GambleAware, the independent charity organisation that combats gambling-related harm, announced today it is to donate £4 million for the establishment of the Research Hub, the UK’s first academic institution to specialise in problem gambling research. The announcement comes as part of GambleAware’s commitment to expanding research capabilities in the sphere of gambling-associated harms in the UK and around the globe.
The grant charity will donate the sum over the course of eight months. The organisation will focus on introducing new disciplines to the field of problem gambling research, whilst developing an evidence base in the UK and bolstering the country’s international profile. The new academic institution will have the say on its own research focus.
The Research Hub is also expected to attract additional sources to drive funding growth beyond the GambleAware grant award. The expectations are for the new academic institution to considerably influence the gambling-harm research landscape, both on a local and global scale.
The institution will work closely with GambleAware towards achieving a society free from gambling-associated harms and helping the charity to expand its academic research capacity. At the present moment, a limited number of UK academics are involved in gambling-related research. Most of them examine gambling and its related problems from the perspective of social scientists.
Several Universities Will Compete for the Grant
The Research Hub is different in that it aims to expand the range of academic disciplines that deal with gambling research in the UK. The new organisation will provide support and information to other agencies and organisations that work to combat and minimise gambling-associated harms. GambleAware has invited several British universities to apply for the grant.
The charity has selected the educational institutions based on different criteria, including a high rating in research fields relevant to gambling behaviour and addiction prevention. Another important requirement is for the universities to apply a multi-disciplinary approach when determining the rationale for their selected research areas.
With that in mind, the grant will go to one university only. The British grant charity encourages applications from candidates with solid academic track records in related disciplines like public health, epidemiology, and psychology. GambleAware’s Interim Research Director Alison Clare said the grant-making charity is expecting some very ingenious and original proposals, judging by the initial discussions with the chosen universities.
Last week, GambleAware reignited its Bet Regret initiative for safer gambling just in time for the start of the new English Premier League season. The campaign aims to raise awareness about safer gambling and betting in moderation.
Its main target audience comprises male Brits aged 18 to 34-years-old who are considered particularly vulnerable to exhibiting impulsive behaviours when gambling. GambleAware’s Bet Regret campaign will appear on radio, television, online platforms, and football stadiums from August 14 to September 19.
- Author
Daniel Williams
