The Gambling Commission of Great Britain has further strengthened its efforts to reduce gambling-related harm with the appointment of two new members to its Advisory Board for Safer Gambling (ABSG).
The newly appointed experts, Dr. Virve Marionneau and Dr. Spencer Murch, bring significant experience in the fields of addiction, regulation, and artificial intelligence (AI), adding to the Commission’s strategic framework aimed at curbing gambling harm in the UK.
The ABSG, which was previously known as the Responsible Gambling Strategy Board before its rebranding in 2019, provides independent advice to the Gambling Commission on tackling gambling-related harm. Its critical role includes shaping policies, promoting regulatory improvements, and offering insight into the future of gambling safety.
New Additions to the Advisory Board for Safer Gambling
Dr. Virve Marionneau, a sociologist and director of the Centre for Research on Addiction, Control and Governance at the University of Helsinki, joins the ABSG with extensive research in gambling regulation, digital gambling environments, and industry practices. Marionneau has spent years analyzing the impact of gambling on society, focusing on qualitative investigations into gambling-related harm.
Upon joining the ABSG, Marionneau emphasized the need for international cooperation in regulating gambling, noting that many of the challenges countries face are interconnected. “I’m honoured to join the ABSG, especially at a time when increasing international and cross-sector collaboration is needed to regulate and control gambling,” she said. “I look forward to advising particularly on regulatory practices and research from other jurisdictions.”
Her expertise will be invaluable as the Commission navigates global gambling trends, which often transcend borders due to the rise of digital platforms and online gambling. Marionneau’s focus on cross-sector collaboration aligns well with the Commission’s goal of sharing knowledge and improving regulations both nationally and internationally.
Dr. Spencer Murch, a cognitive psychologist and post-doctoral fellow at the University of Calgary, specializes in the cognitive and behavioural aspects of addiction, particularly in the digital age. Murch’s work explores the effects of addictive digital products and how emerging AI technologies can be used to detect and prevent gambling-related harm.
In his statement, Murch highlighted the importance of AI in addressing gambling-related issues. “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 UK and around the world,” he noted. Murch is particularly interested in using AI to identify early signs of gambling addiction, which could lead to timely interventions that prevent long-term harm.
The inclusion of AI research into the ABSG’s purview marks a forward-thinking approach to tackling gambling addiction in the digital era, where online platforms can often escape the more traditional forms of regulation.
The Advisory Board’s Broader Strategy
The ABSG has been integral in shaping the Gambling Commission’s strategies, particularly in implementing the National Strategy to Reduce Gambling Harms. This strategy, which ran from 2019 to 2022, was designed to improve treatment and support for individuals affected by gambling addiction while also working to reduce gambling-related harm across communities.
The board has also provided critical insight into the ongoing review of the Gambling Act 2005, which governs gambling practices across Great Britain. The review, initiated in 2023, is aimed at updating legislation to reflect the changing landscape of gambling, particularly in the face of the rapid growth of digital gambling platforms.
Anna van der Gaag, Chair of the ABSG, welcomed Marionneau and Murch to the board, expressing confidence in the expertise they bring to the team. “They are highly respected academics, both with a strong record of achievement in the field of gambling studies,” van der Gaag stated. “Together, they will expand the national and international research expertise we offer to the Commission.”
Van der Gaag also stressed the importance of these new appointments, as gambling continues to be a global industry, facing similar regulatory challenges across different regions. With Marionneau’s background in international regulatory practices and Murch’s expertise in cognitive psychology and AI, the ABSG is better positioned to address the evolving nature of gambling and its impact on public health.
The Gambling Commission has been proactive in addressing the growing concerns surrounding gambling addiction, particularly as technology has made gambling more accessible. The rise of online gambling has introduced new risks, as individuals can now participate in gambling activities from the privacy of their own homes, making regulation more complex.
Marionneau and Murch’s appointments complement the expertise already present on the ABSG. Earlier in 2024, the board welcomed Dr. David Zendle, a behavioural data scientist, and Dr. Steve Sharman, a psychologist and research fellow at the National Addiction Centre at King’s College London. With this diverse team of experts, the Gambling Commission has created a multidisciplinary force focused on understanding gambling addiction from multiple angles.
Together, these experts will work to further strengthen policies that can detect and prevent gambling harm, particularly through advancements in AI, improved regulatory practices, and international collaboration.
The gambling industry is evolving rapidly, with new digital and AI technologies offering both opportunities and challenges for regulators. By staying ahead of these developments, the Gambling Commission is well-equipped to create a safer environment for individuals affected by gambling addiction, ensuring that harm reduction remains a top priority.
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