Key points:
- Dr. Virve Marionneau and Dr. Spencer Murch join the Gambling Commission’s Advisory Board for Safer Gambling
- Dr. Marionneau’s expertise lies in gambling regulation and policy evaluation, while Dr. Murch focuses on AI and its role in gambling addiction prevention
- The appointments aim to enhance the ABSG’s ability to inform effective gambling regulation and harm prevention strategies
The Gambling Commission has announced the appointment of two new members to its Advisory Board for Safer Gambling (ABSG): Dr. Virve Marionneau and Dr. Spencer Murch.
This move aims to enhance the Board's expertise in gambling studies and broaden its international perspective.
Dr. Marionneau, a sociologist and director at the Centre for Research on Addiction, Control and Governance at the University of Helsinki, brings extensive experience in gambling-related research.
Her areas of focus include regulatory and policy evaluations, digital gambling environments, industry practices and qualitative studies on gambling experiences and harms.
Commenting on her appointment, Dr. Marionneau said: “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. Murch, a cognitive psychologist and AGRI Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Calgary, specialises in understanding addictive digital product use and exploring AI technologies for detecting, intervening and preventing gambling-related problems.
Dr. Murch also commented on his appointment, stating: “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.”
Anna van der Gaag, Chair of ABSG, welcomed both new members, noting that their expertise will enhance the Board's ability to offer critical insights on gambling regulation, both in the UK and internationally.