Call for Papers 

CALL FOR PAPERS

Deadline for Call of Papers: JANUARY 30, 2026 

CONFERENCE OVERVIEW: 

Seagulls Flock Organization, Inc., in partnership with the Quezon City Local Government Unit and the International Problem Gambling and Gaming Certification Board (IPGGC), invites proposals for the 3rd International Conference on Gambling and Gaming Addiction on May 18-20,2026 at Manila, Philippines. 

CONFERENCE THEME: 

The Conference theme “ Gambling and Gaming: Navigating the Risks between Amusement and Addiction,” addresses the crucial and often blurred line between recreational activities and problematic behaviors in the digital age. It recognizes that both gambling and gaming can offer benefits like stress relief and cognitive skill development, but also pose risks such as addiction, physical health issues, and negative impacts on social and emotional well-being. The theme highlights the need for awareness and strategies to manage these risks, involving the public, professionals, and policymakers to foster a balanced approach to digital entertainment. 

Key aspects of the conference theme:

• Distinguishing amusement from addiction: The theme acknowledges that while gaming and gambling can be sources of entertainment, they also carry significant risks. It aims to help distinguish between enjoyable, responsible play and problematic, addictive behavior.

• Risk factors: The conference will cover various risk factors, including:

o   Increased online access to gambling and gaming.

o   Cognitive biases like the illusion of control, which can be encouraged by game design.

o   Psychological factors such as using gaming as a coping mechanism for stress.

o   Early life adversity, which is a strong predictor of future harmful gambling.

• Need for informed approaches:

o   A central goal is to navigate the risks, which requires a nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between the allure and potential harm of gaming and gambling.

o   This includes developing strategies for prevention, treatment, and harm reduction.

• Stakeholder involvement: The theme implies the need for collaboration among various groups, including:

o   Educators, parents, and healthcare professionals.

o   Policymakers and industry representatives.

o   User groups and their families.

• Focus on the digital environment: The theme recognizes the significant impact of digital media and technology on the prevalence and accessibility of both gambling and gaming, making a "digital age" perspective essential. 

This is all framed within the context of implementing the Six Pillars of Responsible Gambling, which represent a comprehensive guide for addressing gambling-related harm through a public health lens. 

Six Pillars of Responsible Gambling
Submissions should address one or more of the following pillars, particularly as they relate to the Philippine context and international best practices: 

1. Awareness Programs: Creating effective campaigns to educate patrons on problem gambling, its signs, and legal restrictions.

2. Player Protection and Fair Gaming: Implementing measures like transparent game rules, fair odds, and certified gaming machines to protect player integrity.

3. Customer Service and Support: Providing trained employees and accessible helplines for patrons with gambling-related issues.

4. Exclusion Programs: Offering patrons and their families the option to voluntarily or involuntarily exclude themselves from gaming venues.

5. Ethical Advertising and Marketing: Enforcing guidelines to ensure advertising is socially conscious and does not target vulnerable populations.

6. Research and Evaluation: Supporting and using evidence-based research to regularly review and update responsible gaming practices. 

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES :
We invite abstracts for oral presentations and poster sessions on the following suggested topics:

• Policy and Regulation:

o   Evaluating the impact of current responsible gambling policies in the Philippines.

o   Harmonizing domestic regulations with international responsible gaming standards.

o   The role of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) in upholding responsible gaming.

• Prevention, Treatment and Recovery:

o   Effectiveness of public health strategies in preventing problem gaming addiction.

o   Innovations in technology for detecting and mitigating risky gambling behavior.

o   The role of recovery centers and support groups in the Philippines.

• Progressive Partnerships:

o   The role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and community groups in promoting safer gambling.

o   Multi-sectoral collaborations between government, industry, and civil society.

o   Data privacy and security in the gaming industry.

• Social and Economic Impact:

o   The economic implications of responsible gaming measures for the industry and society.

o   Addressing the financial and emotional well-being of players and their families.

o   Promoting ethical gaming in online and digital spaces. 

Proposals should include: 

• Title of presentation, skill-building workshop, or poster

• Presenter(s) name(s) and affiliations

• Presenter’s brief bio ( not to exceed 75 words per bio )

• Abstract (up to 300 words); proposals including research must include a figure or table with results

• Learning objectives (2 for 30min talk; 3-4 for 60min talk; 1-2 for poster)

• Proposed format (parallel presentation, skill-building workshop, or poster presentation)

• Proposed content area (gambling main track, gaming main track, skill building)

• Audiovisual needs 

 Proposals should be submitted on or before January 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM GMT to info@seagullsflock.org. Please use subject: 3rd ICRGGA CONFERENCE PROPOSAL.  Notification of acceptance will be sent via email by February 15, 2026.

Contact Information
For further inquiries, please contact the Conference Committee at info@seagullsflock.org

Thank you in advance for considering presenting at the 3rd International Conference on Gambling and Gaming Addiction in Manila, Philippines. 

Seagulls Flock Conference Committee