Our Charter

Vision

• A province whose residents are free from the consequences of problem gambling.

Mission

• To enhance our understanding of problem gambling, and to strengthen treatment and prevention practices through research.

Mandate

• Invest in research on problem gambling;
• Increase the capacity in Ontario to conduct research on problem gambling;
• Disseminate research findings.

Core Values

The Centre will be guided by the following core values/operating principles in the implementation of its mission and mandate. The Centre will:

• Support research consistent with its vision and mission;
• Balance research on prevention and treatment topics;
• Pursue a high degree of scientific credibility;
• Be sensitive to the needs of population groups;
• Strike a balance between applied and theoretical research;
• Encourage innovation and creativity in research;
• Commit to sound management practice.

Developing Research

The Centre aims to develop Ontario based research through the setting of research priorities and the funding of research projects.

Yearly priorities are set by the Board of Directors after a review and analysis of research trends, needs, gaps and any other factors considered relevant. To assist in the process, the Centre requests the input of those involved in problem gambling research such as treatment providers, government, gaming providers and other stakeholders. Once completed, the Centre incorporates the priorities into the two scheduled solicitations for the fiscal year.

The Centre has developed a multi-level funding structure designed to give researchers flexibility in the conceptualization and development of research initiatives. As its primary emphasis, the Centre will solicit proposals through a formal competitive grant process for Level III and Level IV research awards. This process is transparent, as described in its published selection procedures, and accountable to both the Board and the public. In addition to these awards, the Centre offers additional levels of support in the form of Level I and Level II awards. These grants are assessed through a process separate from the formal competitive procedure and are intended to assist with the development of research proposals or competencies related to problem gambling research. Finally, to support professional development and increase the capacity of Ontario researchers, a limited number of graduate fellowships and conference grants are made available every year.

Collaborative research is also a priorty of the Centre. Through inter-organizational and inter-provincial partnerships, the Centre contributes funding to collaborative projects that benefit all partners and are aligned with its mission.

Accumulating, Organizing and Disseminating Information

The Centre's role does not stop with the funding of research. It will play an active role in gathering and disseminating research findings on treatment, prevention and related topics. This information is accessible through the Centre's web site in a variety of formats, including reports, summaries and webcasts.