The Most Recent Data About the International Center for Responsible Gaming (ICRG) as of 2026

The ICRG is one of the key organizations involved in scientific research in the fields of responsible gambling and gambling addiction prevention. It helps researchers and institutions share their insights into methodologies and approaches to minimizing compulsive gambling. 

Founded in 1996 as the National Center for Responsible Gaming, the organization officially changed its name to ICRG in 2020 to reflect its global reach and international operations.

The organization partners with various stakeholders to promote gambling research. To this end, it runs specific scholarships, funding, grants, and networking options. The International Center for Responsible Gaming website offers actionable solutions, informational materials, and resources for treatment providers who work with gamblers, industry professionals, policymakers, and the public.

About ICRG

The ICRG is dedicated to researching gambling disorders and supporting stakeholders by sharing advanced scientific knowledge, clinical practices, and preventive methodologies.

It hosts webinars and conferences for experts working to prevent gambling problems, and it provides independent, peer-reviewed research to foster the understanding of excessive gambling harms.

Unlike GambleAware and Gam-Anon, the ICRG does not operate a helpline for immediate support, and it is not focused on helping individuals and families impacted by gambling disorders directly (via forums or meetings). Instead, it creates educational programs to prevent and treat gambling issues and serves as a valuable resource for information.

Foundation and Mission

The International Center for Responsible Gaming was established in 1996. It was previously affiliated with the American Gaming Association, the primary body representing the casino industry, but it is now an independent entity. In 2000, the ICRG established the Institute for Research on Pathological Gambling and Related Disorders (IRPGRD).

The core mission and underlying concept behind the ICRG are similar to those of organizations like GamCare and GamTalk. It seeks to aid individuals and families who have been affected by gambling disorders and proactively prevent the development of problems.

However, this mission’s real-world implementation differs greatly from rival offerings. It leads innovative research into gambling and strives to prevent the onset of related issues through evidence-based scientific studies and education.

The Team Behind the ICRG

ICRG's primary goal is twofold: 

• to provide funding and support for quality scientific research 
• to increase awareness and educate both the gaming industry and the general public.

In 2026, central to achieving this mission is a robust leadership structure currently comprising 

• a dedicated Board of Directors, 
• Advisory Council, 
• Scientific Advisory Board, and 
• a professional staff team. 

Each component of this structure plays a critical role in guiding the organization. It guarantees financial health, establishes research priorities, and fosters collaboration between industry stakeholders and scientific experts.

The ICRG’s leadership is particularly noteworthy for its combination of industry expertise, academic excellence, and strategic vision. 

The Board of Directors oversees the organization’s operations and ensures financial stability, while serving as ambassadors to promote the organization’s mission. 

The Advisory Council provides strategic guidance on industry trends and responsible gambling initiatives. 

The Scientific Advisory Board maintains rigorous standards for research funding and evaluates proposals to ensure they meet high scientific and ethical standards. 

The staff team executes the day-to-day operations and supports research and outreach initiatives.

ICRG members lend their expertise to obtain financial backing and promote the launch of new research projects every year. At Jackpot Sounds, we wholeheartedly support this initiative.

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors confirms the organization remains financially healthy, socially responsible, and scientifically credible. 

Members act as ambassadors, raising awareness of the ICRG’s mission and helping secure financial support for new research initiatives each year.

Board Members

The ICRG Board Members bring a wide range of expertise in gaming operations, public policy, compliance, and corporate governance.

ICRG Advisory Council

The ICRG Advisory Council is composed of industry leaders who provide guidance on responsible gaming strategies and trends. Their role is advisory rather than operational, but their insight directly influences the President’s decision-making.

ICRG Scientific Advisory Board

The Scientific Advisory Board supervises the competitive grant-making process for ICRG research funding. Members are recognized experts in addiction science and related fields, ensuring that research projects adhere to the highest academic and ethical standards.

ICRG Staff

The ICRG staff implements daily operations, manages research initiatives, oversees partnerships, and promotes responsible gaming education to the public.

Organizational Impact and Leadership Philosophy

The ICRG is recognized not only for its rigorous research funding process but also for its leadership model that blends scientific integrity with industry expertise. 

The Board of Directors ensures the organization’s stability and promotes collaboration between private industry and academic researchers. 

Their role in securing funding is pivotal, as new research projects are initiated annually through grants guided by the Scientific Advisory Board.

The Advisory Council strengthens the ICRG’s responsiveness to industry trends and regulatory developments, offering perspectives that complement the Scientific Advisory Board's more research-focused approach. 

Meanwhile, the Scientific Advisory Board’s meticulous review process ensures that every research project funded contributes meaningful insight into gambling disorder prevention and responsible gaming strategies.

The staff plays a critical role in executing these initiatives. By supporting research projects, managing public education campaigns, and facilitating partnerships, they ensure that the ICRG’s mission translates into measurable outcomes in the gaming industry and public health sectors. 

This combination of leadership, expertise, and operational excellence allows the ICRG to remain a trusted authority in responsible gaming research globally.

The International Center for Responsible Gaming thus represents a unique synergy of leadership, academic expertise, industry knowledge, and operational precision. Each member of the Board, Advisory Council, Scientific Advisory Board, and staff contributes to a culture of responsible gaming, scientific rigor, and public engagement.

Driving Change in the iGaming Industry

As the global iGaming industry grows and evolves, ICRG’s research remains crucial in driving positive change and advancing the sector.

Prior to 1996, there was a notable lack of studies into the risks associated with gambling. Through independent, peer-reviewed studies, ICRG enhances understanding of gambling-related harms and identifies effective mitigation strategies. 

The organization aims to translate research findings into practical applications for prevention and treatment, as well as policy changes. The research it funds helps inform the public and reinforces responsible gambling practices.

Although the ICRG’s contribution to supporting gamblers is indirect, it advances the understanding of addiction and develops evidence-based practices, which are then used by direct service providers. 

Substantial Funding for Research

To support researchers and provide grants, the organization raises money. The ICRG has received nearly $40 million in financial support from various sectors of the gaming industry, including:

• Casino gaming industry
• Tribal casinos
• Equipment manufacturers
• Vendors
• Sports wagering firms
• Related organizations and individuals

Notable supporters include:

The American Gaming Association and the Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers sponsored the AGEM-AGA Golf Classic, which has raised $2.8 million for the ICRG.

Additionally, the organization runs the Lottery Membership Program for state lottery agencies and related businesses that support research and education on gambling disorders.

This substantial funding ensures the continuation of high-quality research and the development of innovative solutions. Meanwhile, the ICRG protects the integrity of the research that it funds.

Key Collaborators and Partnerships

The ICRG actively collaborates with a variety of organizations:

• The American Gaming Association (AGA)
• The Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM)
• RX: Global Gaming Expo
• Caesars Entertainment, DraftKings, Entain, NASCAR
• Central Indiana Community Foundation/Hoosier Lottery, IGT, Italian Lottery, and more

The ICRG provides grants to universities to conduct research. For example, in 2023, a $600,000 grant was awarded to the University of Sydney to establish the Centre of Excellence in Gambling Research.

ICRG Metrics

Nearly $40 million has been committed to its initiatives. ICRG-funded studies have yielded more than 400 scholarly articles published in highly competitive scientific journals. Currently, the ICRG offers five educational programs for public use as a part of its primary public health contribution, similar to 800gambler.org. The organization has successfully reached out to millions of people, conveying the message of its core values.

Research funded by the ICRG aims to support responsible gambling policies, consumer protection measures, and regulation. For instance, studies have been conducted to understand the demographic and socioeconomic factors that may lead to financial difficulties related to gambling, to gain an idea of which populations are most at risk.

Services Provided by the International Center for Responsible Gaming

The ICRG does not offer private meetings, anonymous chats and forums, online consultation, an ICRG hotline, or counseling services for those impacted by gambling disorder.

Those in need of immediate assistance can find resources on the ICRG’s website, such as the 1-800-GAMBLER helpline run by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG). Additionally, the suicide and crisis helpline, 988, provides 24/7 support free of charge.

The “Get Help” section of the website also offers guidance on finding qualified healthcare providers and links to self-help resources. There, you can find links to anonymous questionnaires to identify gambling issues, such as the Brief Biosocial Gambling Screen, and useful books.

The website also offers comprehensive guidelines on how to obtain help, such as contacting Gamblers Anonymous. This ensures that people can receive assistance in the most convenient way for them.

The services of the organization are divided into the following categories:

• For industry professionals
• For policymakers
• For treatment providers
• ‍For the public

Continued Commitment to Research

With the ongoing support of generous companies, the ICRG remains at the forefront of gambling research. The funding from the private sector highlights the shared commitment to enhancing knowledge, encouraging responsible gambling practices, and tackling the intricate challenges related to disorders.

The organization provides extensive educational resources to enhance awareness of gambling disorders and responsible gambling practices. These materials include:

• Press releases
• Blog articles
• Scientific articles
• Webinar series
• Guidebooks and fact sheets

They cover topics such as recognizing the signs of problem gambling, managing finances, and accessing support services. Additionally, the ICRG leverages social media channels to launch targeted campaigns and share resources with a broader audience.

Research Supported by ICRG

The ICRG has played a role in the dramatic increase in knowledge about the potential health consequences of gambling. It has a robust portfolio of research projects, which you can find on the Funded Research page.

With the expansion of legalized sports betting, the ICRG has prioritized research into its impact. Many studies are investigating the complex relationship between gambling disorders and other mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety.

Research has also been done into how AI can be used to create next-generation responsible gaming tools.

Publications include:

• Gambling and Drinking Patterns among Casino Employees
• Has the Genetic Contribution to the Propensity to Gambling Increased?
• Intervention for College Student Gambling
• Rat Gambling Behavior as a Research Model
• Pathological Gambling Rate in the U.S. – A National Survey

Events and Conferences

To foster dialogue, disseminate the latest scientific findings to a broad audience, share knowledge, and discuss critical issues, the organization hosts an annual conference. 

The Annual ICRG Conference on Gambling and Addiction has served as a platform for researchers, clinicians, industry executives, and policymakers for over two decades.

The last major event was the 26th Annual ICRG Conference on Gambling and Addiction. It took place on October 5–6, 2025, at the Venetian Expo & Convention Center, 201 Sands Ave, Las Vegas. For more information, please visit the official event page.

Getting in Touch with ICRG

To make sure access to its services and resources is straightforward and user-friendly, the ICRG provides multiple channels. The contact methods meet a wide range of needs, including inquiries about the organization’s work, research findings, events, and more.

Individuals seeking immediate and confidential assistance with gambling-related issues are encouraged to call the NCPG hotline. For general questions, use other channels.

References

1. American Gaming Association. American Gaming Association. American Gaming Association, https://www.americangaming.org/. Retrieved 12 Nov. 2025.
2. American Society on Aging. Alliance for Gambling Education and Treatment. American Society on Aging, https://www.agem.org/. Retrieved 28 Sep. 2025.
3. Buffalo Center for Research on Inclusion and Gambling. Gambling Links. University at Buffalo, https://www.buffalo.edu/cria/about-us/related_links/gambling_links.html. Retrieved 13 May 2025.
4. Harvard University. Harvard University. President and Fellows of Harvard College, https://www.harvard.edu/. Retrieved 20 Jun. 2025.
5. International Center for Responsible Gaming. International Center for Responsible Gaming. International Center for Responsible Gaming, https://www.icrg.org/. Retrieved 15 Jul. 2025.
6. International Center for Responsible Gaming. Our Funding. International Center for Responsible Gaming, https://www.icrg.org/information/our-funding/. Retrieved 10 Aug. 2025.
7. International Center for Responsible Gaming. Our Mission. International Center for Responsible Gaming, https://www.icrg.org/information/our-mission/. Retrieved 18 Aug. 2025.
8. International Center for Responsible Gaming. Research Resources. International Center for Responsible Gaming, https://www.icrg.org/research/resources/. Retrieved 30 Sep. 2025.
9. International Center for Responsible Gaming. Get Help. International Center for Responsible Gaming, https://www.icrg.org/information/get-help/. Retrieved 15 Oct. 2025.
10. Massachusetts Gaming Commission. Massachusetts Gaming Commission. Massachusetts Gaming Commission, https://massgaming.com/. Retrieved 22 Jul. 2025.
11. University of California, Los Angeles. Continuing Medical Education Committee. UCLA Institute for Public Health and Practice, https://www.uclaisap.org/continuingeducation/cme-committee.html. Retrieved 02 Dec. 2025.
12. University of Florida, College of Public Health and Health Professions. University of Florida – PHHP. University of Florida, https://phhp.ufl.edu/. Retrieved 05 Nov. 2025.
13. RUSH University. Rush University. Rush University, https://www.rush.edu/. Retrieved 08 Jan. 2026.