The National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) is propelling gambling research to new heights with the establishment of its dedicated Center for Gambling Research. Under the leadership of Sokratis Dinos, Director of Health, and Mari Toomse-Smith, Director of Health and Biomedical Surveys, this initiative builds upon NatCen’s esteemed track record in the realm of gambling research.
Historical Significance and Expertise:
NatCen has been a stalwart in gambling research, marked by significant milestones like delivering the British Gambling Prevalence Survey for the Gambling Commission in 2000. The Center for Gambling Research signifies NatCen’s continued commitment to advancing knowledge and understanding in this crucial domain.
Leadership and Collaboration:
Under the guidance of Sokratis Dinos and Mari Toomse-Smith, the Center aims to operate at the intersection of industry regulators, treatment providers, and public stakeholders. This collaborative approach is set to inform and shape gambling policies by leveraging the collective knowledge and expertise of NatCen.
Research Objectives and Scope:
The Center’s primary focus is to investigate the prevalence of gambling and contribute to public understanding of behaviors and risk profiles associated with gambling harm. By employing robust research methodologies, the team aims to unravel the complexities of gambling-related issues and provide valuable insights to guide evidence-based policymaking.
Methodological Expertise:
Sokratis Dinos, Director of Health at NatCen, emphasizes the continuous diversification of policy and methodological expertise into gambling. The team boasts mixed-methods proficiency in areas such as gambling treatment gaps, prevalence, attitudes, harms, and the evaluation of interventions. This multidimensional approach positions NatCen as a leader in understanding the nuanced facets of gambling research.
Public Engagement and Stakeholder Collaboration:
The Center for Gambling Research recognizes the importance of engaging with industry regulators, treatment providers, and the general public. By fostering collaboration, the Center seeks to bridge gaps in understanding, address challenges, and create a more comprehensive and effective approach to mitigating gambling-related harms.
Policy Implications:
The establishment of the Center underscores NatCen’s dedication to unraveling the complexities of gambling-related issues. Guy Goodwin, Chief Executive at NatCen, highlights the significance of the Center in addressing treatment gaps, prevalence, attitudes, and harms. The collective efforts of NatCen’s researchers aim to contribute meaningfully to shaping evidence-based policies in this critical domain.
Stigma in Gambling Research:
NatCen’s researchers are not only focused on quantitative aspects but also experts in researching stigma related to gambling. This inclusion of qualitative research methods further enriches the understanding of the social and psychological dimensions associated with gambling behaviors, contributing to a more holistic approach.
The launch of NatCen’s Center for Gambling Research signifies a pivotal moment in the advancement of gambling research. With a rich history, seasoned leadership, and a multidisciplinary approach, NatCen is poised to make significant contributions to the understanding of gambling behaviors, prevalence, and associated harms. The collaboration with stakeholders and a commitment to evidence-based policymaking positions the Center as a beacon in the ongoing efforts to address the multifaceted challenges posed by gambling in contemporary society.