UK Gambling Commission Expands Advisory Board with Two Academic Appointments
The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has strengthened its Advisory Board for Safer Gambling (ABSG) by appointing two academics, Dr. Virve Marionneau and Dr. Spencer Murch. This move aims to enhance the board’s expertise in gambling research and regulation.
Two New Experts to ABSG
Dr. Marionneau and Dr. Murch were warmly welcomed by Anna van der Gaag, Chair of the ABSG. She remarked, “They are highly respected academics, both with a strong record of achievement in the field of gambling studies, and together they will expand the national and international research expertise we offer to the Commission.”
Highlighting the international nature of gambling and its regulatory complexities, van der Gaag added, “Gambling is a global business and the regulatory challenges faced in different jurisdictions have much in common. I am delighted to be welcoming them and have no doubt they will bring valuable new insights to an ever-expanding range of topics which inform policy and practice in gambling regulation.”
Dr. Virve Marionneau’s Background
A sociologist by training, Dr. Marionneau serves as the Director of the Centre for Research on Addiction, Control, and Governance at the University of Helsinki in Finland. Her research focuses on gambling regulations, digital gambling, and qualitative analyses of gambling experiences and harms.
Upon her appointment, she stated, “I am honoured to join the ABSG, especially at a time when increasing international and cross-sector collaboration is needed to regulate and control gambling. I am thrilled to be a part of this impressive team of experts, and I look forward to advising particularly on regulatory practices and research from other jurisdictions.”
Dr. Spencer Murch’s Expertise
Dr. Murch is a cognitive psychologist and AGRI Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Calgary in Canada. His work explores cognitive behavioural practices and the implementation of artificial intelligence in health improvement initiatives.
The newly appointed expert commented on his role saying, “I am eager to contribute to such a talented team as the ABSG. As AI technologies and digital gambling opportunities continue to evolve, it is more important than ever to understand clearly the threats posed to human health in the United Kingdom and around the world. The mandate of this group is important, timely, and represents an opportunity to transform research insights into working harm prevention policies.”
