Gaming and Casino Operations Management Commons^™

Session 2-1-A: A Longitudinal Study Of Alberta Electronic Machine Gamblers, Garry Smith, Nady El-Guebaly, David Casey, David Hodgins, Rob Williams, Don Schopflocher

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

Outline of the LLLP

What is the LLLP?

Launched in 2006 the LLLP is a five age cohort, four data collection wave longitudinal study that examines the incidence and determinants of gambling and problem gambling. The study was guided by four broad research questions:

1.What are the normal patterns of continuity and discontinuity in gambling and problem gambling behavior?

2.What bio-psychological variables and behavior patterns are most predictive of current and future responsible and problem gambling?

3.Are there distinct sub-groupings of gamblers and problem gamblers with different trajectories and predictors?

4.What etiological model of problem gambling is best supported by …

Session 2-1-E: Toward An Understanding Of Price Movements In Betting Markets: Profitable Trading Against The Herd, Johnnie E.V. Johnson, Ming-Chien Sung, David C.J. Mcdonald

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

Efficient Market Hypothesis

Markets for speculative assets always fully incorporate relevant information in prices

Herding

Participants neglect private info, adjust actionsmore representative of previous price movements

Effect

Price volatility in excess of variations in fundament d informationBubbles, crashes and bank runs

Session 2-1-B: Gaming Regulators Africa, Linda E. De Vries

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

Goal 1: Eradicate Extreme Poverty

Goal 2: Achieve universal primary school education

Goal 3: Promote gender equity and empower women

Goal 4: Reduce child mortality

Goal 5: Stimulate entrepreneurship (SMME; development)

Session 2-1-B: A Mandate For Business Leadership: The Case Of Regulated Gambling In South Africa, Linda E. De Vries

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

South African agenda - shaped by developmental agenda

Comply with global movement on environmental issues

Global Economic melt down

Political wide spread change – 1994-2013

Strong philosophical orientation i.e. cost/benefit vs. tangible /intangible costs/benefits consumption model (De Vries- 1991)

Caution on becoming a gambling dependant nation

Purpose to legalise but not aggressive - consumption model (NGB Act 1996 /amended NGB Act 2004)

Private enterprise be allowed within tight regulatory framework

National lottery- good causes - aggressive –state benefit (NLB Act 2001) Normalisation of society with shift in priorities of the democracy

New formulations of Economic black EMPOWERMENT such as BRICS …

Session 2-1-C: Amphetamine Effects And The Possible Role Of Sesitization In Pathological Gambling, Martin Zack Phd

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

Background

Addiction is a brain disorder caused by chronic exposure to drugs (Leshner, 1997)

Pathological Gambling (PG) shares many features of drug addiction (Holden 2001; Petry, 2006; Potenza, 2006)

PG may be caused by chronic exposure to gambling

Neuroplasticity (Tamminga and Nestler, 2006)

Sensitization (increased dopamine; DA) response to drug or environmental signals for reward (Robinson and Berridge, 2001)

Robust sensitization: Repeated low-dose amphetamine

Session 2-1-A: Long-Term Client Outcomes The State-Wide Gambling Therapy Service South Australia, Peter W. Harvey, David Smith, Rachel Humeniuk

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

Overview

1. Statewide Gambling Therapy Service, SA

• context
• service model
• routine activity, KPIs and outcomes
• ongoing research programmes

2. examples of some specific study outcomes

3. larger service evaluation outcomes

Session 1-4-C: Gambling Behavior And Motivation Across Uk Older Adult Populations, Julie Pattinson, Adrian Parke Dr

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

Target Group: UK Older adults 65+

Aim: Develop knowledge and understanding of gambling related harm

Background: limited empirical research - ignored

High prevalence detected

Session 1-4-D: Leading Together: The Evolution Of Responsible Gambling In Canada, Jim Engel, Paul Pellizzari, Paul W. Smith

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

Agenda

Background: Gambling in Canada
Responsible Gambling Framework
The notion of “player sustainability”
Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs)
Internet gambling
Branding RG
Data analytics
Voluntary Self-Exclusion
RG Standards
Leading together: collaboration across jurisdictions

Session 1-4-A: Comparing Longitudinal Studies Of Gambling: Methods & Findin, Rachel A. Volberg

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

What do we know about risk factors for PG?

Vast majority of research carried out on PG risk factors has involved cross-sectional surveys

PG status at a single point in time statistically correlated with behaviors & characteristics assessed at the same time

Cannot resolve the “chicken and egg” problem

• Does PG precede other disorders?
• Do other disorders precede PG?
• Or does one underlying condition account for both?

Session 1-4-A: Pathways Of Gambling Problem Severity: Follow-Up From A General Population Survey, Sylvia Kairouz, Christelle Luce

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

Study objectives

Describe trajectories of change in gambling patterns and problems among a cohort of gamblers;

Model change over time based on life events.

Session 1-4-B: Gambling And Marijuana Use In The Netherlands: Is Legalization The Best Tool For Dealing With "Naughty Habits?", William N. Thompson, Laura K. Thompson

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

In 1976, the Netherlands embraced two policy initiatives which encompassed similar objectives. The policies sought to control “undesired substances” via the process of legalization. One legalization process involved casino gambling. The policies have sometimes led to desired results (the right road), while at other times they have led to undesirable results (the wrong road). Now in 2013, without an observable crossroad or even fork in the road, The Netherlands is poised to deviate from a right road to travel down a wrong road by placing rather severe restrictions upon the operations of “Coffee Houses” which have been “serving” customers measured …

Session 1-4-A: Results From The Swedish Longitudinal Gambling Study (Swelogs): Changes Between 1998, 2009, And 2010, Ula Romild, Jessika Svensson

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

Public Health Objectives

1. The overarching aim of Sweden’s national public health policy is to create social conditions that will ensure good health, on equal terms for the entire population.

2. The aim for society’s measures against problem gambling is to reduce harm from exaggerated gambling.

Session 1-3-E: Hitting The Sweet Spot: Lottery Promotion And Vulnerability, Elisabeth Papineau, Jean-François Biron, Fanny Lemetayer, Amadou Barry

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

Literature about lottery marketing and vulnerability

Lottery advertising in Quebec

Project phases

Results

Conclusion

Session 1-3-F: New Zealand Prospective Research: The Pacific Islands Families Study, Treatment Outcome Study And National Gambling Study, Max Abbott

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

Aims

Determine optimum pathways for children and families during critical developmental periods

Identify risk and resilience factors that influence positive and negative outcomes

Provide Pacific-specific evidence

Make empirically-based strategic recommendations to improve the health and well-being of Pacific children and families and address social disparities

Session 1-3-F: The Victorian Gambling Study Identifying And Predicting Risks, Rosa Billi

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

Overview

Background

Study design

• Incidence
• Transitions
• Risk & protective
• Co morbidities

Session 1-3-F: The Alberta Cohorts Of Gambling Behaviors An Update, Nady El-Guebaly, David Casey, David Hodgins, Garry Smith, Don Schopflocher, Shawn Currie, Rob Williams

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

Objectives

1.Experience with recruitment & retention of five cohorts

2.Patterns of continuity & discontinuity in gambling behaviors as well as patterns of recovery from problems?

3. Biopsychosocial variables (risks & resilience) predicting the spectrum of gambling behaviors from responsible to problematic?

Session 1-3-C: The Human Touch And The Technological Age: Advancing Responsible Gambling, By Virtually Any Means, Janine Robinson

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

What is the Problem Gambling Institute of Ontario doing?

Our suite of Online Tools and MYGU App at ProblemGambling.ca

Examining other behavioural addictions

Regular programming on social media channels

Ongoing research, education, policy and clinical work

Session 1-2-E: The Indirect Contribution Of Non-Gaming Amenities To Casino Gaming Performance, Elena Shampaner-Ghiassi, Sarah Tanford

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

Objective

Evaluate the simultaneous impact of all non-gaming amenities on gaming volume

Session 1-2-F: Rationality And Risk Intelligence In Binary Betting, Raph Di Guisto, Aaron C. Brown, Nick Maughan

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

We analyze 1.6 million binary bets on financial markets totaling $600 million in stakes, placed by 21,000 bettors at a large Internet betting site. The data set is unusually large and complete, plus has one additional important advantage: we can obtain objective independent estimates of the ex ante probability of winning each bet, using data from financial markets. This allows us to distinguish bettor profit due to superior prediction of financial events from bettor profit due to exploiting ex ante favorable odds situations. We focus on the degree or type of skill possessed by bettors (if any), and the amount …

Session 1-2-A: A Comparison Of Outcome Efficacy Between Residential And Intensive Outpatient Treatment For Disordered Gambling As Measured By Gamtoms, Reece Middleton

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

Conclusions

Whereas, it is apparent that each of the Programs is clearly efficacious, as evidenced by major improvements in all evaluated life areas for clients of both, it seems that Residential Treatment, for those able to accomplish it, would have the Advantage. It is further indicated that continued involvement in recovery-oriented activity, such as, Aftercare and 12-Step Programs produces sought-after results for all participants.

Session 1-2-A: Building, Maintaining And Evaluating A Statewide Treatment Program For Problem Gambling, Timothy W. Fong

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

Shows how to build, maintain and evaluate programs for problem gambling

Opening Plenary: Morality And Gambling, Peter Collins

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

Why Morality? Unspoken Arguments

Half the world has a view that gambling is WICKED/SINFUL/IMMORAL/AND OUGHT not to be DONE

The other half thinks gambling good, harmless fun which is THRILLING, RELAXING AND COOL

The third half of the world doesn’t care much at all

Program: The 15th International Conference On Gambling & Risk Taking, University Of Nevada, Las Vegas, University Of Nevada, Reno

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

Listing of presentations, events, and sponsors

The Effect Of Casino Tax Policy On Short-Run Gaming Development, Kahlil Philander

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This study examines the effect of casino tax rate structure on investment by casino operators. Using a panel data set consisting of all states with legal commercial casino gambling from 1998 to 2009, a fixed-effect model with two-stage least squares is estimated to examine the effect of gambling taxes on firms' short-run behavior. The study finds that maximum casino tax rates decrease casino employment, with an estimated average elasticity of -0.5. This result is noted to be robust to several different model specifications and data subsets. No robust relationship is found between maximum tax rates and casino wages. No significant …

Halos, Alibis And Community Development: A Cross National Comparison Of How Governments Spend Revenue From Gambling, Lynn Gidluck

Occasional Papers

This paper provides a cross-national comparison of how governments around the world distribute revenues from state-directed gambling and how these choices have been justified by proponents and vilified by critics. Case studies where governments have popularized gambling expansion by “earmarking” revenues for particular good causes and where the state has collaborated with the voluntary sector to deliver programs from this revenue stream are examined. Lessons learned from challenges of various approaches are considered.

Where Locals Play: Neighborhood Casino Landscapes In Las Vegas, Rex J. Rowley Ph.D.

Occasional Papers

Neighborhood casinos—gaming properties that target a primarily local market—are an influential feature on the Las Vegas cultural landscape. Such institutions reveal a number of geographical patterns that have important implications in gaming and place studies. The distinguishing characteristics of neighborhood casinos underscore the importance of proximity to a market, a focus that is evident in their advertising strategies. Additionally, the prominence of such casino-resorts within their respective neighborhoods makes them important symbols and indicators of the character of the surrounding community. These unique institutions teach lessons that can potentially be extrapolated to other gaming markets around the country.

Estimating The Economic Impact Of The New Arena At The Kentucky Horse Park, Alexis R. Bwenge

MPA/MPP/MPFM Capstone Projects

For the first time in its history, the World Equestrian Games (WEG) will be held outside of Europe in 2010. Kentucky has won the bid to host the event at the Kentucky Horse Park (KHP) in Lexington. The games will last two weeks in the fall of2010 and organizers estimate ticket sales of 300,000, and over 1,000 athletes from 50 countries are expected to compete (Commonwealth of Kentucky).

However, for the Horse Park to be a suitable location to host WEG, it must have a climate controlled indoor arena. The current proposal for the arena plans for a 6,000 seats, …

Charitable Gambling In Nevada, J. Thomas Rainwater

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This is an exploratory study about charitable gambling in Nevada. In the 1990 General Election, the voters of Nevada passed Question 2, which amended the Nevada State Constitution to allow lotteries to be operated by charitable organizations for fundraising purposes.1 Up to this point in time, lotteries of all kinds were banned by the Nevada Constitution since its passage in 1864, during Nevada’s first legislative session. Following the 1990 General Election, the Nevada Legislature approved Assembly Bill (A.B.) 449 in 1991 which enacted by statute the parameters for operating a charitable lottery. The primary forms of charitable gambling in Nevada …

The Professional Career Paths Of Members Of The Nevada State Gaming Control Board, Jason Woywod

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The Nevada State Gaming Control Board’s main duty is to regulate Nevada’s gaming industry. The gaming industry in Nevada had seen a rapid growth in gaming revenue within the last fifty years which resulted in the casino industry being taken over by large corporations and becoming very powerful. When private industries become very powerful, they can easily persuade their regulating committees to create policies that benefit the industry and not the general public. The Capture Theory, which was originated by George Stigler, explains that regulators commonly become captured by the industry which they regulate. Moreover, once the individual regulators leave …

Consumptive Water Use At The Mirage Hotel And The Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino In Las Vegas, Nevada, Johann A. Feller

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The Las Vegas Valley is one of the driest regions in the southwest United States. Due to limited water supplies from the Colorado River, rainfall, and groundwater sources, the water requirements of the valley’s growing population is slated to surpass the current available water supply. The purpose of this comparative study is to quantify the amount of consumptive water used at a major Las Vegas resort/casino in one year. This, being of importance, because of the resort/casino industry’s role as one of the largest, most visible, and most resource intensive industries in the Las Vegas valley. The goal of this …