Conference Program At-A-Glance
Download the full conference brochure.
All events will be held at Mandalay Bay Convention Center, unless otherwise noted.
Sunday, November 14
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Registration Open
10 a.m. – Noon
PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS
Limited Space, Separate Registration Required
Workshop for Young Investigators
Leaders: Linda B. Cottler, Ph.D., M.P.H., Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis
Catherine W. Striley, M.S.W., A.C.S.W., L.C.S.W., Ph.D., M.P.E., Washington University
School of Medicine in St. Louis
The NCRG and the Institute for Research on Gambling Disorders have long been committed to fostering future generations of gambling researchers. Dr. Linda Cottler, chair of the Institute’s Scientific Advisory Board, and Dr. Catherine Striley will provide young investigators with advice for career development – from improving grant applications and paper writing to working with mentors and making the most of those relationships. Young investigators are encouraged to share their project ideas during this group discussion.
The workshop is complimentary, but registration is required.
Workshop: Motivational Interviewing for Clients with Gambling Problems (2 CEUs)
Leader: David C. Hodgins, Ph.D., University of Calgary
Motivational Interviewing (MI) has been shown to be highly effective when used as a treatment option for a variety of mental health problems, including addiction. Dr. David Hodgins, a gambling researcher and a clinical psychologist, will share his latest research on the effectiveness of MI for clients with gambling problems and discuss ways in which clinicians can incorporate MI into their treatment planning.
This workshop is intended for health care providers in clinical practice. Pre-registration and an additional fee are required.
Noon
Brown Bag Networking Luncheon for Pre-Conference Workshop Attendees
Complimentary with Pre-Conference Registration
1 – 2:15 p.m.
PLENARY SESSION
Welcome
Speaker: Glenn Christenson, National Center for Responsible Gaming
Challenges and Opportunities for Addiction Research: NIDA Perspectives (1 CEU)
Speaker: Wilson Compton, M.D., M.P.E., National Institute on Drug Abuse
The many commonalities between gambling disorders and substance-based addictions have driven research on and treatment of pathological gambling. Dr. Wilson Compton, director of the Division of Epidemiology, Services and Prevention Research at the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), will report on the cutting-edge advances in addiction research, how they might impact disordered gambling research and the challenges confronting all researchers in this field.
2:15 – 3:15 p.m.
PLENARY SESSION
Gambling and Diverse Populations: Issues in Prevalence, Treatment and Responsible Gaming (1 CEU)
Speakers: Carlos Blanco, M.D., Ph.D., Columbia University
Brendan Bussmann, Las Vegas Sands Corporation
Renee M. Cunningham-Williams, Ph.D., M.P.E., L.C.S.W., Washington University in St. Louis
Increasing minority populations in the U.S. and the globalization of casino gaming are trends that pose new questions and challenges regarding the prevention and treatment of gambling disorders. This session will examine important questions such as: Do minorities have more gambling problems than the general population? Are standard instruments for the screening and diagnosis of gambling disorders culturally biased, rendering them invalid for use with minority populations? How do U.S. companies translate responsible gaming strategies into culturally relevant programs for international markets?
3:15 – 3:45 p.m.
Refreshment Break
3:45 – 4:45 p.m.
PLENARY SESSION
HealthStreet: An Innovative Strategy for Involving Under-served Populations in Research on Gambling and Other Disorders (1 CEU)
Speaker: Linda B. Cottler, Ph.D., M.P.H., Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis
While there are 80,000 health studies conducted annually in the U.S., only 1 percent of the total population participates in these studies. The result is a wide variety of underrepresented populations, including the elderly, minorities and women. Also underrepresented in these studies are individuals who are not undergoing treatment, persons with mental health problems and individuals with addiction. This session will examine HealthStreet, an innovative community-based project in St. Louis, Mo., designed to enhance recruitment of these populations into research studies and assist with referrals to medical services. The discussion also will include a report about data on gambling behaviors in these neighborhoods.
4:45 – 5:45 p.m.
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Toward a Treatment Standard for Pathological Gambling: Behavioral and Pharmacological Approaches (1 CEU)
Speakers: Jon E. Grant, J.D., M.D., M.P.H., University of Minnesota
David C. Hodgins, Ph.D., University of Calgary
The search for an effective treatment for disordered gambling is focused on two primary areas – behavioral strategies and drug treatments. This session will update clinicians and other health care providers on the latest developments in treatment outcome research and the implications for current practice.
Reducing Gambling-related Harms Among College Students and Other Young Adults (1 CEU)
Speakers: Carlos Blanco, M.D., Ph.D., Columbia University
Christine Reilly, Institute for Research on Gambling Disorders
The field has yet to develop evidence-based prevention strategies to reduce gambling-related harms among college students and young adults. This session will provide a research update on gambling behaviors among this age group and explore what we can learn from college alcohol programs and other types of prevention programs. For example, as recommended by the Task Force on College Gambling Policies, colleges and universities can forge ties with local area casinos and other gaming operators to ensure the enforcement of age restrictions on gambling and drinking, and support the implementation of other measures aimed at reducing gambling problems among students. This session will provide guidelines for developing such initiatives.
The Wellbriety Movement: Drawing on Native American Traditions to Heal from Addiction
Speaker: Don Coyhis, White Bison, Inc.
“Wellbriety,” developed by the White Bison organization, means to have come through recovery from addiction and to live the healthy parts of the principles, laws and values of traditional Native American culture. Through White Bison, its co-founder and president, Don Coyhis, Mohican Nation, has offered healing resources to Native America since 1988. In this session he will explain the development of Wellbriety and why traditional culture plays such a vital role in recovery for Native Americans.
5:45 – 6:45 p.m.
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Improving Access to and Retention in Treatment: The NIAtx Program in Iowa (1 CEU)
Speakers: Mark Vander Linden, M.S.W., Iowa Department of Public Health
Janet Zwick, Prairielands A.T.T.C.
Research shows that the vast majority of people struggling with addiction do not seek formal treatment. NIAtx is a pioneering national project that works with behavioral health organizations across the country to help providers improve access to treatment and retention in treatment for all of their clients. Mark Vander Linden and Janet Zwick will report on how NIAtx is working to improve the Iowa Gambling Treatment Program and how treatment providers can become involved with the NIAtx project.
The Ohio Case Study: How to Develop Responsible Gaming Programs and Policies in an Emerging Jurisdiction
Speaker: Dennis E. Eckart, North Shore Associates
Ohio recently approved casino gambling in four cities. This session will offer an instructive case study on how gaming operators, regulators, health care providers and other stakeholders in a new jurisdiction can work together from the beginning to promote responsible gaming and address gambling-related harms.
Ethical Issues in Studying Minorities and Indigenous Peoples (1 CEU)
Speakers: Eileen Luna-Firebaugh, J.D., M.P.A., University of Arizona
Kate Spilde, Ph.D., M.B.A., San Diego State University
Although there is a dire need for more research on gambling and gambling disorders among minorities and indigenous peoples, standard research methodologies and practices do not always address the specific challenges and questions that emerge when exploring the broad range of cultural identities represented in today’s societies. This session will explore the ethical issues raised by the need for culturally relevant measurement instruments, informed consent, data gathering and other issues confronting researchers focused on these populations.
7 – 8 p.m.
Poster Session and Reception
Monday, November 15
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Registration Open
8:30 – 9:30 a.m.
Networking Breakfast
9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
PLENARY SESSION
Addiction to Drugs, Food, Gambling, Sex and Technology: Shared Causal Mechanisms (1 CEU)
Speaker: Mark S. Gold, M.D., University of Florida College of Medicine
Mounting evidence continues to reveal the commonalities between behavioral disorders and substance-use disorders. The American Psychiatric Association’s recent proposal to move pathological gambling from the Impulse-Control Disorders category to a new classification called Addiction and Related Disorders in the next edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) is a significant practical outcome of the body of research on this subject. Understanding the rationale behind this decision requires an exploration of research on the neurobiology of addiction. Dr. Mark Gold, whose research has been seminal in reshaping the understanding of addiction, will explore the common causes of addiction to drugs, food, gambling and other behaviors.
10:30 – 11 a.m.
Refreshment Break
11 a.m. – Noon
PLENARY SESSION
Rethinking Pathological Gambling: Proposed Changes for DSM-V (1 CEU)
Speakers: Charles P. O’Brien, M.D., Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania
Marc N. Potenza, M.D., Ph.D., Yale University
The American Psychiatric Association has proposed several changes to the diagnosis of pathological gambling in the next edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V). These changes include reclassifying disordered gambling within a new Addiction and Related Disorders category and eliminating the criterion about “illegal acts” in the current diagnostic code. Dr. Charles O’Brien, a member of the DSM-V Task Force and chair of the Substance-Related Disorders Work Group, will discuss the rationale for these changes, and Dr. Marc Potenza, a researcher focused on both gambling and substance-use disorders, will address the implications of these changes for research and public health.
12:15 – 2 p.m.
NCRG Scientific Achievement Award Luncheon
2:15 – 3:15 p.m.
PLENARY SESSION
Conceptualizing Problem Gambling: Cautionary Lessons from the Over-pathologization of Depression and Substance Use (1 CEU)
Speaker: Jerome C. Wakefi eld, D.S.W., Ph.D., New York University School of Medicine
The proposed changes to the definition of pathological gambling in the DSM-V have ignited a lively debate among scientists, clinicians and the public. Dr. Wakefield, whose work raises the question of how to distinguish between a medical/psychiatric disorder and normal behaviors that are eccentric, unconventional or a normal response to distress, has critiqued the DSM criteria for failing to adequately draw this distinction. In this session, he offers a counterpoint to the proposed changes for DSM-V by warning of the conceptual problems and practical implications of the proposed revisions to the diagnosis of pathological gambling.
3:15 – 4:15 p.m.
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
DSM-V Discussion Groups 1 CEU
Attendees will have the opportunity to discuss and debate the conference presentations on DSM-V with small groups of fellow attendees in their shared professional areas.
Research Group
Leader: Ken C. Winters, Ph.D., University of Minnesota
Clinical Practice Group
Leaders: Jon E. Grant, J.D., M.D., M.P.H., University of Minnesota
Marc N. Potenza, M.D., Ph.D., Yale University
Public Policy and Responsible Gaming Group
Leader: Judy Patterson, American Gaming Association
4:15 – 4:30 p.m.
Refreshment Break
4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
PLENARY SESSION
Town Hall Meeting on DSM-V (1 CEU)
Moderator: Philip G. Satre, International Game Technology and NV Energy, Inc.
Join the debate on DSM-V! A panel representing diverse viewpoints will begin the session with insights on the proposed changes to the definition of pathological gambling. After the panel discussion, we’ll open the floor to hear what attendees think of this developing topic.
Tuesday, November 16
All sessions will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
9:15 – 10:15 a.m.
NCRG at G2E
Internet Gambling and Responsible Gaming: What the Research Shows (1 CEU)
Speakers: Jeff Derevensky, Ph.D., McGill University
Richard A. LaBrie, Ed.D., Harvard Medical School
Many fear that Internet gambling poses unique health risks to young people and individuals already potentially vulnerable to gambling problems. But does scientific research validate these concerns? The panel will discuss what research has uncovered about online gambling and suggest ways to translate responsible gaming initiatives for cyberspace.
10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
G2E Opening Day Keynote
Geoffrey Colvin
Senior Editor-at-Large, FORTUNE Magazine
11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
NCRG at G2E
Raising Awareness: Making the Most of Responsible Gaming Education Weeks
Speakers: Wes Ehrecke, Iowa Gaming Association
Kelly Skindzelewski, Potawatomi Bingo Casino
Holly Wetzel, American Gaming Association
Responsible Gaming Education Week, sponsored every August by the American Gaming Association, is a great opportunity for gaming operators and related businesses to promote their efforts to keep gambling a fun and safe experience. This session will brainstorm creative and cost-effective ways for operators and other organizations to make the most out of Responsible Gaming Education Week and other awareness events.
2 – 3 p.m.
NCRG at G2E
Researching Responsible Gaming Strategies: Evaluating Self-Exclusion (1 CEU)
Speakers: Kevin Mullally, J.D., Gaming Laboratories International
Sarah Nelson, Ph.D., Harvard Medical School
Allowing customers to exclude themselves from gambling at brick-and-mortar casinos and Internet sites has become a prevalent responsible gaming strategy. But is self-exclusion truly a safe and effective intervention for people concerned about their excessive gambling? Dr. Sarah Nelson will offer a unique perspective as one of the few researchers to have published scientific studies evaluating self-exclusion/self-limit programs at both land-based casinos and an online gambling site. Kevin Mullally, former executive director of the Missouri Gaming Commission, will share his expertise and outlook as one of the creators of the first self-exclusion program in the U.S.
3 p.m.
G2E Show Floor Tour
Register On-Site in November