OCPG Research
Empowering Oregon’s communities through research that informs smarter policies, strengthens prevention and treatment, and promotes healthy, safer relationships with gambling.
Our Research Center
The Oregon Gambling Research Center (OGRC) is an initiative of the Oregon Council on Problem Gambling (OCPG) that supports innovative research to better understand and address gambling-related issues in Oregon and beyond. Our goal is to generate evidence that informs effective prevention, treatment, and policy solutions that reduce gambling-related harm and promote community well-being.
The Research Center is governed by OCPG’s Board of Directors and led by Research Director, Andi Dassopoulos. Through funding opportunities, collaborative projects, and data analysis, the Center encourages applied, policy-relevant research that responds to the evolving landscape of gambling in Oregon.
Current Research Priorities
Our current funding priorities focus on both emerging and underserved areas of study, including:
- Player protection and treatment awareness — Evaluating effective messaging and outreach strategies that promote safer gambling behaviors and connect people to help when needed.
- Youth, sports, and online gambling — Understanding how new forms of gambling are shaping behaviors, risks, and attitudes among young people.
- Underserved communities — Exploring gambling behaviors and service access among veterans, individuals with intellectual or physical disabilities, and LGBTQIA+ populations.
- Policy implications and gambling expansion — Assessing how regulatory and policy changes affect gambling participation and related harms.
- Digital health and innovation — Evaluating how mobile apps, telehealth, and digital tools can enhance prevention, engagement, and recovery outcomes.
- Older adults and gambling — Examining risk and protective factors, service barriers, and tailored prevention approaches for Oregonians aged 60 and older.
Current RFPs
The Oregon Gambling Research Center funds innovative research that advances understanding, prevention, and treatment of gambling-related harm. Projects may take place anywhere, as long as their findings offer meaningful insight or benefit to Oregon’s people and programs. Explore our current RFPs below or contact research@oregoncpg.org if you have a project idea that falls outside these specific areas:
Research on Older Adults and Gambling
Supports studies exploring gambling behaviors, risks, and protective factors among adults aged 60+, including health, access to services, prevention strategies, and workforce training needs. Download
Digital Health Tools in Gambling Treatment, Prevention, and Safer Gambling
Gambling Addiction and Harms in the Criminal Justice System
Oregon Graduate Student Research Mini-Grant
Gambling Research in Oregon
Oregon Adult Gambling Attitudes, Behaviors, and Health (2024)
The 2024 Oregon Adult Gambling Attitudes, Behaviors, and Health survey found rising gambling participation since 2020, with 15% of adults at moderate or high risk for problem gambling, nearly four times the United States average. Risk is highest among lower-income, younger, and multi-sport bettors, underscoring the need for prevention and treatment expansion. Download
Oregon College Student Gambling Survey Report of Findings (2024)
The 2024 Oregon Student Gambling Survey found that about half of college students gambled in the past year, mainly lottery and casino games. While most reject gambling myths, 13% scored moderate to high risk on the PGSI. Students supported university concern about gambling but reported limited campus outreach or education. Download
COVID-19 Impact Survey of Adult Oregonians on Gambling, Gaming, Alcohol Use, and Cannabis Use (2021)
The 2021 COVID-19 Impact Survey found that many Oregonians increased alcohol, cannabis, gaming, and online gambling during the pandemic. One in three screened positive for hazardous drinking, and 41% for at least one problem behavior. Individuals reporting high stress or anxiety, younger adults, and Hispanic Oregonians were most at risk for harmful use.. Download
Problem Gambling Among Incarcerated Adults Entering Oregon Prisons (2021)
This study found that nearly one-third of Oregon's incarcerated adults meet criteria for problem gambling, which is 14 times the state average. Findings highlight the need for screening, treatment, and education withi correctional settigs to reduce gambling-related harm, recidivism, and incarceration costs. Download
Oregon Adolescent Preliminary Results Gambling Behavior Study (2016)
The 2016 Oregon Youth Gambling Behavior Study surveyed 1,503 adolescents ages 12–17 and their parents. Nearly 89% engaged in social gaming, with 22% spending money. Youth with gambling parents were significantly more likely to gamble. Findings highlight early exposure, family influence, and limited gambling-related conversations at home or school.. Download
We're Grateful to Our Sponsors
We appreciate the generous support of our sponsors, who help make our research, outreach, and education efforts possible.
