Better Gambling Forum Forms Scientific Oversight Committee

Better Gambling Forum forms a Scientific Oversight Committee of global experts to ensure evidence-based research, integrity, and responsible gambling insights.

The Better Gambling Forum (BGF), a global initiative of the Brain Capital Alliance, has announced the formation of its independent Scientific Oversight Committee (SOC). 

Composed of leading international experts in public health, addiction science, and gambling research, the SOC will ensure all research and policy outputs from the Forum meet the highest standards of scientific integrity and evidence-based practice.

Travis Sztainert, BGF steering committee member, said: “This group brings together world-class expertise in gambling research, and we are incredibly fortunate to have them involved. Their knowledge and experience set the gold standard in this space. Having them independently oversee our work gives the Better Gambling Forum credibility and rigor, ensuring that any recommendations for responsible gambling policy or practice are grounded in the best evidence available.”

​The distinguished members of the newly formed Scientific Oversight Committee are:

• Michael Wohl, PhD, Professor of Psychology, Carleton University, Canada

• Marilisa Boffo, PhD, Associate Professor in Clinical Psychology and Digital Behavioral Health, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Netherlands

• Sally Gainsbury, PhD, Professor of Psychology, University of Sydney, Australia

• Judith Glynn, PhD, Head of Responsible Gambling Education and Policy, University of Gibraltar, Gibraltar

• Josh Grubbs, PhD, Associate Professor of Psychology, University of New Mexico, US

• Serena King, PhD, Professor of Psychology, Hamline University, US

• Debi LaPlante, PhD, Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, US

• James Whelan, PhD, Professor of Psychology, University of Memphis, US

  
  

Shawn Fluharty, Chair of the BGF Steering Committee, said: "This committee's independent authority to review and approve all research-related outputs ensures that our work remains free from bias and is guided by the most robust evidence available. Their role is critical in fulfilling our mission to develop a comprehensive, evidence-based framework that genuinely protects players and communities worldwide."

The formation of the SOC reinforces the Forum’s multi-stakeholder governance model, ensuring no single perspective dominates and that the scientific integrity of its work remains a top priority.

For more information about the Better Gambling Forum or to learn about ways to participate, visit BetterGamblingForum.com

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