The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has appointed two new specialists, Dr. Virve Marionneau and Dr. Spencer Murch, to its Advisory Board for Safer Gambling (ABSG). This transfer is geared toward enhancing the board’s experience in playing hurt prevention, particularly because the playing trade continues to evolve with new applied sciences and worldwide regulatory challenges.
The ABSG, initially generally known as the Responsible Gambling Strategy Board, has performed a pivotal position in advising the Gambling Commission on its National Strategy to Reduce Gambling Harms, which ran from April 2019 to April 2022. The board has additionally been instrumental in providing steerage for the UKGC’s 2023 overview of the Gambling Act.
Expanding International Research Expertise
Dr. Virve Marionneau, a sociologist and director of the Centre for Research on Addiction, Control, and Governance on the University of Helsinki in Finland, joins the ABSG with a wealth of data in playing regulation and trade practices. Her analysis delves into the results of digital playing environments and the qualitative investigation of gambling-related harms.
Marionneau emphasised the necessity for worldwide collaboration in playing regulation, stating: “I am honoured to join the ABSG, especially at a time when increasing international and cross-sector collaboration is needed to regulate and control gambling. I am thrilled to be a part of this impressive team of experts, and I look forward to advising particularly on regulatory practices and research from other jurisdictions.”
Focusing on AI and Digital Gambling Harms
Dr. Spencer Murch, a cognitive psychologist and postdoctoral fellow on the University of Calgary, Canada, additionally joins the ABSG. His work focuses on understanding the cognitive and behavioural profiles of addictive digital product use, with explicit curiosity in utilizing synthetic intelligence (AI) applied sciences to stop gambling-related issues.
Murch highlighted the rising significance of AI in safeguarding gamers: “As AI technologies and digital gambling opportunities continue to evolve, it is more important than ever to understand clearly the threats posed to human health in the United Kingdom and around the world. The mandate of this group is important, timely, and represents an opportunity to transform research insights into working harm prevention policies.”
Strategic Appointments for Safer Gambling
The Chair of the ABSG, Anna van der Gaag, welcomed each Marionneau and Murch, emphasizing their sturdy educational backgrounds and experience in playing research. “We are very fortunate to have Virve and Spencer as our newest members,” van der Gaag mentioned. “They will expand the national and international research expertise we offer to the Commission. Gambling is a global business, and the regulatory challenges faced in different jurisdictions have much in common.”
These appointments come at a vital time as playing applied sciences, together with AI and digital platforms, current each alternatives and challenges in managing gambling-related harms. The ABSG continues to play an integral position in shaping coverage and advising the Gambling Commission on safer playing initiatives.
In February 2024, the board additionally welcomed two further members, Dr. David Zendle and Dr. Steve Sharman, additional strengthening the board’s analysis experience on gambling-related hurt.
Source:
Two new members join the Advisory Board for Safer Gambling, gamblingcommission.gov.uk, 03.10.2024.
