Introduction and Overview: Global Case Studies in Responsible Gaming
Dr. Bo Bernhard
Executive Director, UNLV International Gaming Institute
In this session, Dr. Bernhard will provide an introduction to the course and an overview of global jurisdictions that have recently engaged the responsible gaming issue most actively, including Singapore, Nova Scotia, Norway/Sweden, the United Kingdom, Massachusetts, Nevada, and the emerging policies of Japan.
Responsible Gaming and Technology
Connie Jones
Director of Responsible Gaming, Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers
Ms. Jones will provide an overview of the technological interventions that have been attempted in both the European and Australian markets, with an objective of understanding what has worked and what has not worked – including a focus on educational, prevention, and intervention programs that have been implemented on gaming machines worldwide. Collaboration opportunities include the potential to educate policymakers about the challenges and opportunities associated with technological approaches to responsible gaming.
Field Trip to Nevada Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG)
The Nevada Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) is one of the founding members of the National Council on Problem Gambling, the world’s first national problem gambling program, and the foundation for the Singaporean Council on Problem Gambling. NCPG provides education, prevention, awareness, and training – “everything but treatment” for problem gamblers and their families. Collaboration opportunities include information sharing on educational programs that have proven to work with problem gamblers and their families.
Field Trip to The Problem Gambling Center (Treatment Facility)
This is the facility that has treated more problem gamblers than any other facility in the world, and which currently includes world-class groups for families. The Problem Gambling Center has been so effective its programs have been brought to Sydney, Australia, Seoul, South Korea, Reykjavik, Iceland, and most recently Tokyo, Japan. Attendees will have an opportunity to meet with the treatment staff in a rare and special opportunity to see how this sensitive approach works “from the inside.”
RG Field Trip to Las Vegas Casinos: Case Studies
This session provides a rare behind-the-scenes look at the operations of a Las Vegas casino, with a special emphasis on responsible gambling operations. Dr. Bernhard and local responsible gaming experts will combine forces during this trip to demonstrate the kinds of customized RG programs that the university has co-developed to help problem gamblers on the casino floor. Collaboration opportunities include sharing of best practices and possible co-development of new intervention and conversation strategies.
Field trip to Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB)
For those who are more interested in government and policy approaches, we offer another unique look at how government leaders at the world’s most respected regulatory body handle key policy issues pertaining to problem gamblers. The NGCB is constantly seeking collaborations with government leaders worldwide in an effort to develop better policies for better “safety nets” for problem gamblers and their families.
Problem Gambling and Emerging Issues: Esports, Social Casinos, and Other New Venues
Dr. Brett Abarbanel
Director of Research, UNLV International Gaming Institute
Affiliate Faculty, UCLA Geffen School of Medicine
Dr. Abarbanel is widely recognized as a global expert on the emerging issues associated with problematic play in esports, social casinos, and other new technologies. Not only is she one of the very few experts worldwide who has actually published peer-reviewed research on these topics, Dr. Abarbanel is also a captivating teacher, with a Ph.D. in hospitality management, and with experience advising companies around the world on sound policies and business approaches in this field.
The Canada Model
Dr. Kahlil Philander
Former Director of Responsible Gaming, British Columbia Lottery Corp
Assistant Professor, University of Washington
Dr. Philander is a leading expert in developing a multi-faceted national, provincial, and local approach to responsible gaming in Canada – formerly leading the most progressive jurisdiction in Canada, British Columbia, in its RG efforts. Now a doctor and professor, Dr. Philander is uniquely able to communicate research in a way that intersects with operations. Also a leading economists, Dr. Philander is the world’s top expert in assessing the socio-economic impacts of casinos and has conducted major analyses of problem gambling’s contributions to economic impacts.
Employee Training: The Role of the Gaming Employee
From its founding in 1993, a pillar of International Gaming Institute educational programs has been employee training and education in responsible gaming, and over 25 years we have now worked with more than 50 gaming jurisdictions and hundreds of gaming companies. In an effort that has become a global model, IGI worked closely with the Singaporean government on its RG approaches from the very outset of that jurisdiction’s development, and more recently we provided extensive RG education and research for the new Japan Casino Commission. We regularly provide casino employee education and certification for employees around the world, and can provide references upon request.