The Latest Information About the International Center for Responsible Gaming (ICRG) as of 2025

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 International Center for Responsible Gaming (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.

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.

ICRG Governance

As the organization is primarily funded by the gaming industry, it must maintain a stringent firewall to ensure the independence of ICRG gambling research. That’s why it is governed by a dedicated Board of Directors that consists of directors of large companies, professors, public health officials, regulatory communities, and independent scientists.

The organizational structure is divided into the Board of Directors (Board Officers and Board Members), the ICRG Advisory Council, the ICRG Scientific Advisory Board, and the ICRG Staff.

The Board ensures the organization’s financial stability and acts as an ambassador for its mission. Board members are prominent industry leaders such as Michael Soll, Eileen Moore Johnson, Maria-Christina Annaloro, and Bill Miller.

The Advisory Council includes Jacob Coin, Trevor J. Croke, Jonathan Halkyard, Bobby Soper, and Jacqui Krum. Additionally, the Scientific Advisory Board is composed of scientists, such as Linda B. Cottler, Tammy Chung, David C. Hodgins, and Miriam Jorgensen.

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.

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.