While most of us in the field agree that gambling literacy is a key to safer gambling education and prevention of financial harms, there remains very limited information in our field about the actual betting and gambling strategies that can be utilized by people who gamble to play more safely. Clinical and prevention programs often focus on house advantage and randomness, and not what matters most to people who gamble: game strategy, time on machine, preferred game selection, or affordability of specific games and in-gambling choices.

This workshop addresses that need by providing participants with an interactive opportunity to understand harm minimization betting and game-specific play strategies that people who gamble – recreationally and otherwise – can use in play to support the reduction of financial harms.

This will be an interactive session, using realistic gameplay scenarios to explore harm minimization strategies that can be used for prevention, as well as on the gaming floor and clinical harm reduction interactions. Participants should expect to leave the session with greater awareness and confidence in communicating gambling literacy to people that is game-specific, relevant to the player’s needs, and useful in harm minimisation.

Bio: Jay(Janine) Robinson  is an internationally sought-after expert in the field of preventing and responding to gambling harms. Jay is Principal of JR Consulting and Director of Safer Gambling and Stakeholder Engagement with Focal Research. With a background in clinical care, counselling psychology, gambling research and prevention, Jay brings evidence to life for real world application in regulatory, operator and public health environments. Jay is a thought leader and innovator in safer gambling programming and is recognized as an expert in training related to gambling safeguards. Jay has provided original responsible gambling and treatment training programs across Australia, Canada, the US and United Kingdom for the past 20 years. Known as an accessible, grounded and relevant knowledge broker, Jay transforms best evidence into new, impactful programs that address the needs of our new global gambling landscapes.

Jay.robinson@focalresearch.com                                 Jay@jayrconsulting.onmicrosoft.com

In this workshop, we will embark on a comprehensive journey through the world of responsible gambling. This session will explore the history, challenges, and evolving strategies in the realm of responsible gambling, providing a deep dive into critical aspects of this increasingly important field.  We will begin by examining the historical context, tracing the evolution of responsible gambling, and gaining an understanding of how it has developed over time. This historical perspective will serve as a foundation for understanding the contemporary landscape. Moving forward, we will explore the various paths that lead individuals to problem gambling, delving into the triggers and risk factors that contribute to addictive behavior in gambling. Understanding these pathways is crucial to addressing the complexities surrounding problem gambling.

Our journey will then lead us to an exploration of the policies and practices implemented to prevent individuals from sliding into problem gambling. We will critically evaluate these measures, shedding light on their effectiveness, ethical considerations, and areas where improvements are needed. In addition, we will engage in candid discussions about the critiques and controversies surrounding responsible gambling. This open dialogue will offer multiple perspectives on its effectiveness, ethics, and societal impact, allowing participants to develop a well-rounded understanding of the subject.

Lastly, we will consider the future of responsible gambling research and practice. Together, we will explore knowledge gaps and areas where enhancements are required to effectively prevent gambling problems. Can we truly make a difference in addressing this issue, and if so, how can we move the needle in the right direction?

By the end of this workshop, you will have gained a comprehensive understanding of responsible gambling, from its historical origins to its contemporary challenges and future prospects. Whether you are a researcher, practitioner, or simply curious about the complexities of responsible gambling, this workshop will provide valuable insights into a topic that affects individuals and communities worldwide.

Bio: Dr. Michael J. A. Wohl is a Professor of Psychology at Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada. Work in his Carleton University Gambling Laboratory (CUGL) focuses on, among other things, factors that predict disordered gambling (e.g., erroneous beliefs, financial focus), facilitators of responsible gambling (e.g., monetary limit setting and adherence), and means to overcome barriers to behaviour change (e.g., nostalgia for life lived before the addiction behaviour hold). Members of CUGL also examine the potential pitfalls and possible harm-minimization utility of rewards program membership.

Dr. Wohl has published over 190 peer-reviewed papers. He is the receipt of, among other recognitions, the International Center for Responsible Gambling’s Research Achievement Award, National Council on Problem Gambling’s Research of the Year Award, Carleton’s Research Achievement Award, and Carleton University’s Graduate Mentorship Award. To facilitate his gambling research, Wohl has received research funding from, among other organizations, the Canadian Foundation for Innovation, Gambling Research Exchange, International Center for Responsible Gambling, and Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.