INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR RESPONSIBLE GAMING

March 21,  2:00 PM EST

Speakers: Debi LaPlante, PhD, Cambridge Health Alliance and Harvard Medical School
Heather Gray, PhD, Cambridge Health Alliance and Harvard Medical School
Mike Sciandra, Education and Outreach Coordinator, Choices Treatment Center

Gambling disorder leads to financial, emotional, social, occupational, and physical harms, yet many cases of gambling disorder go undetected, due to limited assessment for this problem. Screening Day, sponsored by the Division on Addiction and scheduled for March 12, 2024, addresses the imperative to detect gambling-related problems as early as possible. Drs. LaPlante and Gray will explore all of the issues involved in screening for a gambling problem and the many ways that stakeholders can expand screening for this disorder.

Apr 25, 2:00 PM EST

Speaker: Martina Whelshula, PhD 

Dr. Whelshula has worked extensively with Native American communities nationwide on local and national policy development, education and behavioral health. Her most recent work is the development of an integrative cultural healing model to address trauma, mental health, and substance use disorders for tribes. She is a citizen of the Arrow Lakes Nation of the Colville Indian Reservation in Washington state.

May 15, 2:00 PM EST

Speaker: Sarah Nelson, PhD, Division on Addiction, Cambridge Health Alliance and Harvard Medical School

Responsible gambling (RG) algorithms appear to have become more complex and nuanced over time, with “AI” and “machine learning” serving as buzz words to signal their legitimacy. However, no matter how complex our models, they are only as valid as the data and outcomes upon which they are built and validated. This talk entreats the audience to return to basics and consider both the building blocks and pitfalls of RG algorithms. The talk will touch on the outcomes used to validate and evaluate these algorithms, how we distinguish involvement from risk for problems, potential algorithmic biases, and the proper use of algorithms within a larger RG system. 

June 20, 2:00 PM EST

Speaker: Bonnie Lee, PhD, University of Lethbridge

Identifying mechanisms of change in psychotherapeutic treatment models has significant implications for addictive disorders. Dr. Lee will discuss her research showing that Congruence Couple Therapy can have better outcomes than individual-based therapies for clients with gambling problems.

February 22, 2:00 PM EST

Speaker: Luke Clark, PhD, University of British Columbia

In video games, a loot box is a consumable virtual item which can be redeemed. Studies have shown a link between loot box engagement and gambling problems. However, the causal connections are unknown. Dr. Clark will report on his longitudinal research that traced the migration from video games to gambling.