Problem Gambling Pioneer
Robert Ladouceur, Ph.D., professor of psychology at Laval University in Quebec City, first decided 25 years ago to focus on disordered gambling research, because, at the time, none existed. Since then, he has become a trailblazer in the field, publishing more than 100 journal articles and influencing gambling treatment methods as well as industrywide standards governing responsible gaming.
Working in private practice as a psychiatrist specializing in anxiety disorders and cognitive behavior therapy, Ladouceur was approached in 1979 by the government of Quebec to review current research on the psychology of gambling and submit recommendations for legalizing casino gambling in the province. While Ladouceur knew little about the subject, it intrigued him because he had been treating a patient with a gambling disorder. At the conclusion of his exhaustive investigation, Ladouceur made a series of recommendations, but one in particular provided the impetus for his transition to gambling studies. He proposed that with so little known about the psychology of gambling, the government should stimulate empirical research on this subject.
"So then, I decided that I would put on that hat," Ladouceur simply stated.
And from there, he has grown to become one of the world's premier scientists studying pathological gambling and devising innovative treatments based on that research.
A significant amount of Ladouceur's work during the past few decades has centered on cognitive distortion and erroneous perceptions underlying problem gambling. From his research, he discovered that gamblers - specifically problem gamblers - are more likely to base their gambling activity on misperceived probabilities while involved in the behavior than when they are outside the gambling environment. These findings have led to the development of treatment methods widely used among problem gambling treatment professionals and clinicians that target, challenge and modify these false perceptions about chance and the odds of winning. According to Ladouceur, this approach is one of a handful of treatments developed for pathological gamblers, and, more importantly, it is one that has been "empirically validated."
Ladouceur is equally influential within the gaming industry. A key concern of gaming companies - especially casino businesses - is promoting responsible gambling behavior among patrons and employees, and Ladouceur's ongoing research on the subject continues to redefine the concept of responsible gaming to improve industrywide practices.
"Responsible gaming isn't about taking a moral stance; there are political risks involved in product abuse," he said. "The industry needs to be aware of how it can effectively reduce that abuse."
As for the future, Ladouceur foresees a complete overhaul of the concept of problem gambling - how it's defined, documented and measured. Ladouceur also is working toward disordered gambling treatment alternatives to total abstinence.
Ladouceur has been honored for his research and efforts to improve understanding of disordered gambling as well. In 1996, the National Council on Problem Gambling presented him with its Research Award, and last year, Ladouceur received the Senior Research Award from the National Center for Responsible Gaming (NCRG).
One of the first NCRG grant recipients, Ladouceur currently serves on the Program Advisory Board of The Institute for Research on Pathological Gambling and Related Disorders at Harvard Medical School's Division on Addictions.
