B.C. Commits $1.4M to Continue Research into Gambling Addictions, Policies
The Centre for Gambling Research at the University of British Columbia (UBC) has received $1.4 million in renewed funding from the province of British Columbia (B.C.) to further its research into gambling-related harms. The funding, announced by Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth, marks the third funding term for the centre, which aims to investigate the psychological characteristics associated with personal risk factors for addictive behaviors.
One of the major focuses of the centre’s research is exploring the links between gambling, video gaming, and loot boxes. Loot boxes refer to in-game prizes that players can either win or purchase within a video game. The centre has been at the forefront of addressing the issue of loot boxes and their potential relationship with gambling. According to centre director Luke Clarke, their ongoing programs also delve into the high-risk design features of modern gambling products, as well as the convergence of gambling with video gaming.
In addition to examining these emerging forms of gambling, the centre plans to utilize the behavioral markers of high-risk gambling found in online gambling data. Specifically, they will work with the B.C. Lottery Corporation’s Play Now data, which contains a substantial amount of information that can be used to inform risk-detection algorithms. This data will aid in understanding and identifying the patterns associated with high-risk gambling behaviors.
The province’s investment in gambling research reflects its commitment to developing effective strategies for preventing and intervening in gambling addiction, as well as improving evidence-based gambling policies. Farnworth emphasized that gambling not only affects individuals but can also have a devastating impact on families and communities.
Moreover, the centre’s exploration of modern slot machines has been instrumental in shaping the development of British Columbia’s first online gambling standards. These standards prioritize player protection and aim to minimize the harms associated with internet gambling.
When asked about the province’s stance on sports gambling and gambling-related advertisements featuring celebrities or athletes, Farnworth expressed support for bans on such ads, stating that he believed they were the right thing to do. He highlighted that the province had raised concerns at the federal level regarding the excessive number of gambling advertisements.
With this renewed funding, the Centre for Gambling Research at UBC is poised to make further strides in understanding the underlying causes and consequences of gambling addiction. Their research will not only contribute to the field of gambling harm reduction but also aid in the development of evidence-based policies aimed at mitigating the risks associated with gambling.
By continuing their investigations into the psychological basis of gambling-related harms and exploring emerging gambling forms, the centre’s researchers are dedicated to ensuring the well-being of individuals and communities impacted by gambling addiction. Through their work, they strive to shed light on this complex issue and offer tangible solutions to prevent and intervene in gambling-related harms.
