Ontario funds new problem gambling research

NEWS RELEASE - ONTARIO PROBLEM GAMBLING RESEARCH CENTRE

*********************** New research into problem gambling Projects target new medication, older rural adults, youth

GUELPH, ON, Jan. 5 - The Ontario Problem Gambling Research Centre (OPGRC) today announced research awards examining such issues as the link between problem gambling and criminal behaviour.

Eight studies were recommended for funding by an international panel of scientific reviewers. Since the research centre was created in June 2000, Ontario has opened three new casinos, seven racetrack slot operations, and added 700 more slots to existing venues.

Over this period, revenues from charity casinos and racetrack slots have more than doubled from $850 million (2000-01) to $1.8 billion (2003-04).

No mental health issue can be as directly attributed to government action as problem gambling.

In recognition of this special onus, the Ontario government committed to spending 2% of these revenues for research, prevention, and treatment. Dr. Ron Frisch, Chair of the OPGRC board, points to alarming statistics.

"There are more than 340,000 problem gamblers in Ontario and they account for 35 percent of gambling revenues. These people suffer a range of consequences including, in severe cases, suicide. Research into the causes and solutions for problem gambling is more important than ever," says Frisch.

The eight projects

1) The dopamine system is the brain's reward centre. Modafinil is a medication that indirectly increases dopamine levels and is thought to target two main risk factors of problem gambling: high impulsivity and boredom proneness. In this preclinical investigation Dr. Martin Zack of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health will assess the medication's ability to help problem gamblers regain control over their gambling.

2) Dr. Michael J. Wohl of Carleton University will investigate the factors and characteristics that render young adults vulnerable to problem gambling. Wohl will explore the stimulating and reinforcing effects of gambling environments, and the effect on neuroendocrine levels of the anticipation associated with placing bets. These factors may contribute to strong urges to gamble despite negative consequences, and the corresponding reluctance to seek treatment.

3) Of 24 casinos and racetrack slots in Ontario, 21 are located in small or rural communities, where there are fewer entertainment options and fewer social supports. Drs. Joan Norris and Joseph Tindale of the University of Guelph will create a detailed profile of older adult gamblers in smaller Ontario communities. Data will be collected via interviews with selected leaders and surveys of older residents in order to assess the intergenerational family climate of problem gambling, the attitudes, practices, family patterns and risk status within this population.

4) Dr. Tony Toneatto of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health will examine problem gamblers who participate in lotteries, video poker, race-track betting, slot machines, card-playing, bingo, and sports betting in order to develop unique gambling profiles for each type of game. This research will evaluate whether current diagnostic criteria adequately describe problem gamblers by type of game, and will begin the process of refining "one-size-fits-all" approaches to gambling treatment and prevention.

5) Dr. James D. A. Parker of Trent University will explore whether existing mental health problems predispose youth to problem gambling. A clinical population of adolescent outpatients (with current diagnosis of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or mood disorders) will be used to examine whether problem gambling and substance abuse are higher in the clinical sample than in community-based samples; whether specific clinical groups are more at risk for problem gambling than others; and whether emotional, social, and cognitive factors predict problem gambling and substance abuse.

6) Dr. Peter Ferentzy of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health will evaluate variations in recovery approaches within Gamblers Anonymous GA). The findings will provide a more complete understanding of the processes and mechanisms by which problem gamblers utilize this non-professional association to assist their recovery, and will be of particular benefit to treatment providers and referral resources.

7) Dr. Sherry Stewart of Dalhousie University and Dr. Anne-Marie Wall of York University will examine a sample of university student gamblers to determine whether their conscious or subconscious expectations of gambling effects on emotions (tension-reduction or excitement) vary in line with their current mood and motivation for gambling. In addition, this study will address whether these expectations help explain relations between the gamblers' current mood and gambling motivation, with their gambling craving and intentions to gamble.

8) Dr. Nigel Turner of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health will explore problem gambling among new federal offenders. Information on criminal history, gambling practices, and psychological health will be obtained in order to assess levels of gambling problems and thereby shed more light on the links between problem gambling and crime.

Research proposals to OPGRC are reviewed by scientific peers from around the world, including leading investigators in the fields of genetics, psychiatry and psychology, sociology, economics, law and neuroscience. OPGRC places emphasis on attracting strong researchers to the field.

Over the past four years, approximately 30 scientists, highly credentialed in other fields of endeavour, have undertaken problem gambling research.

This migration has helped Ontario become a leader in the search for answers to critical questions about the impact of gambling on society and how to respond effectively.

************************