Why does the NCRG study gambling disorders?
Prior to the establishment of NCRG, the field of gambling research was undeveloped and lacked a substantial number of peer-reviewed studies, due in part to the lack of research funds. Many studies were methodologically flawed. The lack of a knowledge base about gambling disorders stunted the development of effective prevention and treatment strategies. When the American Gaming Association initiated conversations with researchers, health care providers and community organizations about how the member companies could make a difference, the unanimous response was to fund scientific research that would advance understanding of the disorder and provide empirical support for strategies to help the men, women and youth who suffer from gambling disorders. Consequently, the NCRG was established in 1996, making available an unprecedented amount of money for high quality research. Since the beginning, the gaming industry and related companies have committed more than $22 million to NCRG. These fu
