The UCLA Gambling Studies Program is devoted to understanding problem gambling, its causes, natural history, cultural factors, and the obstacles to successful treatment. The mission of the program is to translate research findings into cost-effective, evidence-based methods of prevention, education, and treatment. A direct result of this work will be a reduction in the individual and societal damages caused by problem gambling.

Specific areas of interest include:

• Understanding neurobiological and societal risk factors
• Investigating novel approaches to treatment and prevention
• Translating treatment from research to the community
• Supporting and developing scientifically-based public policy
• Exploring psychiatric comorbidity and associated mental health issues
• Coordinating outreach activities for awareness and education