23rd Annual ICRG Conference on Gambling and Addiction
Oct. 9-10, 2022
The Venetian Expo, Las Vegas
Presented by the International Center for Responsible Gaming in conjunction with Global Gaming Expo
Thanks to all who participated in the 2022 ICRG Conference! We have sent the conference evaluation via SurveyMonkey. If you did not receive an email with a link to the survey, please contact Christine Reilly (creilly@icrg.org). Attendees who need continuing education certificates, must complete the evaluation.
SUNDAY, OCT. 9, 2022
8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Registration (located on the lower level of Venetian Expo in the Galileo and Marco Polo Lobby) Sponsored by Everi
10 a.m. - NOON
Pre-Con Workshop for Treatment Providers (2 CE Hours) Marco Polo 705-706
Finding Your Best Self: A New Trauma/Addiction Model for Self-help, Family, Peers and Professionals
Lisa M. Najavits, PhD, Treatment Innovations and University of Massachusetts Medical School
In this workshop, Dr. Najavits, the developer of Seeking Safety, will describe her newest model, Finding Your Best Self. It is designed for trauma and/or addiction (including problem gambling) and can be used as self-help; or delivered by family or friends, 12-step sponsors, peers or professionals. It can be done in group or individual format and offers extensive exercises and insights from people in recovery. Examples of topics are: How do people change? The language of trauma and addiction; Social pain; Why trauma and addiction go together; Forgiving yourself; The culture of silence; and How to survive a relapse.
Learning Objectives:
As a result of this session, attendees will be able to:
1 p.m. Welcome (Galileo 905-907, 1005-1007)
Alan Feldman, ICRG and University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Arthur Paikowsky, ICRG
1:15 - 2:15 p.m. Plenary Session (1 CE Hour) (Galileo 905-907, 1005-1007)
Addressing Health Disparities and Building Equity: Revolutionizing a Path Forward
Victor Ortiz, National Speaker, Massachusetts
Moderator: Alan Feldman, ICRG and UNLV
Problem gambling is governed by a complex set of interrelating factors, causes and determinants ranging from biology and family history to social norms and existing statutes. Research indicates that gambling is interrelated with various health issues and disproportionately impacts individuals with mental health disorders, substance misuse disorders and communities of color. Historically, community-level experiences of gambling and communities of color are often not the focus of problem gambling/responsible gambling services and efforts. Preliminary research indicates that ethnic and racial minorities have higher rates of gambling problems than the adult general population. This presentation will define and explore health disparities and its relationship to problem gambling/responsible gambling. Additionally, it will explore key factors that contribute and maintain health disparities in problem gambling research and practice. Lastly, it will define and explore health equity strategies in order to mitigate harms associated with gambling. Participants will gain insight into the foundational elements of health disparities and strategies to promote equity within prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery supports. It will provide resources in planning and practice when working with priority population.
Learning Objectives
As a result of this session, attendees will be able to:
2:30 - 3:30 p.m. Plenary Session (1 CE Hour) (Galileo 905-907, 1005-1007)
Gambling Helplines at a Crossroads
Cait DeBaun, American Gaming Association
Jaime Costello, National Council on Problem Gambling
Victor Ortiz, National Speaker, Massachusetts
Moderator: Christine Reilly, ICRG
Problem gambling helplines are vital for providing support and counseling to individuals and families affected by gambling disorder. Today, multiple helplines operate across the country providing referrals for individuals seeking help for a gambling problem. However, a national or multi-state advertisement may have to display more than a dozen different helplines and disclaimer language resulting in tougher to read fonts and diluted messaging. Multiple helpline numbers can cause consumer confusion as to the appropriate number to call. Another issue focuses on whether gambling helplines should be integrated with other addiction helplines in view of the high rate of co-occurring disorders among people with gambling disorder. The panel will review the issues facing the helplines and consider solutions to these problems.
Learning Objectives
As a result of this session, attendees will be able to:
3:30 p.m. Refreshment Break Sponsored by Paragon Gaming
4 - 5:15 p.m. Plenary Session (1.25 CE Hours). (Galileo 905-907, 1005-1007)
Building Cultures of Recovery in Tribal Nations
Debi LaPlante, PhD, Division on Addiction, Cambridge Health Alliance, and Harvard Medical School
Cassie Anderson, Healing Lodge of the Seven Nations and Chippewa-Cree Tribe of the Rocky Boy Indians
Moderator: Kate Spilde, PhD, MBA, Sycuan Institute on Tribal Gaming and San Diego State University
The Healing Lodge of the Seven Nations and the Division on Addiction have worked together for more than a decade as the Center for Indigenous Research Learning Collaboration & Excellence (CIRCLE). This session will cover CIRCLE’s tribal participatory research with seven tribal nations in the northwest. For eight years, CIRCLE has used qualitative and quantitative research methods to identify (1) risk and protective factors for addiction among tribal youth and (2) community strengths and needs for supporting the tribes’ youth in recovery from addiction. This work has led CIRCLE and its tribal partners to develop a new, culturally grounded, mental health first-response training program, xaʔtu̓s (Salish for First Face) for Mental Health. This session will include a discussion of CIRCLE research and First Face for Mental Health. It also will discuss future development activities for First Face for Mental Health, including research and capacity building.
Learning Objectives
As a result of this session, attendees will be able to:
5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Plenary Session (1 CE Hour) (Galileo 905-907, 1005-1007)
Sports Wagering: What are the health risks?
Joshua Grubbs, PhD, Bowling Green State University
Christine Thurmond, DraftKings Inc.
Moderator: Tammi Barlow, Rush Street Interactive
Most new new technologies are met with fears about addiction and online sports wagering is no exception. This session will address the health risks of sports wagering—what we know and what we don’t know. Dr. Grubbs will report on new data from the ICRG-funded study on sports wagering in the US. Christine Thurmond will discuss how one online operator is meeting the challenge of implementing responsible gambling strategies for this new form of gambling.
Learning Objectives
As a result of this session, attendees will be able to:
6:30 - 8 p.m. Reception and Poster Session
MONDAY, OCT. 10, 2022
7 - 8 a.m. Open AA/GA Meeting (Marco Polo 803)
7 - 8 a.m. Networking Breakfast for All Attendees (Galileo 902-903, 1002-1003). Sponsored by MGM Resorts International
8 - 9:15 a.m. Plenary Session (1.25 CE Hours) Galileo 905-907, 1005-1007
Brain Connections: Start Talking with Clients about Gambling and the Brain
Iris Balodis, PhD., McMaster University
Deirdre Querney, MSW, City of Hamilton’s Alcohol, Drug & Gambling Services
Moderator: Christine Reilly, ICRG
“I can’t stop gambling…every time I lose, I keep coming back…why?” “It’s not fun anymore, so why do I feel like I need to gamble?” “When the casinos were closed during the pandemic, why did I switch addictions?” “How do features of a slot machine affect my brain? “Why does my brother keep gambling even when he’s lost everything?”
As someone who works with people who gamble – either as a clinician, RG specialist, or operator, how do you respond when you are asked these questions? This session will describe Brain Connections–tools you can use to educate the public about the brain and gambling. Brain Connections (www.brainconnections.ca) was developed as a partnership between problem gambling researchers and clinicians. This knowledge translation project features educational tools for the public that are designed to assist you in answering frequently asked questions about the brain, gambling and how problems might develop.
Learning Objectives
As a result of this session, attendees will be able to:
9:30 - 10: 30 a.m. Plenary Session (1 CE Hour) Galileo 905-907, 1005-1007
Ask Me Anything! The Lived Experiences of a Gaming Regulator, a Responsible Gambling Professional, a Treatment Provider and a Gambling Researcher
Paul Pellizzari, Hard Rock International
Nathan Smith, PhD, Kindbridge Research Institute
Elizabeth Thielen, LPC, PCGC, Nicasa Behavioral Health Services
Peter Cohen, The Agenda Group
Moderator: Peter Cohen, The Agenda Group
Curious about what gaming regulators do? Have you wondered about the role of responsible gambling (RG) professionals? Mystified by the work of researchers? Wondering how treatment providers do their jobs? This is your opportunity to ask a panel of professionals in RG, treatment, research, and regulation any question you like!
Learning Objectives
As a result of this session, attendees will be able to:
10:30 a.m. Refreshment Break
10:45 - 11:45 a.m. Plenary Session (1 CE Hour) Galileo 905-907, 1005-1007
Where Does the Money Go? An analysis of gaming taxes in the states and the impact on treatment and responsible gambling
David Forman, American Gaming Association
Nancy Murray, CAGS, LCDP, ICOGS, Rhode Island Lottery and National Association of Administrators for Disordered Gambling Services
Alan Feldman, UNLV International Gaming Institute
Kathy Scanlan, former director of the Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling and Association of Problem Gambling Service Administrators , ICRG
Moderator: Kathy Scanlan, former director of the Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling and Association of Problem Gambling Service Administrators , ICRG
Each year, the states receive funding from the gaming industry for services such as advancing responsible gambling efforts and treatment of gambling disorder. While many states are spending these funds for their intended purpose, others are not. On the other hand, some states have struggled to expend money for treatment because of the low rate of treatment-seeking among people with gambling disorder. What can be done to address these public health issues?
Learning Objectives
As a result of this session, attendees will be able to:
Noon – 1 p.m. Plenary Session (1 CE Hour) Galileo 905-907, 1005-1007
The Power of Language in Addiction Treatment and Responsible Gambling
Rory Pfund, PhD, Center on Alcohol, Substance Use, and Addictions, University of New Mexico
Michael J. A. Wohl, PhD, Carleton University
Moderator: Gloria Miele, PhD, UCLA Integrated Substance Abuse Programs
Does stigmatizing language cause drop-out from addiction treatment? Does it keep gamblers from taking advantage of responsible gambling (RG) tools? The American Society of Addiction Medicine has led the way in proposing non-stigmatizing language for use by treatment professionals. Similarly, researchers working on Positive Play, a responsible gambling approach, have proposed changes in the language and concepts of RG. This session will provide treatment providers and responsible gambling professionals guidance on how to improve communication with clients and gamblers.
Learning Objectives
As a result of this session, attendees will be able to:
1 - 2 p.m. Awards Luncheon Galileo 902, 903, 1002, 1003
Presentation of 2022 ICRG Scientific Achievement Awards to Sarah Nelson, PhD and James Whelan, PhD
Concurrent Special Interest Tracks
Note: All attendees are welcome to participate in either track.
2 - 3 p.m. Track for Clinicians, Researchers and Public Health Professionals (1 CE Hour) Marco Polo 806-807
Overcoming Barriers to Treatment for Gambling Disorder
Nathan Smith, PhD, Kindbridge Research Institute
James Whelan, PhD, University of Memphis
Moderator: Ted Hartwell, Desert Research Institute
Fewer than 15 percent of people with a gambling disorder seek help. Clinicians and researchers have conjectured that it could be stigma, lack of insurance, lack of resources, ambivalence or lack of awareness that gambling addiction is treatable. Throw in Covid and an increasing shortage of mental health clinicians and you have the ingredients for a mental health care crisis. The panel, which has extensive experience in telehealth, will examine solutions to this problem.
Learning Objectives
As a result of this session, attendees will be able to:
2- 3 p.m. Track for Industry Professionals and Regulators (1 CE Hour) Marco Polo 804-805)
Sponsored by International Game Technology (IGT)
Big Wins and their Relationship with Excessive Gambling
Matthew Tom, PhD, Division on Addiction, Cambridge Health Alliance, and Harvard Medical School
Moderator: Michael Soll, The Innovation Group
Big wins might have a psychological impact upon gamblers that increases their likelihood of excessive gambling. However, there has been very little empirical research examining this effect using actual gambling data. Dr. Tom will examine both the research and responsible gambling (RG) aspects of this issue by exploring the following questions: (1) What SHOULD a big win mean to an RG-conscious gambler (psychologically, mathematically)? (2) How can we use gambling and playing data to study the big win effect? (3) Where does research into big wins go from here?
Learning Objectives
As a result of this sessions, attendees will be able to:
3:15 - 4:15 p.m. Track for Clinicians, Researchers and Public Health Professionals (1 CE Hour) Marco Polo 806-807
Gambling Problems among US Military Veterans
Shane Kraus, PhD, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Moderator: Richard Taylor, BetMGM
US military veterans appear to have a higher rate of gambling problems than the civilian population. However, research on this population is scarce. Dr. Kraus will discuss his analysis of data from a large, nationally representative sample of US veterans. It represents one of the first longitudinal studies of gambling in this group.
3:15 - 4:15 p.m. Track for Industry Professionals and Regulators (1 CE Hour) Marco Polo 804-805
Sponsored by International Game Technology (IGT)
Responsible Gambling: Why the low uptake and what can be done about it?
Jade Luchauer, International Game Technology (IGT)
Michael Wohl, PhD, Carleton University
Shannon Dictson, Mescalero Responsible Gaming Cordinator and Responsible Gaming Association of New Mexico
Moderator: Garrett Farnes, MGM Resorts International
Responsible gambling (RG) specialists—in online and land-based gambling venues alike—have observed that most customers do not take advantage of RG tools. What is behind this reluctance? The panel will describe their experience with low usage of RG tools and discuss possible remedies.
Learning Objectives
As a result of this sessions, attendees will be able to:
4:15 p.m. Refreshment Break
4:30 - 5:30 p.m. Track for Clinicians, Researchers and Public Health Professionals (1 CE Hour) Marco Polo 806-807
Links between Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Gambling Problems
Joshua Grubbs, PhD, Bowling Green State University
Moderator: Stephanie Goodman, The Robert Hunter International Problem Gambling Center
Gambling disorder (GD) often co-occurs with other disorders, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). However, researchers and clinicians do not fully understand the relationship between GD and PTSD. Dr. Grubbs will discuss his research in this area and implications for treatment.
Track for Industry Professionals and Regulators (1 CE Hour) Marco Polo 804-805
Self-exclusion: Reducing Harm, Facilitating Self-reflection, and Promoting Change
David Hodgins, PhD, University of Calgary
Moderator: Jennifer Shhatley, DPP, UNLV International Gaming Institute and Logan Avenue Consulting
Dr. Hodgins will review the evidence base on the impact of voluntary self-exclusion for reducing gambling-related harm, including his own research that compared an online self-management program with an in-person educational workshop. He will offer the implications of this research for the design and operation of self-exclusion programs.
Learning Objectives
As a result of this session, attendees will:
• Become familiar with the history of the development of voluntary self-exclusion programs, including different variants
• Become familiar with the evidence-base for voluntary self-exclusion programs
• Learn about how different jurisdictions attempt to improve the outcomes from voluntary self-exclusion programs by providing better marketing, easier enrollment, better detection, and improved linking of participants with other responsible gambling options