Level Up: a game-based learning tool to prevent problem gambling in young people
Official title: Level Up: A game-based learning intervention to prevent problem gambling in adolescents
Funded at Dfusion, INC. · NIH-11316897 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A game-based learning program designed for adolescents to help reduce problem gambling and promote healthier choices.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dfusion, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Scotts Valley, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $304,907 |
| NIH project number | 1R43DA065369-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11316897 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adolescents and young adults aged approximately 12–20 who are at risk for or showing early signs of gambling-related problems.
✕Less likely to help
Youth without exposure to gambling risk or those not engaging with the program may not experience direct benefits.
What this research studies
This project develops a game-based learning intervention aimed at preventing problem gambling among adolescents and young adults. It will leverage engaging gameplay to teach skills for recognizing risk, resisting peer pressure, and making informed decisions about gambling and associated behaviors. The approach is designed to be accessible to youth ages roughly 12–20 and to fit into school or community settings. If successful, the program could be used in educational contexts to reduce gambling problems and improve related health outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: It could help reduce gambling problems and associated health risks in youth by teaching prevention skills through an engaging game.
How similar studies have gone: Previous prevention programs using interactive games have shown promise in changing risky behaviors among youth, but results vary by context and population.
Where this research is happening
-
Dfusion, INC.
Scotts Valley, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Laris, Ba — Dfusion, INC.
- Study coordinator: Laris, Ba
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.