Industry profile of the month: A spotlight on Safer Gambling Leader Dr Maris Catania, PhD

In a remarkable achievement, Dr Maris Catania has officially graduated with a well-earned PhD, marking the culmination of years of dedication to research and contributing significantly to the gambling industry. As we proudly announce Maris Catania as our industry profile of the month, we celebrate her exceptional accomplishments and continued dedication as a Safer Gambling Leader.

The Journey to a PhD 
Maris Catania’s journey has been nothing short of inspiring. Her remarkable research, titled “An Empirical Investigation of Responsible Gambling Tool Use, Responsible Gambling Tool Implementation, and the Early Signs of Online Problem Gambling”, reflects her passion for enhancing the responsible gambling landscape and showcases her commitment to advancing knowledge in this critical field. Maris completed her PhD at Nottingham Trent University, and throughout her rigorous academic pursuit, she received invaluable support from Director of Studies Professor Mark Griffiths, who meticulously reviewed her work and provided guidance for publication in peer-reviewed journals.

Continued Leadership in Safer Gambling 
With a robust track record spanning more than 15 years in the industry, including a pivotal role at Kindred, Maris has been instrumental in driving responsible gambling initiatives. Leveraging her extensive expertise as SG:certified’s Senior Safer Gambling Consultant, Maris is a driving force, playing a crucial role in shaping content surrounding safer gambling issues. Her involvement encompasses training, assessments, and recommendations for best practices, further elevating SG:certified’s commitment to responsible gambling.

Industry Recognition and Impact 
Maris’s contributions and achievements continue to resonate. She has been recognised for her significant role in the industry, being awarded the Gambling Compliance Most Significant Contribution to Responsible Gambling Research for three consecutive years. Her commitment to responsible gambling and harm minimisations is reflected in various accreditations, including a Diploma in Gambling Addiction Counselling and Psychology, and an MSc in Psychology.

Looking Ahead 
As Dr Maris Catania continues to lead and develop initiatives at SG:certified, we anticipate even greater strides in promoting responsible gambling practices. We look forward to the positive impact she will continue to make in shaping safer gambling practices across the board!