The Bristol Hub for Gambling Harms Research is set to host its inaugural International Interdisciplinary Colloquium on 12 October at the M Shed in Bristol, bringing together experts and advocates from around the world. With a focus on addressing gambling-related harm, this event boasts an impressive lineup of speakers, including iconic former England goalkeeper Peter Shilton, who, along with his wife Steph, will share his personal journey of grappling with gambling addiction.
Prominent Speakers and Patrons:
Peter Shilton: The legendary former England goalkeeper, who wrestled with gambling addiction for 45 years, is a featured speaker at the colloquium. His presence underscores the importance of personal narratives in understanding the impact of gambling-related harm.
Steph Shilton: As a qualified therapist and Peter Shilton’s wife, Steph brings a unique perspective to the event, offering insights into the support and recovery process from the standpoint of an expert and a spouse.
Lord Foster of Bath: Distinguished guests also include Lord Foster of Bath, a respected figure in the field, highlighting the importance of political engagement in addressing gambling harms.
Rob Davies: A renowned investigative journalist known for exposing various practices within the British gambling industry will share his expertise and insights.
Global Engagement:
The event has garnered international attention, with the participation of 150 experts representing a wide spectrum of disciplines, from health and regulation to marketing and policies. With delegates hailing from 13 different nations, the colloquium serves as a platform for an interdisciplinary dialogue on tackling the worldwide issue of gambling-related harm.
Addressing Global Variations:
Agnes Nairn, Co-Director of the Bristol Hub for Gambling Harms Research and the University of Bristol’s Pro Vice-Chancellor for Global Engagement, emphasizes that gambling harms are a universal concern, but the responses to this issue differ significantly across countries. The colloquium aims to bridge these gaps and explore how robust interdisciplinary research can contribute to addressing this growing problem.
The Research Reality:
Last month, the University of Bristol conducted research that revealed concerning findings: during the opening weekend of the Premier League, out of 11,000 gambling-related messages sent to fans, only 21% contained gambling harm reduction slogans. Raffaello Rossi, a lecturer in marketing at the University of Bristol, raised the alarm that self-regulation of the gambling industry is falling short. He highlighted the proactive measures adopted by other countries, such as Italy, Spain, Poland, the Netherlands, and Belgium, in introducing stringent restrictions and bans on gambling marketing.
The Colloquium’s Significance:
The International Interdisciplinary Colloquium is not only a platform for sharing experiences but a call to action for global collaboration in tackling gambling-related harm. The participation of renowned figures, experts, and advocates is testament to the urgency of this issue and the need for comprehensive research and regulatory reform.
This event, led by the Bristol Hub for Gambling Harms Research, embodies a united effort to address gambling-related harm on a global scale. With high-profile speakers, academic experts, and international delegates, the colloquium paves the way for meaningful discussions, interdisciplinary research, and potential policy changes to combat this pressing issue.