Fostering a Safer Gambling and Betting Future: Reflections on the EASG Conference in Rome
Dr. Maris Catania, Senior Safer Gambling Consultant at SG:certified shares highlights from this year's European Association for the Study of Gambling (EASG) conference
The European Association for the Study of Gambling (EASG) conference is always a highlight of the year, bringing together researchers, regulators, and industry experts to discuss the latest in gambling studies. This year’s event, held in the heart of Rome, was no exception. It was a pleasure to see so many familiar faces, as well as meet new colleagues, all of whom are dedicated to creating a safer future for gambling and betting.
The theme of the conference, "Fostering a Safer Gambling and Betting Future", resonated deeply with me, and it was a privilege to be part of such important conversations.
Tuesday: Setting the Stage with a Pre-Conference Seminar
We kicked things off on Tuesday with an insightful pre-conference seminar, which focused on epidemiology, treatment, and prevention in Italy. It was fascinating to hear about the specific challenges and strategies being employed in different regions of the country. Experts such as Paolo Jarre shed light on "Epidemiology and New Regulation in Italy", highlighting critical points and new paths for the future.
One of the standout presentations for me was by Fulvia Prever, who discussed “Women and Gambling Issues: New Profiles and New Goals”. It was eye-opening to see how gender plays a role in gambling behaviours and how targeted interventions can make a difference. Other highlights included Claudio Dalpiaz’s discussion of a “Minor Prevention Program for Lazio Region”, and Ornella DeLuca and Onofrio Casciani’s presentation on a Validated Diagnostic Project focusing on women in Rome. I also found Attilio Negri’s research on the perception of gambling-related stigma particularly thought-provoking.
Wednesday: Perspectives, AI, and Tough Choices
Wednesday brought a full day of engaging discussions, starting with a deep dive into the Italian gambling landscape. It was great to hear perspectives from different stakeholders, offering a broad view of the regulatory and operational challenges in the country.
One of the sessions that stood out to me was on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its role in responsible gambling. Hearing from experts like Francesco Rodano of Playtech, Michael Auer from Neccton, and Sally Gainsbury from the University of Sydney, provided a glimpse into how AI is being used to monitor player behaviour and prevent harm. The potential for AI in this space is vast, but it’s clear that we’re still scratching the surface of what’s possible.
Parallel sessions were, as always, both a blessing and a curse. There were so many excellent talks happening at the same time, and choosing which ones to attend was no easy task. I had the honour of moderating a research session featuring some truly groundbreaking studies where each of these presentations brought a fresh perspective on how we study and understand gambling behaviour, and it was a pleasure to lead such a rich discussion.
Later in the day, I moderated a session on treatment, where researchers shared their latest findings on interventions and therapy approaches for those struggling with gambling addiction. I was particularly impressed and in awe to hear some of the struggles the LGBTQIA+ community experiences.
Thursday: A Humbling Experience and Forward-Looking Research
Thursday was particularly humbling for me, as I had the opportunity to join a panel with some of the leading researchers in the field; people I’ve quoted countless times in my own work. The panel discussion, titled "What Does Gambling Research Need to Focus on in the Next Five Years?", featured Zsolt Demetrovics (University of Gibraltar), with reflections from leading researchers Jeffrey Derevensky, Sally Gainsbury, Jonathan Parke, Paul Delfabbro, Jakob Jonsson and Gerhard Bühringer.
It was an honour to be in such esteemed company, and the discussions we had about the future of gambling research were inspiring. From new interventions to policy changes, and even the use of machine learning in harm prevention, the panel covered a lot of ground. The recurring theme was clear: we need to continue evolving our methods and approaches to stay ahead of the ever-changing gambling landscape.
Friday: Wrapping Up with Innovative Approaches
The final day of the conference continued to deliver thought-provoking content. I was particularly interested in the session by Helen Bryce and Helen Ruddock from the UK Gambling Commission, where they presented their work on "Developing a New Approach for Measuring Gambling Behaviours and Harms in Great Britain". This is a critical area of study, as getting accurate data on gambling behaviours is key to shaping effective regulation.
Another intriguing talk came from Joseph Macey (University of Turku, Finland), who discussed “Comparing Motivations for Participating in Both Gambling and Gambling-Like Activities in Contemporary Digital Games”. The overlap between gaming and gambling continues to grow, and it’s an area that demands more attention as we move forward.
And, of course, it was always a pleasure to hear from Mark Griffiths, whose wealth of knowledge and experience in the field never fails to impress. His work in this field is simply impressive.
A Conference to Remember
The EASG conference in Rome was an incredible experience, as always. The breadth of topics, the quality of the research, and the diversity of perspectives made it an event that will continue to influence my work for years to come. From pre-conference seminars to cutting-edge discussions on AI and new regulatory approaches, this year’s conference truly encapsulated the mission of fostering a safer gambling future.
I’m already looking forward to what the next event will bring.
