Conferences
National Conference on Gambling Addiction & Responsible Gambling 2025
On July 17, 2025, Tom Naar represented the UCLA Gambling Studies Program (UGSP) at the National Conference on Gambling Addiction & Responsible Gambling 2025 in Columbus, Ohio.
The National Conference on Gambling Addiction & Responsible Gambling brings together world-class presenters to deliver powerful and insightful messages about problem gambling and responsible gambling.
Tom Naar’s Poster Presentation:
- Topic: Characteristics of Problem Gambling in Older Adults
Tom Naar holds a BA in Psychology and works as a research assistant for UGSP under Dr. Timothy Fong. This study examined various characteristics and trends among older adults (65+) with problem gambling, and compared their profiles with a younger age group (18-64). The sample included 345 older and 3,499 younger gamblers, and consisted of subjects that sought treatment in California as part of UCLA’s CALGETS program between 2018 and 2023. Data was collected through surveys administered by treatment providers. We hypothesized co-occurring mental and physical health deficits, variation in gambling behavior, and a consistent gender difference within the group of older adults with problem gambling. Surprisingly, there was almost no difference in gender ratio between older adult gamblers, among other key findings.
UCLA & CiR Los Angeles Mental Health & Addiction Symposium
On June 20, 2025, the UCLA Gambling Studies Program Team attended the UCLA & CiR Los Angeles Mental Health & Addiction Symposium.
This symposium was sponsored by Connections in Recovery (CiR) and brought together clinicians, researchers and community engagement experts to discuss current and emerging trends in mental health and addictive disorders. This symposium focused on the impact of sports betting on public health, addressed the stigma of addictive disorders, examined how social media – especially cyberbullying – is impacting mental health, and explored community psychology and how to translate that into clinical practice. This symposium allowed audience members to learn about emerging topics while enhancing their own professional connections and knowledge of treatment resources in Southern California.
Dr. Fong’s Presentation:
- Topic: The Impact of Sports Betting on Body, Brain and Mind
2024 National Conference on Gambling Addiction and Responsible Gambling
On July 17, 2024, the UCLA Gambling Studies Program Team attended the 2024 National Conference on Gambling Addiction and Responsible Gambling.
Dr. Fong’s Presentations:
- “UCLA Gambling Studies Program: Lessons from the Past, Present, and Future”
- “Emerging Treatments for Gambling Disorder: Magnets, Mushrooms, and Medications”
- “2024 Safer Sports Betting Summit”
Dr. Campos’ Presentation:
- “Building Empowered Support Together: B.E.S.T. Practices for Sustainable Gambling Support Services”
Asian American Conference on Problem Gambling
On May 10, 2024, Dr. Fong attended this event to discuss Asian Health Equity. The conference was hosted by the Illinois Council on Problem Gambling.
NCAA Jan 2024: Panel Moderated by NCAA Managing Director Clint Hangebrauck
Panel included Dr. Timothy W. Fong, professor of psychiatry at UCLA and co-director of the UCLA Gambling Studies Program; Jonathan Hirshler, co-founder and chief executive officer of Signify Group; Mark Hicks, managing director of enforcement; and Teresa Fiore, vice president of partnerships at EPIC Global Solutions
