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The ICE Research Institute
Building a Lasting Legacy: The ICE Research Institute
ICE's move to Barcelona marks an exciting new era, and with it comes a commitment to creating a lasting positive impact. In partnership with our esteemed hosts, Fira Barcelona and the city of Barcelona, we are establishing the ICE Research Institute as a cornerstone of the ICE legacy project. This initiative will see annual funding dedicated to projects that address the broader societal impacts of the gambling industry and support the local community, extending far beyond the economic benefits and the duration of the exhibition itself.
Inspired by successful models like the Mobile World Capital Foundation, the ICE Research Institute will focus on proactive solutions. We will provide grants to scientific and academic institutions to conduct vital research in the areas of prevention and sustainability. This focus distinguishes us from much of the existing academic work, which has primarily concentrated on gambling harm treatment. Building a Lasting Legacy: The ICE Research Institute
Our Mission:
- Invest in research that shapes the gambling sector's business practices, efficiency, and regulation.
- Provide reliable, evidence-based data for informed decisions across the industry.
- Promote understanding of gambling's societal impact and ways to reduce harm, with a focus on Spain and Catalonia.
- Build partnerships between researchers and industry, applying insights to real-world challenges.
- Encourage international academic collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Our Vision:
- Bridge the gap between research and industry for evidence-driven decisions.
- Deepen understanding of gambling's impacts locally and globally.
- Advance research in areas like sustainability, prevention, and risk management.
- Support turning research into actionable projects and solutions.
- Fund universities and labs transforming insights into practice.
Our Commitment:
- Collaborate with the gambling sector to identify research priorities for better regulation and operation.
- Prioritize projects with strong research-industry partnerships and co-funding.
- Uphold research integrity, scientific rigor, and impartiality, free from commercial or political influence.
Early Successes
Featured Research Projects
GamBrain Project, Fundación Patología Dual, Madrid:
This innovative project is developing an advanced AI tool to identify individuals at risk of developing a gambling disorder. Utilizing mobile-based standardized tests, clinical questionnaires, and genetic marker analysis, GamBrain aims to provide scalable early detection and personalized interventions, particularly for vulnerable adolescent and young adult populations. This has significant potential for preventing risky behaviors and improving mental health outcomes.GamBrain Project, Fundación Patología Dual, Madrid:
Advancing AI Ethics and Governance in the Gambling Sector – A Research Translation Pilot Project, University of Nevada in Las Vegas, in cooperation with the Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid:
This crucial pilot project bridges the gap between research and practical application. By working directly with regulators, the project will translate existing research on AI ethics into actionable tools and resources. This will empower the industry to ethically adopt AI technologies, ensuring compliance and promoting responsible innovation.
Stigma and the effectiveness of gambling prevention – social representation of gambling, Episteme, Barcelona:
This study delves into the historical and societal perceptions of gambling, including the language used to describe it. The research will analyze the link between the stigma associated with gambling and the effectiveness of prevention measures. Ultimately, the goal is to inform messaging that encourages vulnerable players to seek available help.
The ICE Research Institute is a testament to our enduring commitment to the responsible growth and positive contribution of the gambling industry. We look forward to sharing our progress and the impactful research that will shape the future.
Building a Lasting Legacy through
Ground-breaking Collaborations
ICE is also proud to support the important work of ACENCAS, the Catalonian charity that provides critical help and support to vulnerable consumers who suffer from various types of additions, including the gambling one.
We are thrilled to have become the strategic partner and collaborator for the newly launched ACENCAS Prevención Activa that has so far spearheaded initiatives in two areas:
Academic research
With the establishment of Observatorio de Adicciones Sociales (Social Addictions Observatory) and its first research project, focused on the profiles of people affected by these types of addictions. The study combines qualitative and quantitative methodologies, with the goal of identifying personal trajectories, risk factors, relapse dynamics, and barriers to accessing support resources. This research will serve as the scientific foundation for the Observatory and for the design of future prevention strategies.
Specialized university courses on social addictions
Aimed at students of psychology, social work, criminology, and related fields. This course, or advanced academic training, will provide a comprehensive approach to phenomena such as gambling addiction, problematic screen use, or compulsive consumerism. It will feature expert faculty and encourage dialogue among key stakeholders: mental health professionals, representatives from the manufacturing sector, and individuals with direct experience of addiction processes. Collaborating universities TBA.