcome. Applicants for Seed Grants and Large Grants should go to www.ncrg.org/research-center for application announcements, forms and deadlines.
REFERENCES
Drawson, A.S., Tanner, J., Mushquash, C.J. et al. (2017). The use of protective behavioural strategies in gambling: A systematic review. International Journal of Mental Health,15, 1302-1319. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-017-9754-y
Harris, A., & Griffiths, M. D. (2016). A critical review of the harm-minimisation tools available for electronic gambling. Journal of Gambling Studies, 33, 187-221. http://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-016-9624-8
Soare, L. (2013). Creating a linkage between academic research and policy-making. Europolity, 7 (2), 89-102.
