The ICRG will invite scientists from around the world to apply for funding to help with their research projects into gambling and what can be done to better protect players.
The organisation will also sponsor programming to extend the research findings of projects beyond academia and provide guidelines to the gambling industry for effective responsible strategies.
In addition, the Bally’s donation will help fund several programs designed to educate treatment providers, responsible gambling professionals, regulators and public policymakers about gambling disorder and responsible gambling.
Founded in 1996, the ICRG has become a prominent funding source in problem gambling research, yielding hundreds of articles published in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
Projects currently in process include an evaluation of self-imposed limits on time and money spent gambling, as well as the national impact of sports wagering in the US.
“With this grant, Bally’s has taken a giant stride toward understanding the health risks of young adult gamblers and improving the effectiveness of existing responsible gambling tools,” ICRG president Arthur Paikowsky said. “The ICRG salutes Bally’s for making such a huge impact on the field of gambling studies.”
Bally’s president of interactive Robeson Reeves added: “We take seriously our responsibility to educate the public, including young adult gamblers, and our employees about responsible gaming, Bally’s is committed to this work.
“We look forward to working with the ICRG on cutting-edge scientific research on gambling among young adults and the usage and effectiveness of responsible gambling tools.”