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UKGC adds two new experts to Safer Gambling Advisory Board

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has added two new members to its Advisory Board for Safer Gambling (ABSG). 

Dr Virve Marionneau and Dr Spencer Murch are the latest duo to join the UKGC. They were welcomed by Anna van der Gaag, Chair of ABSG, who commented: “They are highly respected academics, both with a strong record of achievement in the field of gambling studies, and together 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. I am delighted to be welcoming them and have no doubt they will bring valuable new insights to an ever-expanding range of topics which inform policy and practice in gambling regulation.”

Dr Marionneau comes from a sociology background, currently holding the role of Director of the Centre for Research on Addiction, Control, and Government at the University of Helsinki, Finland. 

She places her research focus on a wide range of gambling-related topics, such as regulations, digital gambling, and qualitative investigation of gambling experiences and harms. 

On her appointment, she said: “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.”

Dr Murch works as a cognitive psychologist and AGRI Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Calgary, Canada, with his work exploring cognitive behavioural practices and implementation of AI into health improvement opportunities.  

He added: “I am eager to contribute to such a talented team as the ABSG. 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.”

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