KANSAS CITY, MO—The National Center for Responsible Gaming (NCRG) has released its latest request for research projects on underage gambling and the neurobiology of disordered gambling.
The NCRG expects to award over one million dollars in grants in support of pioneering research on pathological gambling. Preliminary applications will be accepted in October 1998 and formal proposals on January 4, 1999. Many of the nation's top scientific researchers are expected to compete.
The NCR has awarded nearly $1.3 million in grants since its establishment in 1996. This funding represents an unprecedented level of support for problem gambling research.
Christine Reilly, executive director of the NCRG, said that the new initiative reflects the NCRG's commitment to cutting-edge research. "We want the field of gambling studies to build on the incredible advances in mental health research such as genetics, drug therapy, and neuroimaging." She said, "Until we understand the neurobiological roots of disordered gambling behavior, we will not be able to effectively prevent and treat the disorder."
The initiative also emphasizes the importance of understanding youth gambling, a problem beginning to attract public attention. A recently completed study by Harvard Medical School, the first project funded by the NCRG, estimates that approximately 5.77% of the youth population have a serious problem with gambling.
Researchers are still in the early stages of building a knowledge base about youth and college-age gambling. Reilly stated, "The NCRG is especially interested in discovering what puts some young people at risk so that we can develop new prevention strategies. Prevention is ultimately the most effective form of treatment."
An independent, nonprofit organization, the NCRG is affiliated with the University of Missouri-Kansas City. It receives support from The Lincy Foundation, Boyd Gaming Corporation, Station Casinos, Caesars World, Circus Circus Enterprises, Grand Casinos, Hilton Hotels Corporation, International Game Technology, Mirage Resorts and other gaming entertainment companies.
For more information about the current funding initiative and the National Center for Responsible Gaming, call 816.531.1878.
