Arising from a larger study into workplace influences on gambling amongst employees who work in hotels, clubs, and casinos in Queensland, Australia, this paper presents six case studies of staff with gambling problems. All six developed their gambling problems while working in gaming venues. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and analysed thematically to reveal several ways in which the work environment in gaming venues influences the gambling behaviour of these staff. For these employees, the attraction of gambling is reportedly enhanced by close interaction with gamblers, frequent exposure to gambling, the influence of fellow employees, the influence of management, workplace stress, hours of work, and frequent exposure to gambling marketing and promotions. Responsible gambling training and other venue-based responsible gambling measures did not protect these staff from gambling problems. An understanding of these workplace influences on problem gambling can inform identification of appropriate interventions.

The Institute for Research on Pathological Gambling and Related Disorders coordinates a poster session at the annual NCRG Conference on Gambling and Addiction. The poster session, scheduled for 6:15 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008, is an opportunity for investigators to report their empirical research about gambling and gambling disorders, and discuss it with conference attendees. We especially encourage young investigators to submit poster proposals.

Posters should report on empirical research that examines topics related to this year’s conference: diagnosis of pathological gambling and DSM issues; public health policy on gambling; screening and brief interventions; treatment outcome research; Stages of Change theory; the impact of technology on gambling addiction; pharmacological management of gambling and substance use disorders; the social, economic and cultural impact of gambling; gambling and other risky behaviors among youth; responsible gaming programs; and culturally competent resources for ethnic minorities.

Deadline for submissions is September 2nd, 2008.

The National Center for Responsible Gaming (NCRG) is pleased to invite nominations for the 2008 Scientific Achievement Awards that annually recognize outstanding contributions to the field of gambling studies. The Young Investigator Award recognizes excellence in scientific contributions by a researcher whose advanced academic or professional degree (Ph.D., M.D. or other terminal degree) was received no earlier than 1998. The Senior Investigator Award honors an individual whose body of work has advanced the field of gambling-related research. The awards will be presented during the 9th Annual NCRG Conference on Gambling and Addiction, November 16-18, 2008.

Deadline for nominations is September 8th, 2008.

The Institute for Research on Pathological Gambling and Related Disorders is pleased to announce the availability of Incentive Grants of up to $25,000 per year for two years in support of new investigators focused on research on gambling and gambling-related problems. Investigators who have a terminal degree (e.g., Ph.D., M.D., M.P.H., J.D.) and who have no more than 10 years of post-graduate research training experience at the time of the application receipt date are eligible to apply for an Incentive Grant.

Deadline for applications is November 3rd, 2008.

The Institute for the Study of Gambling and Commercial Gaming, College of Business, at the University of Nevada, Reno is sponsoring the 14th International Conference on Gambling and Risk-Taking. The conference will take place May 25-29, 2009, at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe in Stateline, Nevada.

The primary objectives of the conference are to contribute to the base of scientific knowledge about gambling in all its dimensions, to stimulate further research, and to facilitate discussion and dialogue about gambling and commercial gaming as it has developed and continues to evolve throughout the world.

Individuals and organizations are invited to submit papers for presentation at the Conference. Submissions are invited on any topics related to gambling as well as industry studies covering casinos, lotteries, horse racing, Internet gambling, pari-mutuel wagering, etc. For specific topic categories, please see the Institute’s website at www.unr.edu/gaming

Deadline for submissions is January 15th, 2009.

Nadine Kauffman
Manager, Information Services
Responsible Gambling Council
www.responsiblegambling.org

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