The Scientific Oversight Committee (SOC) is the independent body that ensures the Better Gambling Forum’s work is firmly grounded in evidence, ethics, and best practice.
The SOC safeguards the scientific integrity of all research-related outputs produced by the Forum. This includes technical briefs, frameworks, reports, and evidence syntheses. Any policy recommendations or advocacy positions developed by the Forum must be informed by these rigorously reviewed and approved outputs.
The SOC is composed of independent experts in public health, gambling research, behavioral science, epidemiology, and related fields. Members are selected for their academic credibility, publication record, and demonstrated commitment to impartial, public-interest science. Diversity of geography, discipline, and lived experience is prioritized.
While the Better Gambling Forum was initially championed by a group of industry stakeholders, its governance structure is deliberately evolving to ensure balance and legitimacy. The Steering Committee now includes regulators, academics, public health leaders, and advocacy voices. The SOC strengthens this governance model by operating at arm’s length and ensuring that evidence — not politics or commercial interests — drives the Forum’s outputs.
The SOC has final approval authority over all research-related deliverables. Its responsibilities include:
The SOC’s independent authority ensures that participation in the Forum does not risk lending legitimacy to biased or unbalanced work. On the contrary, SOC members play a decisive role in protecting the Forum’s credibility, making sure its outputs meet the highest standards and are trusted by governments, regulators, researchers, and communities worldwide.
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Professor of Psychology, Carleton University, Canada
Dr. Wohl is a globally recognized researcher specializing in gambling behavior, player motivation, and the psychology of risk. His work has advanced understanding of resilience, responsible gambling tools, and pathways to recovery. As Interim Chair, he leads the Committee in safeguarding the scientific integrity of all outputs.
Associate Professor in Clinical Psychology and Digital Behavioral Health, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Netherlands
Dr. Boffo’s expertise lies in the design and evaluation of digital health interventions. Her research bridges psychology, behavioral science, and technology to create dynamic, personalized tools that promote healthier behaviors, including responsible gambling practices.
Professor of Psychology, University of Sydney, Australia
Dr. Gainsbury is a leading authority on internet gambling, emerging technologies, and consumer protection. She has advised governments and regulators worldwide, focusing on harm prevention, player safeguards, and the intersection of gambling and digital environments.
Head of Responsible Gambling Education and Policy, University of Gibraltar, Gibraltar
Ms. Glynn specializes in responsible gambling education and policy development. She has extensive experience working with regulators and educational institutions to create effective harm-prevention strategies and training programs.
Associate Professor of Psychology, University of New Mexico, US
Dr. Grubbs’ research focuses on addictive behaviors, stigma, and the psychological factors underlying gambling and gaming. His work includes large-scale, cross-sectional studies that inform prevention and treatment efforts.
Professor of Psychology, Hamline University, US
Dr. King’s research examines adolescent development, resilience, and behavioral health, with a focus on gambling and substance use. She brings expertise in longitudinal studies and prevention frameworks that inform public health approaches.
Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, US
Dr. LaPlante is a prominent scholar at the Division on Addiction, Cambridge Health Alliance. Her work addresses gambling disorder, addiction science, and public health responses to risky behavior, shaping evidence-based practices across sectors.
Research Professor (Clinical Health), University of Memphis, US
Dr. Whelan is a clinical psychologist and leading researcher on gambling treatment and intervention. He has developed and evaluated therapeutic programs for gambling disorder, contributing directly to improved clinical practices.
Scientific Oversight Committee Charter - August 13 2025 (pdf)
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