The Gambling Laboratory at Carleton University, led by Dr. Michael Wohl, is engaged in activities aimed at understanding the causes of gambling addiction and the means to facilitate responsible gambling.  Topics of interest include craving, erroneous cognition/non-rational thought, responsible gambling (e.g., assessment of tools that facilitate limit setting and adherence), stress and coping responses, and barriers to behavioural change.  The Lab produces primary research, is involved in knowledge translation and exchange (KTE) activities and shares insights through publications and training opportunities.

The Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research produces empirical evidence on several topics, including gambling, along four primary domains: psychological science, cognitive neuroscience, behavioural genetics, and clinical research.  Among its notable gambling research is the Population Assessment of Tomorrow’s Health Study (PATH) that seeks to understand the risk factors associated with addictive disorders between the ages of 18-65 and residing in the greater Hamilton, Ontario area.

The Gambling Research Lab at the University of Waterloo includes two activity streams.  The Research Stream, led by Dr. Mike Dixon, focuses on the production of rigorous evidence on gambling-related phenomena.  The Knowledge Translation Stream, headed by Dr. Kevin Harrigan, leverages research evidence to produce engaging educational materials for decision makers and the public, such as slot machine animations and video stories on topics such as the illusion of control and losses disguised as wins. 

This Resource Group leverages treatment-based knowledge to deliver program and system-level strategies for enhanced problem gambling services targeting older adults in Ontario.  The group develops guidelines, recommendations and strategies for older adults with gambling problems that support best practices, enhance access, remove barriers, and increase the likelihood of positive outcomes.  Some of the resources provided by the group includes an older adult resource kit, addictions treatment services, gambling outreach for the district of Algoma, and public education and awareness.  

This problem gambling research lab directed by Dr. Flora Matheson focuses on raising awareness through multi-sector engagement to enhance understanding of gambling and poverty.  In collaboration with a Community Advisory Committee and students with backgrounds in film, journalism, graphic art and nursing, the Lab has created multimedia tools to communicate the link between problem gambling and homelessness.  These tools have included documentary film, visual art, storytelling and a workshop.  

Gambling, Gaming and Technology Use (Formerly the Problem Gambling Institute of Ontario) at the Centre for Addictions and Mental Health provides support to addictions and mental health service professionals through accredited training and education, digital tool and resource development, and knowledge exchange.  As research evidence emerges, the GGTU incorporates knowledge to develop and improve training materials on problem technology use related to gambling.  

Gambling Research Exchange Ontario (GREO) is an independent knowledge translation and exchange (KTE) organization aiming to eliminate gambling harm.  The organization's website is a hub of gambling-related resources and materials, such as evidence reviews, a gambling harm framework, student workshops, an evidence centre providing gambling-related research snapshots, and an evidence centre holding various datasets.  

The Northern Ontario Gambling Research Hub focuses on reducing gambling-related harm in Northern Ontario and the realities of rural and Indigenous communities.  The Research Hub includes several academic researchers affiliated with Lakehead University with expertise in gambling, addictions, mental health and wellbeing, psychotherapy, Indigenous research methods, and community-based participatory research.  Their website provides local resources for Northern districts, research publications, an e-newsletter, and details on current and past projects, such as gambling knowledge needs assessments and supporting materials.

In addition to the social marketing, youth education programs and an annual Discovery conference, the Responsible Gambling Council is also involved in applied research and evaluation through its Centre for the Advancement of Best Practices.  The Centre is active in the areas of gambling harm measurement, responsible gambling program evaluation, international and culturally competent approaches to responsible gambling, retailer training program development, sports-betting, and various online-specific gambling topics.  Several research reports are also available to the public on the Responsible Gambling Website.  

The Aboriginal Responsible Gambling Strategy (ARGS) is an initiative supporting Nishnawbe Aski Nation communities affected by gambling harms.  The program designs, develops and delivers holistic approaches to responsible gambling that are culturally appropriate.  Key activities of this organization include health promotions, prevention programming, training and education, resource development, and advocacy and support.  The ARGS organizes support groups, healing arts contests, wellness campaigns, workshops, and other community development initiatives.  

The Youth Gambling Awareness Program (YGAP) develops and runs education programs aiming to prevent harm caused by gambling.  The YGAP focuses on community outreach, education and awareness activities that directly engage Ontario youth.  In addition, YGAP is involved in several research and evaluation activities, such as an impact study of their awareness workshop and literature reviews on problem gambling stigma and youth skill development.