Research Funding in the Field of Gambling: Recent Evolution and Future Directions

Session Title

Session 3-3-C: Research Perspectives

Presentation Type

Paper Presentation

Location

Park MGM, Las Vegas, NV

Start Date

25-5-2023 1:30 PM

End Date

25-5-2023 3:00 PM

Disciplines

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Abstract

Funding for research in the field of gambling has become increasingly scarce. Many previously available sources of funding have declined or disappeared completely, and the national granting councils do not typically focus on gambling research. There is also growing recognition that research funding from sources that may have a vested interest in the outcome can be problematic. Gambling offerings are expanding and innovating at an increasing rate, bringing with it a heightened advertising environment. This, alongside the mental health and financial impacts of the pandemic, means that the need for research on gambling and gambling-related harms is arguably greater than ever before. This session will explore current challenges for gambling research funding and outline considerations, including risk assessment and transparency, to support a robust research field that generates independent programs of study and high-quality insights. It will build on a case study of Greo’s own funding challenges resulting in the transition from a far-reaching research organization with local government funding to an independent global knowledge mobilization organization that continues to commission research, with an expanded focus on primary research, evidence synthesis, evaluation, and stakeholder convening.

Keywords

Research funding; research integrity

Author Bios

Trudy Smit Quosai, PhD is CEO of Greo. Trudy spent the last decade advancing gambling research and knowledge translation globally, most recently as a partner supporting the National Strategy to Reduce Gambling Harms in Great Britain. Her knowledge translation experience includes communicating best evidence to practitioners, policy makers, and researchers. Dr. Smit Quosai holds a PhD in Family Relations and Applied Nutrition with a focus on policy development from the University of Guelph, Canada.

Matthew M. Young, Ph.D. is Director of Research and Evidence Services at Greo, Senior Research Associate at the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA), and an Adjunct Research Professor of Psychology at Carleton University in Ottawa where he has studied substance use, gambling, and addiction for over 20 years. Dr. Young was also co-chair of the scientific committee that developed the lower-risk gambling guidelines.

Funding Sources

There are no funding sources associated with this submission.

Competing Interests

Greo has received funds in the last three years from the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (Canada), social responsibility arms of Canadian crown corporations with responsibility to conduct and manage gambling, non-profits, charities, and post-secondary institutions (Canada), New Zealand Ministry of Health, regulatory settlement funds (Great Britain), third-sector charities (Great Britain), and other international regulators. Prior to employment at Greo, Matthew Young was employed for 12 years by the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction which received funding from the Government of Canada.

Share

COinS
 
May 25th, 1:30 PM May 25th, 3:00 PM

Research Funding in the Field of Gambling: Recent Evolution and Future Directions

Park MGM, Las Vegas, NV

Funding for research in the field of gambling has become increasingly scarce. Many previously available sources of funding have declined or disappeared completely, and the national granting councils do not typically focus on gambling research. There is also growing recognition that research funding from sources that may have a vested interest in the outcome can be problematic. Gambling offerings are expanding and innovating at an increasing rate, bringing with it a heightened advertising environment. This, alongside the mental health and financial impacts of the pandemic, means that the need for research on gambling and gambling-related harms is arguably greater than ever before. This session will explore current challenges for gambling research funding and outline considerations, including risk assessment and transparency, to support a robust research field that generates independent programs of study and high-quality insights. It will build on a case study of Greo’s own funding challenges resulting in the transition from a far-reaching research organization with local government funding to an independent global knowledge mobilization organization that continues to commission research, with an expanded focus on primary research, evidence synthesis, evaluation, and stakeholder convening.