Two new members appointed to the Safer Gambling Advisory Board

The Gambling Commission has appointed two new members to the Advisory Board for Safer Gambling (ABSG): Dr. Virve Marionneau and Dr. Spencer Murch.

Anna van der Gaag, Chair of ABSG, expressed her enthusiasm for the appointments, stating, “We are very fortunate to have Virve and Spencer as our newest members. They are highly respected academics with strong track records in gambling studies. Their expertise will enhance the national and international research we offer to the Commission. Gambling is a global industry, and regulatory challenges across jurisdictions often overlap. I am excited to welcome them and confident they will bring valuable insights to a wide range of topics that inform gambling regulation policy and practice.”

Dr. Marionneau, a sociologist and director of the Centre for Research on Addiction, Control, and Governance at the University of Helsinki, Finland, specializes in gambling regulations, digital gambling environments, industry practices, and the investigation of gambling harms. She said, “I am honoured to join the ABSG, especially as international collaboration becomes increasingly important for regulating and controlling gambling. I’m excited to contribute to this distinguished team and offer insights on regulatory practices and research from other jurisdictions.”

Dr. Murch, a cognitive psychologist and AGRI Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Calgary, Canada, focuses on understanding addictive behaviours associated with digital products and explores how emerging AI technologies can prevent gambling-related problems. He commented, “I’m eager to contribute to the ABSG, especially as AI and digital gambling continue to evolve. Understanding the risks these advancements pose to public health is critical. This group’s mandate is both timely and vital, providing a unique opportunity to turn research insights into practical harm prevention policies.”

ABSG members are appointed by the Gambling Commission.