Key Moments:
- The Better Gambling Forum (BGF) established an independent Scientific Oversight Committee (SOC) to ensure research and policy are guided by top-tier scientific standards.
- Eminent global figures in public health, addiction science, and gambling research have joined the SOC.
- The SOC’s creation reflects BGF’s commitment to multi-stakeholder governance and scientific integrity.
Launch of the Scientific Oversight Committee
The Better Gambling Forum (BGF), an international project under the Brain Capital Alliance, has initiated its Scientific Oversight Committee (SOC) as of December 1. This new panel aims to uphold the highest levels of scientific reliability and evidence-driven methodology across all Forum research and policy endeavors.
Industry Leaders Join Oversight Panel
The SOC stands out for its roster of internationally recognized experts in public health, addiction research, and gambling policy. The committee will independently evaluate and oversee the Forum’s projects to guarantee credibility and depth in its responsible gambling guidance.
Travis Sztainert, a member of the BGF steering committee, stated:
“This group brings together world-class expertise in gambling research, and we are incredibly fortunate to have them involved. Their knowledge and experience set the gold standard in this space. Having them independently oversee our work gives the Better Gambling Forum credibility and rigor, ensuring that any recommendations for responsible gambling policy or practice are grounded in the best evidence available.”
Scientific Oversight Committee Members
| Name | Title | Affiliation | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Wohl, PhD | Professor of Psychology | Carleton University | Canada |
| Marilisa Boffo, PhD | Associate Professor in Clinical Psychology and Digital Behavioral Health | Erasmus University Rotterdam | Netherlands |
| Sally Gainsbury, PhD | Professor of Psychology | University of Sydney | Australia |
| Judith Glynn, PhD | Head of Responsible Gambling Education and Policy | University of Gibraltar | Gibraltar |
| Josh Grubbs, PhD | Associate Professor of Psychology | University of New Mexico | US |
| Serena King, PhD | Professor of Psychology | Hamline University | US |
| Debi LaPlante, PhD | Associate Professor of Psychiatry | Harvard Medical School | US |
| James Whelan, PhD | Professor of Psychology | University of Memphis | US |
Steering Committee Perspective
Shawn Fluharty, Chair of the BGF Steering Committee, emphasized:
“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. Their role is critical in fulfilling our mission to develop a comprehensive, evidence-based framework that genuinely protects players and communities worldwide.”
Commitment to Inclusive and Evidence-Based Governance
By establishing the SOC, the Better Gambling Forum demonstrates its focus on diverse stakeholder input and scientific robustness, protecting against dominance by any single viewpoint and reaffirming its dedication to research excellence.
- Author
Daniel Williams
