A collaborative effort between Problem Gambling Services of Windsor Regional Hospital, the University of Windsor, and the Ontario Problem Gambling Research Centre has successfully resulted in the creation of a new Gambling Treatment Research Centre at the University of Windsor.

The purpose of the Gambling Treatment Research Centre is to enhance the understanding of problem gambling. Its multi-disciplinary team consists of professors from the departments of Psychology, Economics, School of Social
Work, and the Faculty of Law. In addition, three doctoral graduate studentsactively involved in problem gambling research will receive studentship awards supporting their education. It is estimated that over 340,000 people living in Ontario have problems with their gambling behaviour, yet less than one percent seek formal treatment. The principal themes to be pursued by the new Centre over the course of five years will encompass the treatment of problem gamblers, and will specifically address: a) the development of improved recruitment for problem gamblers into treatment; b) improved treatment responses that better address the clinical and personal needs of problem gamblers; and c) improved retention/completion rates and outcomes for those in treatment.

An example of a currently funded project is one reviewing regulatory initiatives taken in Canada to understand how such initiatives influence social norms regarding gambling. Additional funding is being sought for a project to enhance the success of people using self-exclusion as a wayto deal with their gambling problems. A clinical module will be developed for use by those people who otherwise would not receive any formal treatment.

The Senior Investigator, Dr. G. Ron Frisch, Professor Emeritus of Psychology, is leading the team, coordinating its activities in obtaining research funds and collaborating with new investigations.