The International Center for Responsible Gaming (ICRG) is funding several new research projects in 2025 aimed at improving gambling safety and player well-being. These initiatives, supported by industry partners including Bally’s, MGM Resorts, DraftKings, FanDuel, and others, explore a range of topics—from the influence of AI in gambling prevention to the mental health risks faced by young bettors.
Community-Designed Messaging and AI Tools Take Center Stage
One major study, led by Seth McCullock of Cambridge Health Alliance and backed by Bally’s Corporation, received $435,087 to co-create responsible gambling messages with the input of gamblers and public health experts. “We don’t really understand what makes positive responsible gaming messages that resonate with people,” said ICRG’s director of research and education, Travis Sztainert.
A separate $187,874 grant, awarded to Daniel McGrath at the University of Calgary, is focused on harnessing AI to create adaptive responsible gambling tools. With support from MGM Resorts, the project will explore AI’s potential to personalize interventions and detect at-risk behaviors. “Can we use AI to create this next generation of responsible gambling tools, intervention, and messaging?” Sztainert asked.
Understanding Young Adults’ Risks and Behaviors
Several studies target gambling among emerging adults. Andrew Hyounsoon Kim at Toronto Metropolitan University is leading research into the links between gambling, addiction, and mental health disorders in 18–25-year-olds, funded with $186,578. His study will look at whether gambling precedes or results from other conditions, with an emphasis on sex and gender differences.
Another project, by Scott Graupensperger of the University of Washington, is investigating how problem gambling affects mental health and alcohol use in young adults. Bally’s funded the $172,273 study, which found strong links between gambling and anxiety, stress, and loneliness. It also noted that same-day gambling and drinking pose especially high risks. “These studies underscore the industry’s role in promoting responsible gambling, particularly for young adults at a vulnerable developmental stage,” Sztainert said.
Exploring Financial Impact and Behavioral Cues
Paul Sacco of the University of Maryland is conducting a $46,000 study to assess how legal sports betting may influence bankruptcy trends. Using data from states that have and haven’t legalized betting, the study seeks to pinpoint any financial fallout from expanded gambling access.
Meanwhile, Swansea University’s Martyn Quigley is researching how environmental cues, such as flashing slot machine lights or gambling-related imagery, affect player behavior. The $44,936 study—funded by DraftKings —uses online experiments to measure behavioral responses and severity of gambling.
Pushing for Better Tools and Broader Insights
Michael Wohl’s $171,924 study, funded by Global Payments, builds on previous findings that “hard-lock” gambling limits are more effective than soft ones. He’s now examining how to incentivize players to use these tools more frequently. “What we find is, even though people are aware of them, hardly anyone uses them,” Sztainert noted.
Another major project, led by Lia Nower at Rutgers and funded by FanDuel and Hard Rock Entertainment, received $391,497 to analyze modern and historical risk factors for gambling among young adults. The goal is to guide prevention, policy, and treatment strategies.
Source:
“ICRG studies funded in 2025 seek to improve player safety”, icrg.org, Jun 15, 2025
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