Better Gambling Forum launches Scientific Oversight Committee

The Better Gambling Forum (BGF), a key initiative of the Brain Capital Alliance, has recently taken a decisive step in strengthening its governance framework with the establishment of an independent Scientific Oversight Committee (SOC). This committee is intended to guarantee that all research, recommendations, and policy outputs generated by the Forum are grounded in rigorous, evidence-based practice, reinforcing the organisation’s commitment to scientific integrity and transparency.

The formation of the SOC represents a pivotal advancement in the Forum’s multi-stakeholder governance model, designed to ensure that its work maintains the highest standard of objectivity and remains free from undue influence by any individual, industry, or regulatory perspective. The move reflects the BGF’s ongoing dedication to promoting responsible gambling practices and supporting public health policy through evidence-informed research.

Composition of the Scientific Oversight Committee

The SOC is composed of nine distinguished international academics and public health experts, each of whom brings a wealth of experience in gambling research, psychology, behavioural science, and public health. Their expertise spans a broad spectrum of fields that are critical to understanding and mitigating gambling-related harm.

Key members include:

• Professor Michael Wohl, Carleton University, renowned for his work in gambling psychology and behavioural interventions.
• Dr Marilisa Boffo, Erasmus University Rotterdam, whose research focuses on behavioural science and public health policy.
• Professor Sally Gainsbury, University of Sydney, an internationally recognised expert in responsible gambling and digital gaming studies.
• Dr Judith Glynn, University of Gibraltar, specialising in addiction research and public health frameworks.

Additional appointments include Dr Josh Grubbs, whose work explores behavioural patterns and compulsive behaviours; Professor Serena King, focusing on intervention strategies and policy impact; Dr Debi LaPlante, a leading researcher in gambling epidemiology; and Professor James Whelan, known for his contributions to evidence-based public health and behavioural research.

Role and Responsibilities of the SOC

The Scientific Oversight Committee has been vested with independent authority to review and approve all research outputs produced by the Better Gambling Forum. These outputs encompass a wide range of documents, including:

• Policy recommendations targeting regulators and policymakers
• Guidance documents aimed at supporting responsible gambling initiatives
• Analytical reports derived from empirical research and statistical modelling

The SOC is tasked with ensuring the methodological quality, accuracy of interpretation, and adherence to recognised scientific standards in all Forum publications. In doing so, the committee guarantees that research findings and recommendations are robust, transparent, and resistant to bias.

Travis Sztainert, a member of the BGF steering committee, highlighted the significance of the committee’s expertise, stating:
“This group brings together world-class expertise in gambling research and we are incredibly fortunate to have them involved. Its knowledge and experience set the gold standard in this space.”

Similarly, Shawn Fluharty, Chair of the BGF Steering Committee, emphasised the committee’s critical role in safeguarding independence and quality:
“This committee’s independent authority to review and approve all research-related outputs ensures that our work remains free from bias and is guided by the most robust evidence available.”

Strengthening Multi-Stakeholder Governance

The creation of the SOC reflects the Forum’s ongoing commitment to a multi-stakeholder governance model. By involving independent experts from diverse academic and public health backgrounds, the BGF aims to prevent any single viewpoint—whether from industry, regulators, or academics—from disproportionately influencing its work.

This inclusive approach ensures that all perspectives are considered, promoting a balanced and scientifically credible framework for responsible gambling research and policy development. The SOC is expected to act as a central pillar of this governance structure, providing oversight and guidance that reinforces the credibility of the Forum’s publications and recommendations.

The multi-stakeholder model also allows the Forum to respond effectively to emerging trends in gambling, digital gaming, and public health. By combining scientific rigour with practical insights from regulators and policymakers, the BGF can offer guidance that is both actionable and evidence-based, meeting the needs of a rapidly evolving sector.

Impact on Responsible Gambling Research and Policy

Since its launch in September 2025, the Better Gambling Forum has prioritised the development of its Responsible Gambling Practice and Policy (RG3P) pillars. These pillars provide a framework for policymakers, regulators, and industry stakeholders to implement evidence-informed standards in gambling regulation, harm prevention, and player protection.

The formation of the SOC is anticipated to significantly enhance the Forum’s research agenda. By providing independent review and approval, the committee ensures that every publication—from policy briefs to analytical reports—meets the highest standard of scientific integrity. This, in turn, strengthens the credibility of the Forum’s recommendations in national and international policy discussions.

Furthermore, the SOC’s oversight facilitates the Forum’s ability to identify gaps in current research, generate new evidence, and explore innovative approaches to reducing gambling-related harm. These efforts are crucial in addressing complex challenges such as problem gambling, online gaming regulation, and the psychological and social consequences of gambling behaviour.

Ensuring Evidence-Based Practice

A key responsibility of the SOC is to ensure that all BGF research and outputs adhere to evidence-based practices. This includes rigorous evaluation of research methodology, validation of findings, and adherence to internationally recognised scientific standards. By maintaining this level of scrutiny, the Forum enhances public confidence in its work and positions itself as a trusted source of guidance in the gambling and public health sectors.

The committee’s independent review process also protects the Forum from potential conflicts of interest. By separating research oversight from operational and strategic decision-making, the SOC ensures that all recommendations are driven solely by empirical evidence and best practices in the field.

Future Directions

Looking ahead, the SOC is expected to play an integral role in shaping the Forum’s research priorities and policy initiatives. Key areas of focus may include:

• Enhancing understanding of behavioural patterns associated with gambling harm
• Developing innovative interventions and responsible gambling tools
• Evaluating the effectiveness of public health campaigns and regulatory measures
• Exploring the impact of digital gaming technologies on gambling behaviour
• Supporting international collaboration to advance global best practices

Through these activities, the SOC will contribute to a sustainable and scientifically grounded approach to responsible gambling, ultimately benefitting both policymakers and the wider public.

The establishment of the SOC is not only a milestone for the Better Gambling Forum but also a signal to the broader community that the Forum is committed to upholding the highest standards of research integrity. By combining independent scientific oversight with a multi-stakeholder governance model, the BGF is positioning itself as a leader in evidence-based policy development in gambling harm reduction.

Conclusion

The formation of the Scientific Oversight Committee within the Better Gambling Forum represents a significant step forward in the organisation’s mission to promote responsible gambling and evidence-informed policy. By assembling a team of internationally recognised experts and granting them independent authority over research outputs, the Forum ensures that its work is scientifically rigorous, unbiased, and actionable.

The SOC’s establishment reinforces the BGF’s multi-stakeholder governance model, safeguards the integrity of its publications, and strengthens its capacity to influence policy on gambling harm. With this new committee in place, the Forum is well-positioned to continue its leadership in developing robust, evidence-based frameworks for responsible gambling and public health initiatives.

FAQs

What is the Better Gambling Forum?
The Better Gambling Forum is an initiative of the Brain Capital Alliance that focuses on promoting responsible gambling through research, policy guidance, and evidence-based practices.

What is the purpose of the Scientific Oversight Committee?
The SOC ensures that all BGF research outputs, including policy recommendations and analytical reports, meet rigorous scientific standards and are free from bias.

Who are the members of the SOC?
The SOC consists of nine international experts in gambling research, behavioural science, and public health, including Professor Michael Wohl, Dr Marilisa Boffo, and Professor Sally Gainsbury.

How does the SOC enhance research credibility?
The committee independently reviews and approves all outputs, verifying methodology, interpretation, and adherence to recognised scientific standards.

What is the RG3P framework?
The Responsible Gambling Practice and Policy (RG3P) framework is designed to support policymakers and regulators through evidence-informed standards in responsible gambling.

Why is multi-stakeholder governance important?
It ensures that no single perspective dominates the Forum’s work, promoting balanced and objective decision-making in research and policy development.

How does the SOC prevent conflicts of interest?
By separating research oversight from operational and strategic decision-making, the SOC guarantees that recommendations are based solely on empirical evidence.

What areas will the SOC focus on in future research?
Key areas include gambling behaviour analysis, intervention strategies, public health campaign evaluation, and digital gaming impacts.

How does the SOC benefit policymakers?
Policymakers receive scientifically validated guidance and evidence-based recommendations to inform regulations and harm-reduction initiatives.

When was the Better Gambling Forum launched?
The Better Gambling Forum was launched in September 2025 alongside the introduction of its RG3P pillars.