Mathematics is strongly connected to gambling through the mathematical
models underlying any game of chance. Mathematics is reflected not only
in games’ design/characteristics and their outcomes, but also in
gamblers’ perception and knowledge of the mathematics-related facts of
gambling – which influence their gambling behavior. This is why
prevention and treatment of problem gambling – in whatever degree of
severity – cannot disregard the mathematical aspects of games and
gambling.
In the light of latest research, effectiveness of mathematical counseling in problem-gambling prevention and treatment can be reached only if delivered in a cognitive framework involving epistemology of gambling mathematics.
PhilScience
is organizing and maintaining an
online course for Gambling Mathematics
for the gambling counselors. All details of the course, including
its thematic structure and rules, are posted on this page.
Please send any questions regarding this course
to info[at]philscience.org (subject:
"gambling mathematics for counselors course").
Motivations for the
course
- Generally, the gambling psychologist-counselor cannot provide cognitive sessions with topics on gambling mathematics based on his/her expertise only. This is why the counselor needs to acquire new competencie in this field. - The mathematics of gambling is very broad, ranging from domains like probability theory, combinatorics, and topology to algebra and numerical analysis. However, research has shown that it is not actually this standard mathematical knowledge that might change gamblers’ behavior, but elements from the epistemology of gambling mathematics. Therefore, this interdisciplinary knowledge required for the counselor must be selected, organized, and adapted by the researcher holding the right combination of expertise.
Goals
of the course
- The gambler-patient does not need standard lectures on gambling mathematics from his/her counselor, but rather, the cognitive assets through which the psychological goals of the sessions are reached. This course aims to provide the required knowledge for the counselor in a ready-to-use form.
- The course concentrates on the understanding of the basic mathematical concepts involved in gambling, in both their mathematical description and their interpretation in the real world of gambling.
- The course aims to provide the necessary cognitive tools for gamblers to:
- understand the nature of probability and statistical indicators with respect to the realm of gambling; “facing the odds” and what they are and how they work in reality;
- understand that their reward is mathematically governed;
- correct their standard and non-standard gambling misconceptions and fallacies responsible for problematic gambling;
- correct the interpretation of the misleading language (a mixture of mathematical and non-mathematical terms) used in the industry to describe games and gaming strategies;
- change their view on games of chance through a mathematical representation that reduces or annuls their interest in games and gambling.
General
description of the course
The course will last about 3-3.5 months and will be structured on thematic modules containing 28 lessons, delivered on average biweekly. It will have a static part consisting of the delivered lessons, as well as an interactive part, in sessions alternating with the lessons, consisting of: 1) answers to questions and issues of understanding arising from the previous lesson (maximum 5 questions per lesson); 3) case studies for open discussion.
To download the thematic general structure of the course, its rules, terms, and conditions, click
here:
At the end of the course, the student will receive a diploma which can
serve as a proof of the new competence.
Instructional personnel
The
course is conceived and supervised by Dr. Catalin
Barboianu, who also maintains the interactive sessions with the help
of an assistant.
Fees
The
unit fee of the course is $35 per lesson ($280 for the first module,
$980 for the entire course). The fees may be paid in full at the time of registration, or in
part; a partial payment must cover one complete module.
Registration
You
can register for the course by completing the registration form below
and sending it to address
orders[at]philscience.org (subject “gambling math for
counselors course
registration”). Registration is
limited to 20 students per class. If the course is already full when you
register, you will be informed of this and you will remain in the queue
to enroll in the course when a place becomes available.
Download registration form |