The Mohegan Tribe has long been connected to player welfare and their ongoing safety, often leading the way in the battle to prevent problem gambling. As of Tuesday, 24th May, Connecticut’s Mohegan Tribe declared that a $2 million donation would be made in order to support work carried out by Yale University in its ongoing efforts to modernize the way problem gamblers can find help.
Funding such as this is in line with state legalization to help support issues around problem gambling. However, it’s not the first time the Mohegan Tribe has been connected to Yale.
Focus on Digital Channels
There is a longstanding history and partnership in tackling public health issues. Still, this new step is something that taps into the digital age. The funds are to be granted to the Department of Psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine, used to look into CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) digital intervention. The basis of this work aims to improve ways in which problem gamblers can get treatment.
As we are living in a digital age, the use of digital therapeutic tools is something that can only add to the current support channels. Creating assistance around a CBT mobile app would allow more widespread access for those currently struggling to access the right support and care.
Yale University Developing Computer-Based Therapy Solutions
Yale University is the perfect place to utilize that $2million contribution, with departments already using various computer-based therapy solutions. Successful projects to support substance use disorders have already been developed.
The university is now ready to put all that knowledge and expertise into creating similar solutions for those struggling with problem gambling.
The associate professor of psychiatry at Yale University, Brian Kiluk, stated that digital platforms are a key factor in providing treatment on a wider scale. He rightly said that through mobile phones, many more people will get the opportunity to find the required help they need.
Whether at risk of potential problem gambling or for those who need it right now, direct access through mobile phones is something that nearly the whole population can utilize.
Over $10M Already Donated
It's down to this funding from the likes of the Mohegan Tribe and many others that research and development across such important issues can continue. More than $10 million has been passed on to help problem gambling since the Mohegan Tribe first started its casino. As the gaming industry continues to modernize and grow into the digital age, more and more work on problem gambling will be required to keep the expanding community safe and in control of its spending.
It’s the responsibility of both the operator and regulator to get this right. Putting as much money into these projects will get them to the end goal quicker, which in turn, will end up helping many potential problem gamblers from falling into the pitfalls that continue to trap so many people.
