In this episode, hosts Jon Bruford and Dr. Michael Auer engage with Kasra Ghaharian, Director of Research at the International Gaming Institute at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. We discuss various aspects of gambling, including responsible gambling, prediction tools, and the complexities of regulation. The conversation delves into the challenges of incentivising responsible behaviour, the role of AI in risk detection, and the need for standardised frameworks in the gambling industry. Kasra shares insights from his background in poker and academia, while the hosts explore the implications of gambling behaviour on both a personal and regulatory level.

All the things we talk about:

1. The importance of a national framework for gambling regulation.
2. Incentivizing responsible gambling behavior can be achieved through various means.
3. Prediction tools should be used proactively to prevent gambling issues.
4. The US online gambling market is still developing compared to Europe.
5. Chasing losses is a significant marker of harm in gambling.
6. Algorithmic risk detection needs to be transparent and explainable.
7. Feature engineering in AI may soon be automated.
8. The gambling industry requires standardized terminology for better communication.
9. Understanding player behavior is crucial for effective regulation.
10. The commercialization of gambling can hinder responsible practices.

Choice quotes:

1. "Feature engineering is going to be automated."
2. "The research is constantly evolving."

Chapters (But you should probably add 75 seconds to each one because Jon reads a sponsor message, and we have the music…):

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

03:00 Kasra's Background and Journey to Vegas

06:00 Discussion on Problem Gambling and Player Protection

09:08 The Role of Prediction Tools in Gambling

12:05 Incentivising Responsible Gambling Behavior

14:58 Challenges in Gambling Regulation and Data Collection

18:01 The Importance of Market Understanding in Gambling

21:14 Revenue Distribution in Gambling and Its Implications

24:00 Public Health Approaches to Gambling Regulation

26:56 Algorithmic Risk Detection in Gambling

29:53 Benchmarking in AI for Gambling Risk Detection

33:00 Challenges in Data Labeling and Algorithm Training

35:51 The Future of Automated Machine Learning in Gambling

39:10 The Need for Explainability in Gambling Algorithms

42:00 The Role of Regulation in Gambling Algorithms

44:52 Innovative Approaches to Risk Detection

47:59 Chasing Losses as a Marker of Harm

50:55 The Complexity of Gambling Behavior Analysis

53:57 Commercialisation vs. Regulation in Gambling

57:06 Conclusion and Future Directions

Kasra Ghaharian on LinkedIn:

First up, we are really delighted (not to mention warm and tingly) to announce the podcast’s first-ever sponsor. We welcome the magnificent Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) as our headline act!

In this episode, hosts Dr Michael Auer and Jon Bruford engage with Brendan Bussman, a leading regulatory consultant, to explore the complexities of gambling regulation in the U.S. They discuss the differences in state laws, the role of regulators and operators, and the importance of responsible gaming practices. The conversation also touches on cultural influences, the impact of religion on gambling laws, and the evolution of responsible gaming in Las Vegas. The need for national gambling studies and the role of stakeholders in shaping regulations are also examined, along with a discussion on prediction markets and their regulation.

Things we talk about, but in a list:

1. Regulatory structures vary significantly across U.S. states.
2. Responsible gaming is often driven more by operators than regulators.
3. Cultural and religious factors heavily influence gambling laws.
4. Player protection measures are not uniformly prioritised in new regulations.
5. The U.S. lacks a national gambling prevalence study, complicating harm assessment.
6. States like Massachusetts are leading in research on gambling impacts.
7. Operators have the ability to implement responsible gaming tools voluntarily.
8. The gambling industry is seen as a personal responsibility issue in the U.S.
9. Stakeholders can influence regulations through open comment periods.
10. Prediction markets are gaining traction but face regulatory challenges.

Brendan Bussmann on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendan-bussmann-3456011/

Addiction: An Hour With Auer is a weekly podcast where hosts Dr Michael Auer – he of the title – and Jon Bruford talk about addiction in all its forms. Not just gambling addiction, they discuss all forms of addiction with experts, academics and researchers from around the world.

This episode is brought to you by Gaming Laboratories International. GLI is a world-class Testing, Inspections and Certification company committed to delivering the highest quality land-based, lottery, and iGaming testing and assessment services around the world.

GLI provides suppliers, operators, and regulators with expert guidance for navigating the future of gaming and ensuring gaming innovations meet regulatory standards with confidence in more than 710 jurisdictions.

For more information, visit gaminglabs.com.

Dr Auer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-auer-51a48a/

Jon Bruford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/

Podcast homepage:

In the latest episode of our holistic look at all things addiction, we are joined by the excellent Travis Sztainert, director of research and education at the International Center for Responsible Gaming (ICRG). With Travis, Dr Auer and Jon discuss the organisation's mission to support gambling research and promote responsible gaming practices. Travis emphasises the importance of research integrity, the role of player protection, and the need for effective knowledge mobilisation to ensure that research findings are applied in real-world contexts.

Then we get into the complexities of gambling research, particularly focusing on the shift towards online gambling studies, the ethical considerations in experimental design, and the importance of industry data. The speakers discuss the need for more product-focused research, the challenges of funding in the gambling research sector, and the impact of regulation on gambling behaviour. They also explore emerging trends in gambling research, including the integration of AI and data science, and the necessity of measuring the effectiveness of responsible gaming initiatives.

Choice quotes:

1. "Experimental lab research has its limitations."
2. "Gambling is a dynamic environment."
3. "The future of gambling research is wide open."

Travis Sztainert on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travis-szt/

Addiction: An Hour With Auer is a weekly podcast where hosts Dr Michael Auer – he of the title – and Jon Bruford talk about addiction in all its forms. Not just gambling addiction, they discuss all forms of addiction with experts, academics and researchers from around the world.

Dr Auer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-auer-51a48a/

Jon Bruford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/

Podcast homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/addiction/

Media behemoth homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/

Other podcasts we do:

https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/the-gambling-files/

https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/dessert-island-discs/

This week's episode sees Dr Auer and his extraordinary sidekick Jon Bruford meet The Digital Wellness Center’s Richardson Amartey. We explore the significance of micro breaks in altering moods, and the role of competition in enhancing engagement through leaderboards, among much, much more.

Richardson Amartey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardson-amartey/

Addiction: An Hour With Auer is a weekly podcast where hosts Dr Michael Auer – he of the title – and Jon Bruford talk about addiction in all its forms. Not just gambling addiction, they discuss all forms of addiction with experts, academics and researchers from around the world.

Dr Auer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-auer-51a48a/

Jon Bruford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/

Podcast homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/addiction/

Media behemoth homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/

Other podcasts we do:

https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/the-gambling-files/

https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/dessert-island-discs/

We're back with another absolute blockbuster episode that you didn't even know you needed to hear! This time Dr Michael Auer and Jon Bruford are joined by Professor Paweł Atroszko of the University of Gdansk to discuss the concept of work addiction, its symptoms, assessment methods, and global prevalence.

Paweł highlights the significant impact of socioeconomic factors and cultural perceptions on work addiction, as well as the differences in prevalence across age groups. The discussion also touches on the comorbidities associated with work addiction and the misconceptions surrounding it. Atroszko emphasizes the need for further research to better understand this phenomenon and its implications for mental health.

Then we get into treatment options, psychological profiles of workaholics, and the interplay of genetics and environment in the development of workaholism. The discussion highlights the need for awareness of the consequences of workaholism in the workplace and the importance of recognizing burnout as a serious condition.

Choice quotes:

1. "The prevalence of work addiction is very high."
2. "The risk is highest among 25 to 34 year olds."
3. "Women have a higher risk of work addiction."
4. "There are two addictions like that."
5. "Workaholics Anonymous operate for decades now."
6. "Having fun is a skill that needs to be trained."

Paweł Atroszko on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paweł-atroszko/?locale=en_US

Addiction: An Hour With Auer is a weekly podcast where hosts Dr Michael Auer – he of the title – and Jon Bruford talk about addiction in all its forms. Not just gambling addiction, they discuss all forms of addiction with experts, academics and researchers from around the world.

Dr Auer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-auer-51a48a/

Jon Bruford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/

Podcast homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/addiction/

Media behemoth homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/

Other podcasts we do:

https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/the-gambling-files/

https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/dessert-island-discs/

Join Dr Michael Auer and Jon Bruford for a weekly discussion about addiction in all its forms.

In this episode, Kim Lund, CEO of Aftermath Interactive, discusses his journey in the gambling industry, the challenges of game design, and the importance of responsible gaming. He emphasises the need for intelligent analysis and critical questioning within the industry, particularly regarding addiction and regulation. The conversation explores the intersection of gambling and video games, the role of randomness, event frequency, and the impact of social casinos. Kim also shares insights on designing non-addictive games and the future of regulation in gambling.

Choice quotes:

1. "What is the use case for specific slots?"
2. "Can we build something around it?"
3. "Regulation is often miles behind technology"

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Kim Lund and Aftermath Interactive

02:37 Kim's Journey in the Gambling Industry

05:32 Game Design and Innovation in Gambling

08:14 The Challenges of Regulation in Gambling

11:01 Understanding Game Popularity and Addiction

14:08 The Role of Randomness in Gambling

16:50 Event Frequency and Player Engagement

19:42 The Importance of Game Design and Themes

22:55 Disguising Losses as Wins in Gambling

25:55 The Future of Game Design in Gambling

33:36 Understanding Social Casinos

36:38 The Impact of Social Casinos on Gambling Behavior

39:04 Designing Games for Sustainable Engagement

42:55 The Complexity of Game Design and Player Experience

45:09 The Dark Side of Free-to-Play Games

48:12 Defining Gambling and Its Regulations

54:44 The Role of Regulators in Player Protection

Kim Lund on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-lund-pro/

Addiction: An Hour With Auer is a weekly podcast where hosts Dr Michael Auer – he of the title – and Jon Bruford talk about addiction in all its forms. Not just gambling addiction, they discuss all forms of addiction with experts, academics and researchers from around the world.

Dr Auer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-auer-51a48a/

Jon Bruford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/

Podcast homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/addiction/

Media behemoth homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/

Other podcasts we do:

https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/the-gambling-files/

https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/dessert-island-discs/

In this conversation, the brilliant Professor Sally Gainsbury joins Dr Auer and Jon to discuss the significance of effective message delivery over the content itself, emphasising the need for ecological validity in research settings, particularly in gambling studies. Oh, and much more!

Choice quotes:

"It's not the message, but it's how you deliver it."

"You have to do it in applied setting."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests

00:38 Consumer Protection and Transparency in Gambling

Seriously, the chapter summary done by the recording software has done a sterling job there. Great work, gang.

Sally Gainsbury on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sallygainsbury/

Addiction: An Hour With Auer is a weekly podcast where hosts Dr Michael Auer – he of the title – and Jon Bruford talk about addiction in all its forms. Not just gambling addiction, they discuss all forms of addiction with experts, academics and researchers from around the world.

Dr Auer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-auer-51a48a/

Jon Bruford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/

Podcast homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/addiction/

Media behemoth homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/

Other podcasts we do:

https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/addiction/

https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/dessert-island-discs/

In this episode, hosts Jon Bruford and Dr. Michael Auer engage with Dr. Jeffrey Derevensky, a leading expert in youth gambling issues. The conversation explores the increasing prevalence of gambling among young people, the challenges of research and data collection, and the impact of online gambling and sports betting. They discuss the normalisation of gambling in society, the influence of advertising, and the public health perspective on gambling disorders. The episode emphasises the importance of prevention and education in addressing gambling issues among youth, as well as the financial incentives that drive gambling policies.

Choice quotes:

1. "Nobody likes talking about these things."
2. "Young kids really like to do scratch tickets."
3. "Follow the money trail."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Hosts and Guest

02:31 Understanding Youth Gambling Issues

06:31 Research Challenges and Data Collection

10:34 The Evolution of Gambling Among Youth

14:13 The Impact of Online Gambling and Sports Betting

18:26 Advertising and Its Influence on Youth Gambling

23:56 Normalization of Gambling in Society

29:51 Public Health Perspective on Gambling

35:52 Lower Risk Gambling Guidelines

40:22 The Role of Operators in Gambling Behavior

44:49 Comorbidities and Gambling Disorders

47:33 The Impact of Digital Entertainment on Gambling

50:12 Prevention and Education in Gambling

54:51 The Financial Incentives Behind Gambling Policies

Jeffrey Derevensky on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-derevensky-14b78a5/

Addiction: An Hour With Auer is a weekly podcast where hosts Dr Michael Auer – he of the title – and Jon Bruford talk about addiction in all its forms. Not just gambling addiction, they discuss all forms of addiction with experts, academics and researchers from around the world.

Dr Auer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-auer-51a48a/

Jon Bruford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/

Podcast homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/addiction/

Media behemoth homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/

Other podcasts we do:

https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/addiction/

https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/dessert-island-discs/