BGF Forms Scientific Oversight Committee
The Better Gambling Forum has formed a Scientific Oversight Committee to supervise its research activities and strengthen evidence-based policymaking in the field of gambling-related mental health. The new body brings together specialists from multiple countries and academic disciplines. Its role is to ensure that all research undertaken by the forum meets rigorous scientific standards and remains free from bias.
Composition of the New Committee
The Scientific Oversight Committee consists of experts in public health, addiction science, psychology, and responsible-gambling research. Their combined experience is intended to shape the forum’s research agenda and support the development of policies rooted in verified data.
According to the Better Gambling Forum, the committee holds final approval authority over all research deliverables and will review outputs, assess methodological alignment with industry best practices, and identify gaps that require further study.
International Expertise
The forum confirmed the appointment of the following members to the committee:
- Debi LaPlante, PhD, associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School (US);
- James Whelan, PhD, professor of psychology at the University of Memphis (US);
- Josh Grubbs, PhD, associate professor of psychology at the University of New Mexico (US);
- Judith Glynn, PhD, head of responsible gambling education and policy at the University of Gibraltar (Gibraltar);
- Marilisa Boffo, PhD, associate professor in clinical psychology and digital behavioral health at Erasmus University Rotterdam (Netherlands);
- Michael Wohl, PhD, professor of psychology at Carleton University (Canada);
- Sally Gainsbury, PhD, professor of psychology at the University of Sydney (Australia);
- Serena King, PhD, professor of psychology at Hamline University (US).
Their presence reflects a broad geographic and academic scope, supporting the forum’s multi-stakeholder governance model and its aim to incorporate diverse perspectives from across the global gambling ecosystem.
Reactions from Forum Leadership
Members of the steering committee welcomed the introduction of the Scientific Oversight Committee. Travis Sztainert highlighted the relevance of the new body, stating that it brings together “world-class expertise in gambling research,” and added:
“Having them [the SOC members] 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.”