International Achievement Awards for Gambling Research and Prevention 2026

The global gambling research community is turning its attention to Las Vegas this September 2026. The International Center for Responsible Gaming (ICRG) has announced the recipients of this year's ICRG Achievement Awards. These honors serve as a clear signal to the industry that scientific excellence and educational commitment are the pillars of sustainable player protection. The awards aim to recognize exceptional contributions to research, education, and the advancement of evidence-based approaches to reducing gambling-related harm.

In an era where online gambling is growing globally, sound data and prevention concepts are gaining massive importance. The 2026 award winners, Professor Sally M. Gainsbury of the University of Sydney and Dr. Paulette J. O’Gilvie of American Baptist College, represent different but complementary pillars of prevention work. While Gainsbury advances scientific theory and empirical research, O’Gilvie focuses on practical education and the inclusion of underrepresented communities.

Numbers and facts

Professor Sally M. Gainsbury looks back on an impressive career. Over a period of 15 years, she has built an international research program covering topics such as iGaming, responsible gambling tools, self-exclusion, and digital interventions. With more than 140 peer-reviewed publications, she is among the most frequently cited experts in the field. Her research results have already been incorporated into government policies and responsible gambling initiatives worldwide.

Dr. Paulette J. O’Gilvie, on the other hand, is being honored for her pioneering work in education. She developed the course Foundations of Gambling Behavior, Prevention and Responsible Gaming. Her commitment to social justice is particularly noteworthy. Her work examines the ecosystem of urban casino gambling and its intersections with poverty and health equity. In 2026, her undergraduate students already presented their work at the National Council on Problem Gambling conference.

"Dr. Gainsbury and Dr. O’Gilvie exemplify two of the qualities that are essential to advancing this field: rigorous scientific inquiry and a commitment to developing the people who will carry that work forward." - Michael Soll, President of the ICRG

Background

A special detail of this year's awards is the renaming of one of the most important categories. The scientific achievement award was renamed in honor of Howard J. Shaffer, whose work significantly shaped the modern field of gambling studies. Sally M. Gainsbury is the first recipient of the Howard J. Shaffer Scientific Achievement Award. This highlights her status as a leading force in the international research landscape.

The official ceremony is scheduled for September 28. It will take place during a festive luncheon during the 27th Annual ICRG Conference on Gambling and Addiction at The Venetian Expo in Las Vegas. Such conferences serve not only as an honor but also for the networking of scientists and regulatory authorities to define new standards for player protection.

Why it matters for German players

Although the awards are presented in the USA, the findings of the award winners have direct implications for regulation in Germany. The German State Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021) is largely based on scientific findings on addiction prevention, such as those generated by researchers like Gainsbury. German players registered with providers holding a license from the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL) benefit from systems like the cross-provider deposit limit of 1,000 euros per month and the LUGAS central database.

Gainsbury's work on digital interventions and self-limitation tools is the theoretical foundation for the strict technical requirements in Germany, such as the 1-euro limit per spin for virtual slot games or the panic button. Players in Germany can rely on the fact that the GGL whitelist only includes providers who implement such scientifically sound protection mechanisms. Unlike illegal offers from Curacao or the MGA, which often have less stringent hurdles, evidence-based protection is paramount in Germany.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

For operators with a German license, the research work of Gainsbury and O’Gilvie means they must constantly adapt their social concepts. The GGL requires licensed providers to prove the effectiveness of their player protection measures. If new studies show that certain warning notices or betting limits are more effective, these must often be implemented promptly. The recognition of O’Gilvie's mentoring work also shows that the industry needs qualified personnel who understand not only technical aspects but also the social aspects of gambling addiction.

German casinos must ensure that their algorithms for the early detection of problematic gambling behavior are up to date with the latest research. The scientific validation driven by the ICRG award winners provides legal providers with legal certainty towards the supervisory authority. It is no longer enough to pay lip service to player protection; the GGL demands measurable results based on the findings for which Gainsbury and O’Gilvie have now been recognized.