(PRESS RELEASE) -- The fifth annual National Center for Responsible Gaming (NCRG) Conference on Gambling and Addiction will bring together leading researchers, clinicians, policy officials and gaming industry representatives to explore new findings that could change the way we identify, treat and assist individuals with addictive disorders and could help guide the industry and public policy officials in developing more effective responsible gaming programs. The event will also feature a comprehensive examination of international responsible gaming issues from the public policy, industry, legal and scientific perspectives.
WHAT: "Gambling and Addiction: Shared Causes, Managing Consequences," co-sponsored by the NCRG and the Institute for Research on Pathological Gambling and Related Disorders, a program of Harvard Medical School's Division on Addictions.
Highlights of the conference include discussion of:
• Relationship among all addictive disorders
• Health risks for casino employees
• Problem gambling issues among Native American communities
• Regulating gaming and its potential health consequences in a global economy
• Addiction in an age of terrorism and social stress
• The effectiveness of public awareness campaigns on responsible gaming
• Cognitive-behavior therapy for gambling disorders
WHO: Participants include more than 300 leaders representing the scientific, treatment, public health, public policy and industry sectors. Featured speakers include:
• Peter Dean, chairman, Gaming Board of Great Britain
• Dennis Eckart, chairman, NCRG
• Timothy Hinkley, president and chief operating officer, Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc.
• The Hon. Lana Oleen, majority leader, Kansas Senate
• Howard Shaffer, director, Division on Addictions, Harvard Medical School
• Nelson Westrin, vice chairman, National Indian Gaming Commission
WHERE: MGM Grand Hotel and Casino
Conference Center (third floor)
3799 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Las Vegas
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 5 – Tuesday, Dec. 7