$400,000 grants sees Australian universities look at harm reduction

The New South Wales Office of Responsible Gambling has revealed that five universities spread across the country are to share an almost AU$400,000 kitty, aiming at funding research to help prevent and reduce gambling related harms.

Director of the NSW office Natalie Wright emphasised the importance of the initiatives, which are to focus upon supporting projects that place a distinct focus upon youth, families and new technologies.

Of the five successful grants, four will focus on youth and family with studies on a variety of issues, including the effects problem gambling has on family members and how to best educate young people about the risks associated with gambling.

The successful projects chosen to receive funding are:  

  • Design Innovation Research Centre, University of Technology, Sydney, who are to design an animation series educating young people on responsible gambling.  
  • The Australian National University, which will address gambling harms experienced by female concerned significant others.  
  • Central Queensland University, where individuals will look into the question ‘Loot boxes: Are they grooming youth for gambling?’  
  • Deakin University, that will explore family member treatments, in addition to conducting a systematic review and content analysis across addictions  
  • University of Sydney Business School, which will explore cash-out products offered by bookmakers, and their behavioural effects.

Wright went on to explain: “Technology, and in particular online betting, have made it easier than ever before for people to gamble.

“We need to better understand betting motivations and what approaches work best for people at risk of gambling harm.

“It’s also important our research looks into the impact of gambling technology and innovation on younger people, as well as the effectiveness of support for families of problem gamblers.

“By funding programs and research projects like these, we will further develop and underpin the evidence base for responsible gambling policy and programs.”