Transforming Addiction Countermeasures from 'Special Support' to 'Normal Sense of Security'
Key facts
- Transforming Addiction Countermeasures from 'Special Support' to 'Normal Sense of Security'
- The General Incorporated Association for Research on Gambling and Other Addiction Countermeasures announces its vision to make addiction countermeasures a 'normal sense of security' for everyone in the IR era, promoting human resource development through a qualification system.
- Source: PR Times
- Date: April 1, 2026
Direct answer
The General Incorporated Association for Research on Gambling and Other Addiction Countermeasures announces its vision to make addiction countermeasures a 'normal sense of security' for everyone in the IR era, promoting human resource development through a qualification system.
- Citation
- Transforming Addiction Countermeasures from 'Special Support' to 'Normal Sense of Security' (April 1, 2026), PR Times
- Source
- PR Times
- Date
- April 1, 2026
The General Incorporated Association for Research on Gambling and Other Addiction Countermeasures announces its vision to make addiction countermeasures a 'normal sense of security' for everyone in the IR era, promoting human resource development through a qualification system.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 1, 2026 at 19:00
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 2, 2026 at 12:57 (1481h 57m after Published)
The General Incorporated Association for Research on Gambling and Other Addiction Countermeasures endorses PR TIMES's 'April Dream' and will disseminate the future we wish to realize.
Our Vision: "Don't let addiction countermeasures end as a problem for a few."
Addiction, including gambling, is not something that happens only to special individuals; it is a familiar issue that can affect anyone.
However, currently, opportunities to access correct knowledge are limited, and there are challenges such as high hurdles to consultation and support in society, making it a theme that tends to be fragmented. The perspective of "prevention" is not sufficiently widespread. In response to this situation, we continue our activities with the desire to "create a society where people can be supported at an earlier stage."
What is needed now for the IR era
In Japan, the development of IRs (Integrated Resorts) will progress in the future, and the way people interact with gambling will change.
What is important in this trend is the perspective of "how to balance 'enjoyment' and 'security'."
We believe that addiction countermeasures are not "for restriction" but "a foundation for making choices with peace of mind."
The future we aim for
We aim for a society like this:
An environment where people can naturally learn about addiction in schools and communities, a support system connecting medical care, welfare, education, and the private sector, and a mechanism to notice and consult at the stage of small discomfort.
And, a state where the concept of "prevention" is gently rooted in society.
Changing society by nurturing people
Our research group operates the "Gambling and Other Addiction Countermeasures Specialist (PGCS)" qualification system to foster human resources with correct knowledge and response capabilities regarding addiction.
Currently, this qualification is beginning to be utilized in various settings, such as educational institutions, welfare and medical fields, corporate and community activities.
In the future, we aim to further elevate its position in society as "knowledge shared as a basic understanding in all fields."
Finally
Addiction countermeasures are not just about responding after problems occur, but also about initiatives to "create a society where problems are less likely to occur." We will continue to gradually make a society where everyone can make choices with peace of mind a reality.
And, "what is needed in the coming era is not a society where people engage without knowing, but a society where they can choose with understanding."
About the General Incorporated Association for Research on Gambling and Other Addiction Countermeasures
The General Incorporated Association for Research on Gambling and Other Addiction Countermeasures was established in November 2023 with the aim of researching and promoting countermeasures for gambling and other addictions. Its origin is a research project team established within Osaka University of Commerce by academics and treatment professionals to create an educational curriculum related to gambling addiction.
As a pioneer in human resource development supporting the prevention, intervention, and treatment of addiction, the research group established the "Gambling and Other Addiction Countermeasures Specialist" certification system to make gambling and other addiction countermeasures more effective. Through this certification examination, we aim to improve the quality of employee education and education for professionals and supporters, and to foster specialists who can confront addiction.
Representative Director: Ichiro Tanioka (President of Osaka University of Commerce / Chairman of Tanioka Gakuen Educational Foundation)
Known as a leading authority in criminology and gambling sociology, he continues to advocate for the necessity of addiction countermeasures in society from both educational and research perspectives.
Image caption: The "Gambling and Other Addiction Countermeasures Specialist" is a qualification aimed at fostering human resources capable of preventing gambling and other addictions and intervening in treatment and recovery.
■ Official Website
https://pgcs.jp/
■ Gambling and Other Addiction Countermeasures Specialist
The "Gambling and Other Addiction Countermeasures Specialist" is a qualification that anticipates the increasing importance of addiction countermeasures as common knowledge in a society where gambling becomes more familiar.
Furthermore, it allows for systematic learning of the mechanisms of "process addiction," including gaming addiction, enabling individuals to acquire not only self-prevention but also appropriate ways of interacting with and intervening for family, friends, and colleagues.
It is expected that gambling business stakeholders, medical and welfare professionals, civil servants, students, and corporate HR personnel will acquire this qualification, serving as a starting point for early detection and treatment support for addiction within organizations.
Additionally, it objectively certifies that one possesses basic knowledge of mental illnesses.
Details regarding the 2026 Basic Course qualification certification lecture and examination will be announced on the official website as soon as the official dates are decided.
Information on Certified Textbooks
For bulk orders, such as for affiliated organizations, please contact the research group directly.
Small quantities can be purchased on Amazon or Rakuten Books.
https://pgcs.jp/resources/
■ Inquiries about the Research Group
https://pgcs.jp/contact/
Our Vision: "Don't let addiction countermeasures end as a problem for a few."
Addiction, including gambling, is not something that happens only to special individuals; it is a familiar issue that can affect anyone.
However, currently, opportunities to access correct knowledge are limited, and there are challenges such as high hurdles to consultation and support in society, making it a theme that tends to be fragmented. The perspective of "prevention" is not sufficiently widespread. In response to this situation, we continue our activities with the desire to "create a society where people can be supported at an earlier stage."
What is needed now for the IR era
In Japan, the development of IRs (Integrated Resorts) will progress in the future, and the way people interact with gambling will change.
What is important in this trend is the perspective of "how to balance 'enjoyment' and 'security'."
We believe that addiction countermeasures are not "for restriction" but "a foundation for making choices with peace of mind."
The future we aim for
We aim for a society like this:
An environment where people can naturally learn about addiction in schools and communities, a support system connecting medical care, welfare, education, and the private sector, and a mechanism to notice and consult at the stage of small discomfort.
And, a state where the concept of "prevention" is gently rooted in society.
Changing society by nurturing people
Our research group operates the "Gambling and Other Addiction Countermeasures Specialist (PGCS)" qualification system to foster human resources with correct knowledge and response capabilities regarding addiction.
Currently, this qualification is beginning to be utilized in various settings, such as educational institutions, welfare and medical fields, corporate and community activities.
In the future, we aim to further elevate its position in society as "knowledge shared as a basic understanding in all fields."
Finally
Addiction countermeasures are not just about responding after problems occur, but also about initiatives to "create a society where problems are less likely to occur." We will continue to gradually make a society where everyone can make choices with peace of mind a reality.
And, "what is needed in the coming era is not a society where people engage without knowing, but a society where they can choose with understanding."
About the General Incorporated Association for Research on Gambling and Other Addiction Countermeasures
The General Incorporated Association for Research on Gambling and Other Addiction Countermeasures was established in November 2023 with the aim of researching and promoting countermeasures for gambling and other addictions. Its origin is a research project team established within Osaka University of Commerce by academics and treatment professionals to create an educational curriculum related to gambling addiction.
As a pioneer in human resource development supporting the prevention, intervention, and treatment of addiction, the research group established the "Gambling and Other Addiction Countermeasures Specialist" certification system to make gambling and other addiction countermeasures more effective. Through this certification examination, we aim to improve the quality of employee education and education for professionals and supporters, and to foster specialists who can confront addiction.
Representative Director: Ichiro Tanioka (President of Osaka University of Commerce / Chairman of Tanioka Gakuen Educational Foundation)
Known as a leading authority in criminology and gambling sociology, he continues to advocate for the necessity of addiction countermeasures in society from both educational and research perspectives.
Image caption: The "Gambling and Other Addiction Countermeasures Specialist" is a qualification aimed at fostering human resources capable of preventing gambling and other addictions and intervening in treatment and recovery.
■ Official Website
https://pgcs.jp/
■ Gambling and Other Addiction Countermeasures Specialist
The "Gambling and Other Addiction Countermeasures Specialist" is a qualification that anticipates the increasing importance of addiction countermeasures as common knowledge in a society where gambling becomes more familiar.
Furthermore, it allows for systematic learning of the mechanisms of "process addiction," including gaming addiction, enabling individuals to acquire not only self-prevention but also appropriate ways of interacting with and intervening for family, friends, and colleagues.
It is expected that gambling business stakeholders, medical and welfare professionals, civil servants, students, and corporate HR personnel will acquire this qualification, serving as a starting point for early detection and treatment support for addiction within organizations.
Additionally, it objectively certifies that one possesses basic knowledge of mental illnesses.
Details regarding the 2026 Basic Course qualification certification lecture and examination will be announced on the official website as soon as the official dates are decided.
Information on Certified Textbooks
For bulk orders, such as for affiliated organizations, please contact the research group directly.
Small quantities can be purchased on Amazon or Rakuten Books.
https://pgcs.jp/resources/
■ Inquiries about the Research Group
https://pgcs.jp/contact/
FAQ
What kind of qualification is the 'Gambling and Other Addiction Countermeasures Specialist'?
It's a qualification for understanding the importance of addiction countermeasures in a society where gambling becomes more common, and learning appropriate engagement and intervention procedures for oneself and close ones. It also covers process addictions, including gaming addiction.
Why is it necessary to make addiction countermeasures a 'normal sense of security' now?
As Integrated Resorts (IRs) develop and the relationship with gambling changes, prevention and the dissemination of correct knowledge are essential to build a society where everyone can make choices with peace of mind.
Who should acquire this qualification?
A wide range of people are targeted, including gambling industry stakeholders, medical and welfare professionals, civil servants, students, and corporate HR personnel, who are expected to be starting points for early detection and treatment support for addiction.