National Center for Responsible Gaming is Accepting Nominations for Scientific Achievement Awards

Since 2002, the National Center for Responsible Gaming (NCRG) has hosted an annual "Scientific Achievement Awards" program to formally honor those individuals who have made exceptional scientific contributions to the field of gambling research. The NCRG is an entity which was founded in 1996 with a mission to support peer-reviewed, scientific research into pathological gambling, and provide scientifically-based responsible gaming education and outreach programs to casino communities nationwide.

NCRG funds provide money to researchers from around the globe to increase understanding of pathological gambling and find effective methods of treatment for the disorder. The funds are distributed through the Institute for Research on Pathological Gambling and Related Disorders, a program of the Division on Addictions at Cambridge Health Alliance, a teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School.

The awards program, now in its fourth year, will be held at the seventh annual NCRG Conference on Gambling and Addiction, scheduled Nov. 12-14 at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. This has been timed to coincide with both the annual Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas, and the NCRG's 7th Annual Conference on Gambling and Addiction, thus making it convenient for casino executives from throughout the world to contribute.

"The NCRG is committed to creating science-based public education, training and program support for communities, treatment providers and the gaming industry," said Phil Satre, chairman of the NCRG and former chairman and CEO of Harrah's Entertainment. "By aligning our event with G2E, we hope to foster a more lively exchange of ideas within the field of gambling research and, ultimately, expand the positive impact of this vital research within casino communities not only in the U.S., but around the world."

This year's conference, themed Lost in Translation? The Challenge of Turning Good Research into Best Practices, will call on worldwide members of the healthcare community, academia, the gaming industry and the public sector to come together to focus on the myriad of issues involved in translating good research into best practices, one of the key goals of the NCRG in the coming years. The event is co-sponsored by the Institute for Research on Pathological Gambling and Related Disorders.

"Everyone who has a stake in this industry wants to know if we are ready to take the knowledge we have gained through research, specifically over the past 10 years, and actually use it to create best practices that will help strengthen responsible gaming programs, clinical programs and methodologies, gaming regulations and public policy," said Satre. "We think now is the time to address these challenges."

Session topics will include discussions of cross-cultural issues in treating addiction, global approaches to responsible gaming, an analysis of the nation's gambling helpline system, responsible gaming in cyberspace, new research on a potential genetic link for gambling disorders, a debate on the boundaries of responsible gaming, the risks of junk science to public policy and public health, and much more.

As in previous years, the conference will feature two distinct tracks. The "Scientific and Clinical" track will examine advances in research and treatment, and the "Government and Industry" track will explore practical applications for members of the gaming industry, gaming regulators, attorneys and elected officials. Conference participants will be free to attend sessions from either track, allowing individuals to select the program elements most appropriate to their needs. Plenary sessions focused on broader issues raised by viewing gambling as a public health concern will also be offered to all conference goers.

As part of the 2006 conference, the NCRG will also hold its sixth annual Scientific Achievement Awards program, which honors outstanding contributions to the study of gambling and gambling-related problems. The NCRG will distribute an international request for nominations for these prestigious awards in the near future.

Nomination categories include a "Young Investigator Award," to recognize excellence in scientific contributions in the field of gambling studies by researchers who have received an advanced professional degree within the last 10 years; and a "Senior Investigator Award," to honor investigators whose work has led to important advancements, discoveries or developments in the field of gambling related research. Prizes of up to $5,000 are given exclusively on scientific merits. To view the 2006 Scientific Achievement Awards Request for Nomination form visit www.ncrg.org. Nomination forms must be submitted by September 14th.