Five early career researchers will share in almost $250,000 in grants awarded by the Andrews Labor Government to study gambling behaviours among vulnerable Victorians.
Minister for Gaming and Liquor Regulation Marlene Kairouz said that one of the projects would be the first Victorian research into gambling experiences for people with a lifelong disability.
The other projects focus on young people and e-Sports or skin betting, how those with mental health conditions seek help for harm from gambling and the relationship between gambling harm, mental health, alcohol and other drug use.
These projects are funded under the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation’s (VRGF) Grants for Gambling Research Program, which encourages research into emerging gambling markets such as fantasy and e-Sports, gambling harm in LGBTIQ and regional communities.
The research will help deepen the government’s understanding of harm from gambling in vulnerable communities, improve the evidence base for policy and help provide effective support services to prevent and reduce it.
The researchers and projects that have received funding are:
- Dr Hannah Pitt, Deakin University: examine the gambling experiences of people with a lifelong disability
- Nancy Greer, CQ University: investigate whether e-Sports and skin betting provide young people pathways to gambling and harm
- Rachel Bush, Deakin University: identify and explore risks and protective factors for gambling-related harms that may be unique to LGBTIQ communities
- Dr Aino Suomi, Australian Catholic University: explore the experience of those with co-existing mental health conditions and gambling-related harms seeking help
- Dr Stephanie Merkouris, Deakin University: examine the experiences and perceptions of gamblers seeking help through online forums for gambling, mental health, alcohol and other drug use.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Gaming and Liquor Regulation Marlene Kairouz:
“We’re proud to be supporting the work of early career researchers to help us better understand the complex issue of gambling harm and its negative impact on the lives of Victorians.”
“Victoria is a world leader in gambling harm-related research, and it is great to see such high-calibre researchers contributing to this important field.”
“I congratulate the funding recipients and look forward to the insights and outcomes their projects will produce.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020