Who is studying gambling harm, what are they researching—and where are the gaps?
The gambling industry is the subject of an enormous amount of academic research. But questions remain over what gets studied, who funds it, how useful it is and whether research connected to the industry can ever be considered truly independent.
Produced by SBC Insights and commissioned by 1xcare, Global Trends in Safer Gambling Research examines the global research landscape and the evidence influencing player protection, regulation and safer gambling strategy.
The report analyses how research priorities differ between regions, explores competing models for funding and independence, and brings together perspectives from academics and experienced industry figures on what gambling research needs to do next.
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Is gambling researching the right things?
Academic research into gambling harm is well established—but the subjects being studied and resources available vary considerably around the world.
The report examines research across Europe, North America, Latin America, Africa, Asia and Oceania, revealing differences driven by regulation, political debate, funding and the maturity of individual gambling markets.
It also asks whether a field traditionally dominated by psychology, public health, neuroscience and addiction research needs to broaden the questions it asks.
Who funds gambling research—and does it matter?
Few subjects create as much debate as the relationship between the gambling industry and the research examining it.
Different markets have adopted very different models, ranging from statutory levies and government-backed research to independent grant-making organisations and industry funding.
The report examines those models and the central question behind them: does where the money comes from determine whether the research can be trusted?
Rather than offering a simple answer, it explores the mechanisms that can protect research integrity—including transparency, methodological quality, independent analysis, peer review and freedom to publish.
Can gambling research be truly independent?
Industry-funded research can attract concerns over conflicts of interest. But the report also explores a broader question: is funding the only potential source of bias?
Academics interviewed by SBC Insights point to political attitudes, institutional interests, available funding and prevailing academic thinking as other factors capable of influencing which questions are researched and which findings receive attention.
The report considers what genuinely independent research should look like and proposes safeguards around researcher selection, methodology, publication and full disclosure.
What does the industry actually need from research?
Research can shape regulation and public debate, but it also has a practical purpose.
Drawing on perspectives from industry figures including Peter Marcus and Martin Lycka, the report examines the value of combining robust academic research with real-world industry data and customer experience.
One recurring challenge is clear: operators possess much of the behavioural data needed to understand players, while external researchers can provide the independence required for findings to withstand greater scrutiny.
Where are the gaps?
Looking at what has already been researched is only part of the story.
Global Trends in Safer Gambling Research identifies areas where contributors believe the evidence base needs to develop.
Among them are a greater focus on the wider player population rather than problem gambling alone; more research into when and how operators should intervene; stronger collaboration between academia, industry, regulators and government; and greater evaluation of the practical consequences of gambling regulation.
The report also identifies significant geographical gaps. For example, it describes Latin America as lacking dedicated independent gambling research infrastructure and calls for further research as regulated markets develop.
What You’ll Discover
The report explores global safer gambling research trends; regional differences in research priorities; research funding models; academic and industry perspectives; independence and potential bias; peer review and transparency; player protection research; industry data and lived experience; regulatory impact research; research gaps; and a framework for more independent gambling research.
Who Should Read This Report?
Global Trends in Safer Gambling Research is particularly relevant to gambling operators, safer gambling and player protection teams, regulators and policymakers, researchers and academics, compliance professionals, trade associations, suppliers and anyone involved in developing evidence-led gambling policy or strategy.
