Manitoba Gambling Research Program Provides Over $800,000 In Grants
Research funded through two percent of net income committed to social responsibility
New gambling research is underway in Manitoba that will assist in advancing responsible gaming programs, and problem gambling prevention and treatment. The Manitoba Gambling Research Program is funding 11 grants valued at just over $821,000.
The program offers a variety of funding options to researchers across Canada. These grants support the development of quality research that is of relevance to Manitoba. Research funding is overseen by a Research Council that includes community and academic representatives.
Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries financially supports and administers the program. “This program supports relevant research with practical applications for Manitobans. It will improve our ability to prevent and treat problem gambling in Manitoba,” said Steve Ashton, Minister responsible for lotteries. “These grants are one example of our long-term commitment to funding social responsibility programming at Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries.”
“This research is unique and important, because all of these studies involve research expertise that is right here in Manitoba,” said Linda Taylor, Chair of the Research Council. “The program is building research capacity in the province, by funding students, supporting the work of local researchers, and providing a vehicle for these local researchers to collaborate with worldrenowned gambling research experts.”
Among those conducting investigations through the program is established researcher Dr. Michael Ellery, Assistant Professor at the University of Manitoba, and colleague Dr. Vance MacLaren of Brandon University who recently moved to Manitoba in part to conduct this research.
“This program is opening a wealth of research opportunities in the province,” said Dr. Ellery. “For instance, how do daily changes in players’ moods affect their gambling? Or, how do gambling advertisements influence a player’s beliefs or expectations about gambling? These are some of the questions that my colleagues and I are looking into, thanks to this new program.”
Among the $821,000 in grants awarded is a large three-year project, commencing in 2013, that will look more deeply into the roles that emotions play in gambling behaviour. Other research receiving financial support includes four small grants, two studentships, two conference grants, and two focused research awards.
The Manitoba Gambling Research Program launched in December 2011, with an inaugural grant solicitation in January 2012.
Manitoba Lotteries currently allocates two percent of annual net income towards problem and responsible gambling programs, services and research. In 2012/13, $6.6 million has been allocated toward these initiatives including the Manitoba Gambling Research Program.
The Manitoba government has announced that it will introduce legislation that will direct two per cent of the net income of the newly merged Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries each year to responsible gaming and alcohol consumption initiatives, confirming a long-term commitment to social responsibility programs.
For more on the Manitoba Gambling Research Program, including complete details of funding categories and application information, visit ManitobaGamblingResearch.com. Researchers may also register for the program’s e-news to be notified of important news and events.
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