Gaming and Casino Operations Management Commons^™

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 2-1-C: Gambling Distortions And The Brain Reward System, Luke Clark

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

Impulsive choice in PG as possible index of vmPFC dysfunction

Functional imaging of gambling near-misses

Gambling distortions following brain injury (ventromedial PFC vs insula damage)

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 1-4-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-C: Gambling In The Correctional System In Ontario, Nigel E. Turner Ph.D.

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

Why study gambling in a correctional setting?

Desperation over gambling losses
High prevalence amongst offenders.
Recidivism risk
Gambling inside: recreation or security risk

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 1-3-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 1-3-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 1-2-F: Sports As An Alternative Asset Class: Gambling As An Investment, Brendan Poots

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

Genesis of the idea came in 2007 in NYC when studying at Columbia. The trading of sports utilising strategies and other traditional financial market practices was identified as a burgeoning opportunity.

Towards the end of 2007 a private Fund with owner’s capital was started.

Global Financial Crisis in 2008 – all asset classes lost value. Diversification did not work. The Olympics, the Superbowl, the World Series and all the Grand Slam tennis and golf tournaments went ahead unaffected.

Priomha Capital Sports Hedge Fund Founded in 2010

Global HQ – Melbourne

Trading office – London & Las Vegas (2014)

Priomha Capital …

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

How Bill Eadington Changed Our Lives, David G. Schwartz

UNLV Gaming Research & Review Journal

Since Bill Eadington’s death in February, we’ve come to appreciate just how influential a figure he is in today’s gaming studies world. Hundreds of academics, regulators, and gaming industry professionals have shared their stories of “How Bill Eadington changed my life.”

Examining The Link Between Poker Room Business Volume And Gaming Activity In Slot And Table Games: A Closer Look At A Key Assumption In The Full Service Theory, Anthony F. Lucas

UNLV Gaming Research & Review Journal

Results from three different Nevada hotel-casinos failed to support the popular notion that poker rooms drive business to the slot and table game areas of the casino floor. This result not only questions the validity of a key and somewhat bold operating assumption, it casts a shadow of doubt on the broader Full Service Theory, as applied to the casino floor. Additionally, this work extends Ollstein (2006) by empirically examining the relationships between the daily business volumes of poker rooms and both critical gaming centers (i.e., slots and table games). Five of six key results question the wisdom of offering …

A Diagnosis Of Inherent Problems In Enhancing Service Quality Through Internal Marketing And Organizational Identification In Macau And Singapore Casinos, Sudhir H. Kale, Sangita De

UNLV Gaming Research & Review Journal

With spectacular growth in demand since opening the market to foreign competition, executives within the Macau casino industry have focused their attention on enhancing capacity and opening new casino properties. Meanwhile, the Singapore casino market, barely two years old, has already produced revenues comparable to the Las Vegas Strip. Despite stellar past successes, the long-term scenario for the casino industry in both Macau and Singapore could spell trouble. Specifically, service quality stands to suffer because operators have not devoted adequate thought to their service culture and internal marketing strategy. With overall capacity in Asia slated to increase significantly in the …

Economic Evidence On The Effects Of The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act On Indians And Non-Indians, Katherine Spilde Ph.D., Jonathan B. Taylor

UNLV Gaming Research & Review Journal

When Congress passed the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) in 1988, some tribal leaders perceived the state compacting provision required for casino-style gaming on tribal lands as an erosion of tribal sovereignty that could undermine their early economic development successes and disrupt a precariously successful federal-tribal relationship with regard to tribal self-determination.

In hindsight, however, the substantial growth and myriad positive impacts of the first twenty years of tribal gaming under IGRA reveal the ways that the federal regulatory framework laid out in the law resolved numerous legal dilemmas that had plagued tribal gaming expansion. It is now clear that …

The Finance And Marketing Dilemma: Do Promotional Allowances Actually Increase Revenue And Profits For Atlantic City Casinos?, Toni Repetti

UNLV Gaming Research & Review Journal

Casinos offer free items to attract new guests or to reward their loyal customers. Casino management and marketing personnel believe these promotional allowances are necessary to maintain customers and to increase revenue. Three regression models are run to determine if promotional allowances increase gross revenue, net revenue, and gross operating profit for Atlantic City casinos. Results show that with a $1 increase in promotional allowances there is a significant increase of $4.53 in gross revenue, $3.53 in net revenue, and $1.29 in gross operating profit. These results will help management better understand the effect of offering complimentaries to their customers.