NCRG Conference to Focus on Turning Research into Best Practices
Whether you're a clinician, researcher, industry executive or policy official, the National Center for Responsible Gaming's (NCRG) annual conference is a must-attend event for all those concerned with the impact of problem gambling. This year, leading experts will examine the myriad issues involved in translating good research into best practices at the NCRG's 7th Annual Conference on Gambling and Addiction scheduled for Nov. 12-14 at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.
"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 Phil Satre, chairman of the NCRG. "We think now is the time to address these challenges."
Themed Lost in Translation? The Challenge of Turning Good Research into Best Practices, sessions will cover topics such as cross-cultural issues in treating addiction, global approaches to responsible gaming, an analysis of the nation's gambling helpline system, responsible gaming in cyberspace, a debate on the boundaries of industry responsible gaming programs and much more. The conference annually attracts more than 400 leaders from diverse disciplines around the world, all with a stake in developing practical, science-based solutions to address disordered gambling.
In a departure from previous years' event dates, the NCRG conference this year is being held the same week as Global Gaming Expo (G2E), the world's premiere gaming industry trade show and conference event, and the industry's largest source of news, products ideas and information about what is driving the future of gaming. The NCRG hopes to increase exposure for the latest gambling research among G2E's more than 26,000 attendees, as well as heighten interaction between operators and healthcare professionals, fostering a united commitment to work together to combat gambling-related harms through research
and education. G2E is scheduled for Nov. 14-16 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
"The NCRG is committed to creating science-based public education, training and program support for communities, treatment providers and the gaming industry. 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," Satre said.
As in previous years, the NCRG 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 also will be offered to all conference goers.
As part of the 2006 conference, the NCRG also will sponsor its fifth annual Scientific Achievement Awards, which honors outstanding contributions to the study of gambling and gambling-related problems. The NCRG currently is accepting nominations for the Young Investigator Award, which recognizes an individual who has made a significant contribution to the field during the first 10 years of his or her post-doctorate career, and the Senior Investigator Award, which honors an investigator whose body of work has advanced the field of gambling-related research. For submission guidelines, please visit www.ncrg.org. Chairman Phil Satre will honor this year's winners as host of the awards luncheon on November 13.
To register, view a complete program or obtain more information about the NCRG's 7th Annual Conference on Gambling and Addiction, visit www.ncrg.org. Early bird registration specials are available through Oct. 31, 2006.
