Problem gambling: deadline for PhD funding extended

27 April 2007

The Responsibility in Gambling Trust has extended the deadline for applications to its
PhD funding programme until 18 May 2007.

The Trust, an independent charity set up to tackle problem gambling, provides two
awards annually of £15,000 a year for up to three years.

Malcolm Bruce, Director of the Trust, said: “National interest in the causes, prevalence
and nature of problem gambling is high, but more academic research in this field is
needed. Funding these PhDs helps RIGT ensure that our approach to dealing with
problem gambling is based on sound research and reliable evidence. We also hope that
our PhD grants will help build research capacity in Britain for the future.”

Current funded PhD projects include a study of the impact of new technology on problem
gambling; the neuronal basis of problem gambling; an understanding of gambling habits
in the Chinese community in the UK; and a study of the barriers to young people seeking
treatment for problem gambling.

RIGT’s PhD grants are part of a broader research programme with a budget of around £4
million over the next five years. The programme includes a number of partnership projects
with the Economic and Social Research Council.

Anyone interested in applying for the grants should contact Nico Jabin,
Research Officer at RIGT, on 020 79533878 or email phd@rigt.org.uk.

Notes to editors

For further information contact Jo O’Driscoll, Head of Communications,jo.odriscoll@rigt.org.uk

The Responsibility in Gambling Trust tackles problem gambling in Britain through the funding of
treatment, research and education programmes.

The Trust’s research programme is overseen by an independent research panel:
· Dr David Guy (Chairman) - Economic and Social Research Council and RIGT Trustee
· Mr Malcolm Bruce - Responsibility in Gambling Trust
· Ms Ruth Callaghan - Gambling Commission
· Dr Steven Creigh-Tyte - Department for Culture, Media and Sport
· Mr John Lepper - National Lottery Commission
· Professor David Miers - Cardiff University
· Dr Geof Rayner - Public Health Consultant