Gambling

Casino lights and sounds encourage risky decision-making

The blinking lights and exciting jingles in casinos may encourage risky decision-making and potentially promote problem gambling behaviour, suggests new research from the University of British Columbia.

Oct 29, 2018

UBC discovery opens up new treatments for problem gamblers

After looking at images of slot machines and roulette, problem gamblers experience increased activity in the same part of the brain that lights up when drug addicts have cravings, according to a new UBC psychology study.

Jan 3, 2017

Flashing lights and music turn rats into problem gamblers

Adding flashing lights and music to gambling encourages risky decision-making—even if you’re a rat.

Jan 20, 2016

Gambling research pioneer to lead new centre at UBC

Leading gambling psychologist Luke Clark will serve as inaugural director of the Centre for Gambling Research at UBC.

Jan 28, 2014

Scientists reduce behaviours associated with problem gambling in rats

With the help of a rat casino, UBC brain researchers have successfully reduced behaviours in rats that are commonly associated with compulsive gambling in humans.

Oct 29, 2013

$2M from BCLC and the Province creates Centre for Gambling Research at UBC

A $2-million investment from the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) and the Government of B.C. will create a major new Centre for Gambling Research at UBC to advance our understanding of gambling psychology and help reduce problem gambling behaviours.

Feb 27, 2013