The International Center for Responsible Gaming (ICRG), originally founded as the National Center for Responsible Gambling (NCRG) in 1996, is a U.S.-based non-profit organization. Initially supported by the American Gaming Association, the ICRG now operates independently as a tax-exempt entity. The center’s mission is to fund research on gambling addiction, develop effective solutions for problem gamblers, and provide valuable resources for stakeholders such as treatment providers and the gaming industry.
ICRG focuses on aiding individuals facing gambling challenges by primarily funding scientific research on pathological and youth gambling. The goal is to leverage recent research findings to improve prevention, diagnosis, intervention, and treatment methods. In 2020, the organization rebranded as the International Center for Responsible Gaming to better reflect its expanding global influence.
Established in 2000, the Institute for Research on Pathological Gambling and Related Disorders (IRPGRD) operates under the auspices of the International Council on Gambling (formerly the National Council on Gambling). Throughout its history, the ICRG has received nearly forty million dollars in funding. Prior to 2008, casino-funded financial support for the Independent Research Program on Gambling and Related Disorders (IRPGRD) was coordinated by the NCRG. Although concerns have been raised about the independence of the IRPGRD’s research, Christine Reilly, the executive director, assures that the institute’s contracts guarantee freedom from industry influence.
Despite claims of impartiality by NCRG founders, doubts persist regarding the alignment of research outcomes with casino interests. These concerns highlight ongoing debates about the extent to which casinos benefit from gambling addiction, despite the lack of evidence for biased research results. The primary aim of the ICRG is to transform empirical research findings into evidence-based programs that effectively mitigate the adverse effects of gambling.
Who Leads the ICRG? A Look at the Board of Directors
The ICRG is governed by a board comprising seventeen members and five officers, representing a diverse mix of individuals from the gaming industry, public health authorities, and regulatory communities. Key figures on the board include:
- Mark Lipparelli, Chairman, founder of Gioco Ventures LLC and former chairman of the Nevada Gaming Control Board.
- Alan M. Feldman, Chair Emeritus, Distinguished Fellow in Responsible Gaming at the UNLV International Gaming Institute.
- Arthur Paikowsky, President, International Center for Responsible Gaming.
- Phil Satre, President Emeritus, Non-Executive Chairman of the Board at Wynn.
- Christine Reilly, Secretary and Treasurer, Senior Research Director at the International Center for Responsible Gaming.
Several new members joined the board in 2022, including:
- Bill Miller, the President and CEO of the American Gaming Association (AGA)
- Michael Soll, the President of The Innovation Group
- Daron Dorsey, the Executive Director of the Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM)
- Steven B. Crystal, the Chairman and President of Automated Cashless Systems, Inc.
- Barry Finestone, the President and CEO of the Jim Joseph Foundation
- Scott Seligman, a real estate investor and businessman
Raising Awareness and Providing Solutions: The ICRG’s Resource Library
The Inter-American Commission on Gambling (ICRG) offers tools to improve public awareness about gambling problems and supports a variety of activities in the field of gambling research. There are many different types of stakeholders who may benefit from these materials. Some of these stakeholders include people who have gambling addictions, treatment experts, the gaming business, and other organizations. By means of lectures, seminars, and news updates, the resources provide information on a variety of themes, including responsible gaming and gambling problems.
Educational Programs Offered by the ICRG
Public educational programs offered by the ICRG include:
Collegegambling.org – A website addressing gaming concerns on American college campuses that provides free information for students, parents, campus officials, and student health specialists.
Emerge – The curriculum for Executive, Management, and Employee Responsible gambling Education offers those in the gambling sector scientifically grounded training.
Talking with Children About Gambling – This project offers research-based recommendations to assist parents and youth workers in preventing gambling among their children and in identifying warning indicators of possible gambling issues and other dangerous behaviors.
Bringing together clinicians, public officials, industry representatives, researchers, and other stakeholders to address gambling disorder research and responsible gaming is the International Council on Gambling and Addiction (ICRG) Conference on Gambling and Addiction. ICRG Webinar Series – An instructional series provided all year long to improve knowledge of important topics pertaining to responsible gaming and gambling.
Conclusion
Since its establishment as the National Center for Responsible Gambling (NCRG) in 1996, ICRG has been pivotal in funding scientific research, supporting initiatives for responsible gaming, and providing educational resources worldwide. Through collaborations with industry leaders, public health experts, and regulatory bodies, ICRG continues to promote evidence-based strategies aimed at preventing and treating gambling disorders. By raising awareness and offering comprehensive educational programs, ICRG strives to mitigate the negative impact of gambling while fostering a safer and more responsible gaming environment for all.