UOW gambling study could be worth a motza

By Emma Shaw
Updated November 6 2012 - 12:09am, first published February 18 2010 - 10:19am
University of Wollongong PhD student Lisa Lole is offering incentives to take part in her study into the psychological, social and financial problems suffered by gamblers. ORLANDO CHIODO
University of Wollongong PhD student Lisa Lole is offering incentives to take part in her study into the psychological, social and financial problems suffered by gamblers. ORLANDO CHIODO

Gamblers could hit the jackpot by volunteering for a new University of Wollongong study.Researchers are offering gift cards to participants as an incentive to take part in the study that will look into the social, financial and pyschological problems suffered by gamblers.Coles Myer gift cards worth $50 will be offered to reimburse time and travel costs. Additional gift cards can be won throughout the study to recreate the authenticity of the gambling thrill as university staff monitor brain responses to the games.PhD student Lisa Lole, who is undertaking the research at UOW's Brain and Behaviour Research Institute, said gambling was a major problem in society and the study was part of wider research funded by the Federal Government."This is an extension of previous research, where physiological reactions like heart rate and skin conditions were recorded," Ms Lole said."Now we're examining the brain responses. We record them using an electrode cap, which is like a swimming cap."Those selected to take part will be asked to answer several questions about their gambling habits and play a computer game similar to the kind played on poker machines. Ms Lole said people should contact her to determine eligibility to be involved."People need to be over 18 and we prefer participants who have had a lot of experience with gambling or experience of problems related to gambling," she said.The information gathered will be then used in prevention and treatment methods for problem gamblers."This is the first step," Ms Lole said."Further research will look at the possibility that gambling problems are caused by something inherent in that person."According to the Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing, Wollongong residents lost $131 million to poker machines last year. Independent senator and anti-gambling campaigner Nick Xenophon last month spoke to the Mercury about problem gambling, describing pokies as "locusts of the 21st century" for the way they stripped money from individuals and communities.However, ClubsAustralia president Peter Newell has previously said the social good resulting from gambling includes employment and donations to charities, as well as revenue benefiting tourism and local economies.Later this month, the Productivity Commission will release its final report into gambling.Anyone wanting to participate in the study should contact Lisa Lole on 4221 4513.

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