The city of Bristol is preparing to welcome a significant global summit on the detrimental effects of gambling, drawing specialists from diverse disciplines. This assembly of more than 150 scholars will concentrate on elevating understanding of the frequently disregarded risks associated with gambling and promoting essential policy reforms.
The event, coordinated by the Bristol Gambling Harms Research Centre, features an exceptional roster of speakers, including renowned former England goalkeeper Peter Shilton. Shilton, who struggled with gambling addiction for many years, will be accompanied by his wife, Steph, a licensed therapist. Their participation emphasizes the profoundly personal consequences of gambling-related problems.
Lord Foster of Bath and investigative reporter Rob Davies, recognized for uncovering unethical conduct within the UK wagering sector, will also be contributing to the conference. Their insights are expected to illuminate the industry’s practices and their ramifications.
This pivotal event, scheduled for October 12th at Bristol’s M Shed, represents a vital stride towards tackling gambling-related harm on an international level. As Professor Agnes Nairn, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Global Engagement at the University of Bristol and Co-Director of the Bristol Gambling Harms Research Centre, aptly noted, “Gambling harms are a worldwide issue.”
Significant variations exist in cultural environments, support networks, and regulatory frameworks for wagering across the globe.
A gathering of specialists from thirteen nations was convened to examine how rigorous, multidisciplinary research can tackle this escalating issue.
Recently, a University of Bristol investigation revealed that a mere 21% of over 11,000 promotional communications related to betting, disseminated to patrons during the English Premier League’s opening weekend, incorporated responsible gaming messaging.
The primary author, Dr. Raffaello Rossi, a marketing instructor at the University of Bristol, remarked, ‘The self-governance endeavors of the gaming sector have fallen woefully short.’
Several nations, such as Italy, Spain, Poland, the Netherlands, and Belgium, have already implemented stringent constraints or even outright prohibitions on wagering promotions.
It is disconcerting that the white paper entirely overlooks the substantial public backing for more rigorous regulations on betting advertisements.