Better Gambling Forum Establishes Scientific Oversight Committee to Advance Responsible Gambling Research

Introduction to the Better Gambling Forum and Its New Committee

The Better Gambling Forum (BGF), an initiative led by the Brain Capital Alliance dedicated to addressing mental health issues related to gambling, has announced the formation of its Scientific Oversight Committee (SOC). This new committee is designed to guide the forum’s scientific efforts with expertise and integrity.

Expertise and Role of the Scientific Oversight Committee

The SOC consists of specialists from diverse fields such as public health, addiction science, and gambling research. Their collective knowledge will be instrumental in strengthening the BGF’s research projects and policy development efforts, ensuring that all work adheres to the highest standards of scientific rigor and credibility.

The committee holds the authority to approve all research outputs associated with the forum. Their duties include reviewing and endorsing research findings, making sure they align with best industry practices, identifying areas where further study is needed, recommending new research directions, and serving as a critical checkpoint against bias in the forum’s work.

Members of the Scientific Oversight Committee

The current roster of the SOC members includes the following experts:

• Debi LaPlante, PhD, Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, USA
• James Whelan, PhD, Professor of Psychology at the University of Memphis, USA
• Josh Grubbs, PhD, Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of New Mexico, USA
• Judith Glynn, PhD, Head of Responsible Gambling Education and Policy at the University of Gibraltar, Gibraltar
• Marilisa Boffo, PhD, Associate Professor in Clinical Psychology and Digital Behavioral Health at Erasmus University Rotterdam, Netherlands
• Michael Wohl, PhD, Professor of Psychology at Carleton University, Canada
• Sally Gainsbury, PhD, Professor of Psychology at the University of Sydney, Australia
• Serena King, PhD, Professor of Psychology at Hamline University, USA

The global composition of this committee reflects the BGF’s commitment to a multi-stakeholder governance approach, ensuring a broad spectrum of insights into the worldwide gambling landscape and promoting safer gambling practices everywhere.

Reception and Impact of the Scientific Oversight Committee

The establishment of the SOC has been met with enthusiasm by BGF members and affiliates. Travis Sztainert, a steering committee member of BGF, highlighted the committee’s ability to bring top-tier gambling research expertise to the forum, raising the standard for responsible gambling initiatives.

Having SOC members independently oversee our activities adds credibility and rigor to the Better Gambling Forum, making sure that recommendations for responsible gambling policy and practice are founded on the strongest available evidence.

Travis Sztainert, Steering Committee Member, BGF

Shawn Fluharty, chair of the BGF steering committee, also emphasized the committee’s significance, describing it as essential in creating a thorough and evidence-driven framework aimed at protecting players and communities around the world.