ICRG WEBINAR SERIES

The International Center for Responsible Gaming (ICRG) is the world’s preeminent organization dedicated to scientific research on gambling disorder and evidence-based educational programming. The ICRG’s mission is to help individuals and families affected by gambling disorder through the highest quality research and education. Nearly $40 million has been committed to the ICRG through contributions from the casino gaming industry, equipment manufacturers, vendors, related organizations, and individuals.

Brain Connections: Start Talking With Visitors About Gambling and the Brain

April 28, 2022 1:30 PM EDT
Speakers: Dr. Iris Balodis, PhD; Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences; Associate Director, Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research; McMaster University
Deirdre Querney, MSW, Registered Social Worker, City of Hamilton’s Alcohol, Drug & Gambling Services

"I can’t stop gambling…every time I lose, I keep coming back…why?” “It’s not fun anymore, so why do I feel like I need to gamble?” “When the casinos were closed during the pandemic, why did I switch addictions?” “How do features of a slot machine affect my brain? “Why does my brother keep gambling even when he’s lost everything?”
As someone who works with people who gamble – either as a clinician, RG specialist, or operator, how do you respond when you are asked these questions?
This session will describe Brain Connections – tools you can use to educate the public about the brain and gambling. Brain Connections (www.brainconnections.ca) was developed as a partnership between problem gambling researchers and clinicians. This knowledge translation project features educational tools for the public that are designed to assist you in answering frequently asked questions about the brain, gambling and how problems might develop.