The Most Recent Data About the International Center for Responsible Gaming (ICRG) as of 2026
The growing issue of gambling addiction presents serious challenges for individuals and communities globally. ICRG addresses them and strives to prevent the onset of gambling problems by offering high-quality scientific research and evidence-based educational programming.
ICRG.org aims to promote a healthier lifestyle and foster responsible gambling practices.
For almost 30 years, the organization has successfully studied the negative impacts of excessive gambling. It now runs a variety of campaigns, verified educational initiatives, and resources to assist gamblers and their friends and family.
Contents
- About ICRG
- Foundation and Mission
- The Team Behind the ICRG
- Board of Directors
- Board Members
- ICRG Advisory Council
- ICRG Scientific Advisory Board
- ICRG Staff
- Organizational Impact and Leadership Philosophy
- Driving Change in the iGaming Industry
- Substantial Funding for Research
- Key Collaborators and Partnerships
- ICRG Metrics
- Services Provided by the International Center for Responsible Gaming
- 27th Annual ICRG Conference on Gambling and Addiction
- ICRG Webinars and Events Calendar
- How to Apply for ICRG Research Funding
- Getting in Touch with ICRG
- Testimonials & Success Stories
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 1. What is the ICRG?
- 2. Does the ICRG provide treatment for gambling addiction?
- 3. Who funds the ICRG?
- 4. Who can benefit from the ICRG’s work?
- 5. Why is the ICRG important?
- 6. When and where is the next ICRG conference?
- 7. Can researchers apply to the ICRG for funding?
- 8. Where can I see what research the ICRG has funded?
- References
- About ICRG
- Foundation and Mission
- The Team Behind the ICRG
- Board of Directors
- Board Members
- ICRG Advisory Council
- ICRG Scientific Advisory Board
- ICRG Staff
- Organizational Impact and Leadership Philosophy
- Driving Change in the iGaming Industry
- Substantial Funding for Research
- Key Collaborators and Partnerships
- ICRG Metrics
- Services Provided by the International Center for Responsible Gaming
- 27th Annual ICRG Conference on Gambling and Addiction
- ICRG Webinars and Events Calendar
- How to Apply for ICRG Research Funding
- Getting in Touch with ICRG
- Testimonials & Success Stories
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 1. What is the ICRG?
- 2. Does the ICRG provide treatment for gambling addiction?
- 3. Who funds the ICRG?
- 4. Who can benefit from the ICRG’s work?
- 5. Why is the ICRG important?
- 6. When and where is the next ICRG conference?
- 7. Can researchers apply to the ICRG for funding?
- 8. Where can I see what research the ICRG has funded?
- References

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.
Name | Position | Affiliation / Additional Information |
|---|---|---|
Michael Soll | President | Current President of ICRG |
Phil Satre | President Emeritus | Former President of ICRG |
Alan Feldman | Chair Emeritus | Distinguished Fellow, Responsible Gaming, UNLV International Gaming Institute |
Mark Lipparelli | Chair Emeritus | Founder, Gioco Ventures LLC; Former Chairman, Nevada Gaming Control Board |
Eileen Moore Johnson | Chair | Former Gaming Executive and Strategic Advisor |
Andrew Zarnett | Treasurer | Managing Director, Head of Gaming Investment Banking at Jefferies LLC |
Board Members
The ICRG Board Members bring a wide range of expertise in gaming operations, public policy, compliance, and corporate governance.
Name | Position | Affiliation / Additional Information |
|---|---|---|
Maria-Christina Annaloro | Director of Government Relations and Responsible Gaming | Sands Corp. |
Steven Crystal | Chairman of Board and President | Automated Cashless Systems, Inc. |
Alex Dixon | Chief Executive Officer | Resorts World Las Vegas |
Daron Dorsey | President & CEO | AGEM |
Dean Hestermann | Vice President, Issues Management and Strategic Communications | Caesars Entertainment |
Stephen Martino | Senior Vice President & Chief Compliance Officer | MGM Resorts International |
Cory Fox | SVP, Public Policy & Sustainability | Fanduel |
Bill Miller | President & CEO | |
Sheila Morago | Chief Executive Officer | Trilogy Group |
Arthur Paikowsky | Former ICRG President | N/A |
M. Cristina Romero De Alba | Partner | LOYRA Law Firm |
Scott Seligman | N/A | Seligman Western Enterprises, Ltd |
Kate Spilde, Ph.D., M.B.A. | Endowed Chair, Sycuan Institute on Tribal Gaming; Professor | San Diego State University |
Mark Vander Linden | Director of Research and Responsible Gaming |
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.
Name | Position | Affiliation / Additional Information |
|---|---|---|
Jacob Coin | VP Speech Writer & Executive Advisor | San Manuel Band of Mission Indians |
Trevor J. Croker | Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director | Aristocrat Leisure Limited |
Jonathan Halkyard | Chief Financial Officer | MGM Resorts International |
Bobby Soper | President and CEO | Sun Gaming & Hospitality |
Jacqui Krum | Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary | Wynn Resorts, Ltd. |
Larry Flynn | President | 2 Vice Advice Inc. |
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.
Name | Position | Affiliation / Additional Information |
|---|---|---|
Linda B. Cottler, Ph.D., M.P.H. | Chair | Professor of Epidemiology, Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health & Health Professions and College of Medicine, University of Florida |
Tammy Chung, Ph.D. | N/A | Professor of Psychiatry, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey |
David C. Hodgins, Ph.D. | N/A | Professor, Department of Psychology, University of Calgary |
Miriam Jorgensen, M.P.P., Ph.D. | Research Director | Native Nations Institute, University of Arizona; Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development, Harvard University |
Joyce (Joy) Balls-Berry, Ph.D. | Associate Professor of Neurology | Washington University School of Medicine; Core Leader, Health Disparities and Equity Core, Knight ADRC |
Gloria Miele, Ph.D. | Program Director | Opioid and Stimulant Implementation Support, UCLA Integrated Substance Abuse Programs; Chair, UCLA ISAP Continuing Medical Education Committee |
T. Celeste Napier, Ph.D. | Professor Emeritus | Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, RUSH University Medical Center |
ICRG Staff
The ICRG staff implements daily operations, manages research initiatives, oversees partnerships, and promotes responsible gaming education to the public.
Name | Position | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|
Michael Soll | President | Leads the organization and sets strategic priorities |
Travis Sztainert, Ph.D. | Director of Research and Education | Oversees research initiatives and educational programming |
Joshua Belkin | Director of Corporate Partnerships | Manages corporate collaborations and funding partnerships |
Noelle Mancini | Operations and Marketing Manager | Coordinates operations and public communications |

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 over $50 million in financial support from various sectors of the gaming industry, including: There is no federal funding for gambling research in the United States, so this is private money given specifically to keep independent research going.
- Casino gaming industry
- Tribal casinos
- Equipment manufacturers
- Vendors
- Sports wagering firms
- Related organizations and individuals
Notable supporters include:
Contribution level | Donors |
|---|---|
$200,000+ | Bally’s, Caesars Foundation, FanDuel, JCM Global, MGM Resorts International, National Football League, Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, Sands, WynnBet |
$100,000–$199,000 | Aristocrat, BetMGM, GeoComply, Playtech, Wind Creek Hospitality, Wynn Resorts Limited |
$50,000–$99,000 | Boyd Gaming, DraftKings, Hard Rock International, IGT, Italian Lottery, Venetian Las Vegas, Vici Properties |
$10,000–$49,000 | Cherokee Nation Entertainment, Chickasaw Nation Office of the Gaming Commissioner, Clarion Gaming, Desert Diamond Casino, Everi, Central Indiana Community Foundation/Hoosier Lottery, ICRG Board of Directors, Konami, Light & Wonder, Northstar New Jersey Lottery, Penn National Gaming, Potawatomi Casino & Hotel, RX Reed Exhibitions, Sandia Resort & Casino, Station Casinos, The Innovation Group |
$9,999 and below | In Queso Fire, Little Wheel, Missouri Lottery, Michigan Lottery, OpenBet, Q Casino, Rush Street Interactive, Ultimate Fighting Championship, Wondr Nation |
ICRG also runs a separate Sports Wagering Research Fund, backed by the American Gaming Association and MGM Resorts International ($100,000 each), DraftKings, Caesars Entertainment and Entain ($50,000 each), NASCAR ($25,000), Hard Rock International ($20,000), IGT ($15,000) and the PGA Tour ($12,500). Every member of ICRG's own board also donates.
The American Gaming Association and the Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers sponsored the AGEM-AGA Golf Classic, presented by JCM Global. The 27th tournament, held in May 2026 at SouthShore Country Club in Henderson, Nevada, raised $185,000, bringing the total raised for the ICRG over the tournament's history to $3.2 million.
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
Over $50 million has been committed to its initiatives. ICRG-funded studies have yielded more than 400 scholarly articles since 1996 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. ICRG also notes that between 1999 and 2003 it funded roughly a third of all gambling-risk research published worldwide, and that its calls for proposals now go out to more than 1,000 scientists.
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:
Three further resources are worth knowing about: Our Process, which explains how ICRG's research firewall works; the Brief Biosocial Gambling Screen, a short self-assessment; and the Gambling and Health Series, ICRG's plain-language briefings for clinicians and 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. That page is split into four parts: Research Milestones, Project Grants, Centers of Excellence and Scientific Achievement Awards.

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
Recent ICRG Project Grants (2025)
In 2025 alone, ICRG awarded 15 project grants worth roughly $2.25 million, ranging from a $5,000 dissertation grant to two awards of over $435,000. The spread shows where the field is heading: messaging and nudges, artificial intelligence, Tribal gaming employees, sports betting and personal finances, and the overlap between gambling and mental health.
Project | Lead researcher and institution | Award |
|---|---|---|
From Norms to Nudges: Unlocking Responsible Gambling Through Messaging, Messengers, and Motivation | Michael J. A. Wohl, Carleton University | $437,500 |
Co-designing Responsible Gambling Messages with People who Gamble | Seth McCullock, Cambridge Health Alliance | $435,087 |
AI for RG: emerging AI technologies for the next generation of responsible gambling tools | Daniel McGrath, University of Calgary | $187,874 |
The Chicken or the Egg? Gambling, mental health and addiction problems among emerging adults | Andrew (Hyounsoo) Kim, Toronto Metropolitan University | $186,578 |
Gambling Disorder and Comorbid Mental Health Conditions | Robert Heirene, University of Sydney | $186,319 |
First Face for Tribal Gaming Employees | Sarah E. Nelson, Cambridge Health Alliance / Harvard Medical School | $181,839 |
Strengthening Mental Health Competency Among Gaming Industry Employees | Chris Davis, Carleton University | $180,987 |
Social Media, Lottery Marketing, and Gambling: digital exposure and behavioural outcomes | Alex Kresovich, NORC at the University of Chicago | $171,279 |
Examining the Effects of Psilocybin on Gambling Behavior | Katherine M. Nautiyal, Dartmouth College | $50,000 |
Leveraging Future Self-Continuity to Promote Responsible Gambling in Emerging Adults | Ganga Urumutta Hewage, University of Memphis | $49,266 |
Assessing the Impact of Legalized Sports Gambling on Bankruptcy Rates | Paul Sacco, University of Maryland, Baltimore | $46,000 |
Evaluating the Impact of Environmental Gambling Cues with Pavlovian-Instrumental Transfer | Martyn Quigley, Swansea University | $44,936 |
Development and validation of the Gambling Behaviour Change Beliefs questionnaire | Scott Houghton, Northumbria University | $42,608 |
Problem gambling treatment outcomes using state behavioural health system data | Ki H. Park, University of Northern Iowa | $41,738 |
Future Desires, Past Longings: nostalgia and the recovery process (dissertation grant) | Gray Gaudett, Carleton University | $5,000 |
Many of these awards carry a named industry backer, such as FanDuel, Bally's Corporation, MGM Resorts International, Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming, or DraftKings. Under ICRG's firewall the donor has no say in who receives the money or what the findings say.
ICRG Centers of Excellence
Alongside individual project grants, ICRG funds Centers of Excellence: longer-term, institution-level programmes launched in 2009 that combine multidisciplinary research with mentoring for new investigators.
Centre / programme | Principal investigator | Awarded | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
Optimising voluntary engagement with technology-based tools to prevent and reduce gambling harms | Sally Gainsbury, University of Sydney | 2023 | $402,461 |
Gambling and emerging adults: understanding risk pathways | Lia Nower, Rutgers University | 2022 | $391,497 |
University of Missouri, Columbia | Earlier centre | 2017 | — |
University of Chicago | Earlier centre | 2016 | — |
Yale University | Earlier centre | 2009 | — |
University of Minnesota | Earlier centre | 2009 | — |
Spotlight on ICRG-Funded Research: “Gambling Satisfaction”
In May 2026 ICRG highlighted a study from Sally Gainsbury's team at the University of Sydney that proposes an unusual way of spotting gambling harm. Instead of measuring only symptoms and losses, it asks how satisfied people are with their own gambling. The full write-up is on ICRG's blog: Rethinking Gambling Harm Through a New Lens: “Gambling Satisfaction”.
Gambling research has traditionally focused almost entirely on harms and deficits. Using large-scale survey data from both online and land-based gamblers, this study looked instead at how people rate their own gambling experience, and found that:
- gambling satisfaction goes down as problem gambling severity goes up;
- it goes up alongside financial well-being and overall life satisfaction;
- a single question about satisfaction can help flag people who are experiencing harm, especially alongside other indicators.
Satisfaction turned out to reflect much more than whether someone had won or lost. It was shaped by a sense of control, financial outcomes, the social and physical setting, and whether gambling still felt like entertainment rather than an obligation.
Why it matters: a one-question, non-judgemental check-in is far easier to put in front of players than a clinical screening tool, and it avoids the stigma that stops people answering honestly. It points towards earlier intervention and towards responsible gambling tools that people actually choose to use. The study sits inside Gainsbury's Center of Excellence programme, which also runs studies using real-world behavioural data, co-designed interventions and targeted messaging.
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 next one is the 27th Annual ICRG Conference on Gambling and Addiction, on 27–28 September 2026 at The Venetian Expo in Las Vegas. The previous conference, the 26th, ran on 5–6 October 2025 at the same venue. Full details of the 2026 programme are below.
27th Annual ICRG Conference on Gambling and Addiction
ICRG bills its annual conference as the leading science-based forum on gambling disorder and responsible gambling, and the 2026 edition runs over two days at The Venetian Expo in Las Vegas. It pulls together an unusual mix of people for one event: treatment providers, public health professionals, researchers, responsible gambling specialists, industry leaders, regulators, policymakers, and people with lived experience of gambling harm.
Event | 27th Annual ICRG Conference on Gambling and Addiction |
|---|---|
Dates | Sunday 27 – Monday 28 September 2026 |
Venue | The Venetian Expo, 201 Sands Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89169 |
Format | Keynotes, two parallel tracks, panels, pre-conference workshops, poster sessions and lightning talks, plus an awards luncheon |
Continuing education | Up to 11 CE hours: 2 from a pre-conference workshop and 9 across the main sessions |
CE approvals | American Psychological Association, NAADAC (provider #100793), National Board for Certified Counselors (ACEP no. 6474), and IPGGC preferred provider |
Registration | Through the event site: https://www.eventleaf.com/e/CGA2026 |
Event contact | Noelle Mancini, [email protected], +1 978-338-6110 |
Who the Programme Is Aimed At
The sessions are built around three audiences. Treatment providers and public health professionals get prevention and early intervention, co-occurring mental health and substance use, the psychology and neuroscience of gambling risk, recovery pathways, and Indigenous and Tribal approaches to healing. Responsible gambling professionals, industry figures and regulators get AI and data science for player protection, prediction markets and other emerging products, lottery marketing and social media, and industry–research partnerships. Researchers get new evidence on gambling motivations, emerging adults and vulnerable groups, translational neuroscience, and sports betting policy.
Conference Agenda
Sunday 27 September
Time | Session |
|---|---|
07:00–18:00 | On-site registration and check-in, first floor of the Venetian Expo |
10:00–12:00 | Pre-conference workshops: “From Policy to Practice: The Essential Building Blocks for Sustainable Player Protection” and “First Face for Mental Health: Using the Healing Hands Tool in Prevention & Healing” |
12:00–13:00 | Pre-conference boxed lunch |
13:00–13:15 | Conference welcome |
13:15–14:15 | Opening keynote: “Optimising Voluntary Engagement with Responsible Gambling Tools: Building Tools That Work for the People Using Them” |
14:30–15:30 | Track 1: “AI and Data Science: The Future of Player Protection” · Track 2: “Indigenous and Tribal Leadership in Gambling Policy, Prevention, and Healing” |
15:30–16:00 | Refreshment break |
16:00–17:00 | Panel: “Voices, Experiences, and Pathways Forward” |
17:15–18:30 | Poster lightning talks |
18:30–20:00 | Poster session and reception |
Monday 28 September
Time | Session |
|---|---|
08:00–08:30 | Networking breakfast, plus an open AA/GA meeting |
08:30–09:30 | Morning keynote: “Emerging Adult Gambling: New Directions for Prevention, Policy, and Research” |
09:45–10:45 | Track 1: sports betting legalisation, rural communities and fatal alcohol-involved crashes · Track 2: “Gambling Harm Across the Life Course” |
10:45–11:15 | Refreshment break |
11:15–12:15 | Track 1: “An investigation of esports betting” · Track 2: “Loss Chasing: From clinical origins to behavioral risk detection” |
12:15–13:15 | Awards luncheon |
13:30–14:30 | Track 1: “Bridging the Gap: Can Industry and Research Work Together?” · Track 2: “Why People Gamble: Implications for Prevention and Early Intervention” |
14:45–15:45 | Track 1: “Social Media, Lottery Marketing, and Gambling” · Track 2: “Translational Science of Gambling Risk” |
15:45–16:00 | Refreshment break |
16:00–17:30 | Closing plenary: “The Future of Sports Wagering: Perspectives from Professional Sports” |
Several of these sessions trace directly back to grants listed earlier in this article. The Monday session on sports betting legalisation and alcohol-involved crashes comes out of Mark van der Maas's ICRG-funded work at Rutgers, and the session on social media and lottery marketing follows Alex Kresovich's 2025 grant at NORC. It is a useful illustration of how ICRG money turns into published findings and then into practice.
Registration Fees
Registration type | Early bird (closed 31 Aug) | Standard | On-site, from 27 Sept |
|---|---|---|---|
Full conference | $375 | $395 | $595 |
Full conference — student | $195 | $245 | $395 |
Full conference — treatment provider | $195 | $245 | $395 |
Sunday only | $225 | $250 | $450 |
Monday only | $250 | $300 | $450 |
Every option except Monday-only includes the pre-conference workshops. Early-bird pricing closed on 31 August 2026, and anyone registering from 27 September pays the on-site rate. ICRG also funded more than 50 conference scholarships in 2026 through its sponsors.
2026 ICRG Scientific Achievement Awards
The awards are presented at the Monday luncheon, and 2026 is the first year they carry a new name: the Scientific Achievement Award has become the Howard J. Shaffer Scientific Achievement Award, after the scholar whose work shaped much of modern gambling studies. There are three categories: Scientific Achievement, Education and Mentorship, and Outstanding Publication.
ICRG announced the winners in September 2026. Professor Sally Gainsbury of the University of Sydney is the first recipient of the renamed Howard J. Shaffer Scientific Achievement Award, recognising an international research programme spanning igaming, responsible gambling tools, self-exclusion, help-seeking, digital interventions and public policy, with more than 140 peer-reviewed publications. She also leads the ICRG Center of Excellence and the gambling satisfaction research described above. Dr Paulette J. O'Gilvie of American Baptist College receives the Education and Mentorship Award for building gambling education into undergraduate teaching and opening the field to students and communities that have historically been left out of it.
Alongside the awards, the conference runs a poster programme grouped into four themes: treatment, recovery and clinical outcomes; responsible gambling, identity and risk; risk factors and co-occurring behaviours; and emerging products, technology and gambling mechanics. Outstanding poster awards are announced at the same luncheon.
ICRG Webinars and Events Calendar
Between conferences, ICRG's main public offering is a free webinar series, each session usually worth one continuing education hour. Everything is listed on the upcoming events page and the events calendar, which you can also subscribe to in Google Calendar, Outlook or any app that reads iCal, so new sessions appear automatically. Past sessions stay available in the webinar archive.
What's coming up:
What | When | Where to find it |
|---|---|---|
Webinar: Problem Gambling and Suicidality: An Urgent Public Health Issue | 17 September 2026, 14:00–15:00 (Eastern) | Online via Zoom; worth 1 CE hour |
27th Annual ICRG Conference on Gambling and Addiction | 27–28 September 2026 | The Venetian Expo, Las Vegas |
The September webinar, Problem Gambling and Suicidality: An Urgent Public Health Issue, is led by Heather M. Gray of the Division on Addiction at Cambridge Health Alliance and Harvard Medical School, and James Whelan of the Tennessee Institute for Gambling Education & Research. It covers the psychological, social and financial factors behind raised suicide risk among people experiencing gambling problems, and practical guidance on risk assessment and early referral. It is aimed at clinicians and other professionals rather than people currently in crisis. If you need help now, call or text 988 in the US for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or 1-800-GAMBLER for gambling support, both free and available around the clock.
How to Apply for ICRG Research Funding
Researchers can apply to ICRG directly. Everything applicants need, including requests for applications, forms and eligibility rules, sits on the Apply for ICRG Funding page, with the downloadable documents held in ICRG's research resources library.
The 2026 Grants Programme
ICRG runs several funding streams side by side each year, from small dissertation and travel grants through to multi-year awards. These were the 2026 opportunities and their deadlines:
Grant | Amount available | 2026 deadline |
|---|---|---|
Research on sports betting, alcohol and substance use | Up to $437,500, including indirect costs | 17 July 2026 |
Large grant: gambling disorder and responsible gambling | Up to $75,000 a year for two years | Letters of intent 14 May 2026; applications 14 August 2026 |
Research on lottery gambling and responsible gambling | Up to $75,000 a year for two years plus indirect costs ($187,500 total) | 26 June 2026 |
Seed grant: gambling disorder and responsible gambling | Up to $40,000 direct ($50,000 with indirects) | 5 June 2026 |
Seed grant: sports betting, fan behaviour and athlete well-being | Up to $40,000 direct ($50,000 with indirects) | 5 June 2026 |
Seed grant: gambling behaviours and risks among college athletes and students | Up to $40,000 direct ($50,000 with indirects) | 5 June 2026 |
Dissertation grant | Up to $5,000 for one year | 5 June 2026 |
Travel grant for researchers | Up to $1,500 | Ongoing through 2026 |
All the 2026 application deadlines have now passed apart from the travel grant, which stays open on a rolling basis. ICRG publishes each new round on the same page, so researchers planning a 2027 application should watch it, together with the amounts above as a guide to the likely scale.
How ICRG Decides Who Gets Funded
Because ICRG's research money comes largely from gambling companies, the organisation runs what it calls a firewall between the donors and the science. It works in five steps:
1. Priorities are set | The Scientific Advisory Board, an independent panel of addiction scientists, develops and approves every funding initiative. |
|---|---|
2. The call goes out | Requests for applications are circulated to more than 1,000 scientists worldwide. |
3. Independent peer review | Applications are assessed by peer review panels made up of leading researchers in the gambling field. |
4. The board decides | The Scientific Advisory Board reviews those evaluations and makes the final funding decisions. Neither ICRG's governing board nor its donors have any input. |
5. Findings stay quiet until published | Results are not announced until they appear in a peer-reviewed journal. |
Academic Integrity and Research Misconduct
ICRG also publishes a policy on research misconduct, which it defines, following the US Office of Research Integrity, as fabrication, falsification or plagiarism rather than honest error or a difference of opinion. Peer reviewers who suspect misconduct must tell ICRG's Senior Research Director immediately and must not raise it during the review itself, and the application still goes through peer review. The Scientific Advisory Board then meets within 30 days, and within a further 30 days decides by at least a two-thirds majority whether the case is serious enough to report to the applicant's own institution.
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.
Contact Method | Details |
|---|---|
Website | |
Confidential Helpline | +1-800-GAMBLER (the National Council on Problem Gambling) For immediate crisis support in the US, call or text 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline), free and available 24/7. |
Phone | +1-978-338-6610 |
Fax | +1-978-552-8452 |
Contact Form | |
Events and calendar | |
Research funding enquiries | |
Headquarters | 101 Convention Center Drive, Suite 600, Las Vegas, NV 89109, USA |
Testimonials & Success Stories
Michael, 41
“After years of chasing losses, I finally realized I needed help. Learning about the resources supported by the ICRG gave me a better understanding of gambling addiction and encouraged me to seek professional treatment. Today, I’ve been in recovery for over a year.”
Sarah, 34
“I never thought gambling could affect my mental health so deeply. The educational materials and research funded through the ICRG helped me recognize the warning signs early. With support from my therapist, I’m rebuilding my confidence one day at a time.”
Daniel, 52
“My gambling addiction damaged both my finances and my family life. Reading about evidence-based approaches promoted by the ICRG motivated me to find qualified treatment. Recovery hasn’t been easy, but I’m finally moving in the right direction.”
Emily, 29
“I felt ashamed to admit I had a gambling problem. Discovering information backed by the ICRG helped me understand that addiction is a health issue, not a personal failure. That knowledge gave me the confidence to ask for help.”
James, 46
“The research and awareness initiatives supported by the ICRG helped me better understand my behavior and the triggers behind it. With professional guidance and family support, I’ve developed healthier habits and no longer let gambling control my life.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the ICRG?
The International Center for Responsible Gaming (ICRG) is a nonprofit organization that funds independent scientific research on gambling disorder and responsible gambling while promoting public education based on research findings.
2. Does the ICRG provide treatment for gambling addiction?
No. The ICRG does not offer direct counseling or treatment services. Instead, it supports research, education, and initiatives that improve understanding and treatment of gambling-related harm.
3. Who funds the ICRG?
Funding comes overwhelmingly from the private sector: commercial and Tribal gaming companies, equipment manufacturers, vendors, sports wagering firms, lotteries and individual donors, totalling over $50 million to date. There is no federal funding for gambling research in the United States. To keep that money from shaping the science, ICRG runs a firewall in which an independent Scientific Advisory Board sets the priorities and makes the final funding decisions, and donors have no input.
4. Who can benefit from the ICRG’s work?
Researchers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, educators, gambling operators, and individuals seeking reliable information about gambling disorder can all benefit from the ICRG’s research and educational resources.
5. Why is the ICRG important?
The ICRG helps improve the understanding of gambling addiction by funding independent scientific studies. Its work contributes to better prevention strategies, more effective treatment approaches, and evidence-based responsible gambling policies.
6. When and where is the next ICRG conference?
The 27th Annual ICRG Conference on Gambling and Addiction takes place on 27–28 September 2026 at The Venetian Expo, 201 Sands Avenue, Las Vegas. Full registration ran to $395 in advance and $595 on site, with reduced rates for students and treatment providers, and attendees can earn up to 11 continuing education hours.
7. Can researchers apply to the ICRG for funding?
Yes. ICRG runs an annual grants programme covering large multi-year grants, seed grants, dissertation grants and travel grants, with awards ranging from $1,500 up to $437,500. Requests for applications, forms and deadlines are published on ICRG's Apply for ICRG Funding page. Applications are judged by independent peer review panels, and the Scientific Advisory Board makes the final decision.
8. Where can I see what research the ICRG has funded?
ICRG's Funded Research page lists every project grant awarded since 1996, along with research milestones and its Centers of Excellence. In 2025 the organisation awarded 15 project grants worth around $2.25 million. Notable findings are also written up on the ICRG blog under Research Highlights.
References
- American Gaming Association. American Gaming Association. American Gaming Association, https://www.americangaming.org/. Retrieved 12 Nov. 2025.
- American Society on Aging. Alliance for Gambling Education and Treatment. American Society on Aging, https://www.agem.org/. Retrieved 28 Sep. 2025.
- 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.
- Harvard University. Harvard University. President and Fellows of Harvard College, https://www.harvard.edu/. Retrieved 20 Jun. 2025.
- International Center for Responsible Gaming. International Center for Responsible Gaming. International Center for Responsible Gaming, https://www.icrg.org/. Retrieved 15 Jul. 2025.
- International Center for Responsible Gaming. Our Funding. International Center for Responsible Gaming, https://www.icrg.org/information/our-funding/. Retrieved 15 Sept. 2026.
- International Center for Responsible Gaming. Our Mission. International Center for Responsible Gaming, https://www.icrg.org/information/our-mission/. Retrieved 15 Sept. 2026.
- International Center for Responsible Gaming. Research Resources. International Center for Responsible Gaming, https://www.icrg.org/research/resources/. Retrieved 30 Sep. 2025.
- International Center for Responsible Gaming. Get Help. International Center for Responsible Gaming, https://www.icrg.org/information/get-help/. Retrieved 15 Oct. 2025.
- International Center for Responsible Gaming. Apply for ICRG Funding. International Center for Responsible Gaming, n.d., https://www.icrg.org/information/apply-for-icrg-funding/. Accessed 15 Sept. 2026.
- —. Funded Gambling Research Projects. International Center for Responsible Gaming, n.d., https://www.icrg.org/research/funded-research/. Accessed 15 Sept. 2026.
- —. 27th Annual Conference on Gambling & Addiction. International Center for Responsible Gaming, 2026, https://www.icrg.org/event/27th-annual-conference-on-gambling-addiction/. Accessed 15 Sept. 2026.
- —. Upcoming Events. International Center for Responsible Gaming, n.d., https://www.icrg.org/events/. Accessed 15 Sept. 2026.
- —. Webinar: Problem Gambling and Suicidality: An Urgent Public Health Issue. International Center for Responsible Gaming, 2026, https://www.icrg.org/event/webinar-problem-gambling-and-suicidality-an-urgent-public-health-issue/. Accessed 15 Sept. 2026.
- —. Spotlight on ICRG-Funded Research: Rethinking Gambling Harm Through a New Lens: “Gambling Satisfaction”. International Center for Responsible Gaming, 15 May 2026, https://www.icrg.org/blog/rethinking-gambling-harm-through-a-new-lens-gambling-satisfaction/. Accessed 15 Sept. 2026.
- Eventleaf. 27th Annual ICRG Conference on Gambling and Addiction. International Center for Responsible Gaming, 2026, https://www.eventleaf.com/e/CGA2026. Accessed 15 Sept. 2026.
- Behe, Rege. International Center for Responsible Gaming Honors Sally M. Gainsbury, Paulette J. O'Gilvie with Awards. CDC Gaming, 10 Sept. 2026, https://cdcgaming.com/international-center-for-responsible-gaming-honors-sally-m-gainsbury-paulette-j-ogilvie-with-awards/. Accessed 15 Sept. 2026.
- —. AGEM & AGA Golf Classic Raises $185K for International Center for Responsible Gaming. CDC Gaming, 13 July 2026, https://cdcgaming.com/agem-aga-golf-classic-raises-185k-for-international-center-for-responsible-gaming/. Accessed 15 Sept. 2026.
- Massachusetts Gaming Commission. Massachusetts Gaming Commission. Massachusetts Gaming Commission, https://massgaming.com/. Retrieved 22 Jul. 2025.
- 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.
- 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.
- RUSH University. Rush University. Rush University, https://www.rush.edu/. Retrieved 08 Jan. 2026.
