BetBlocker provides funding to UNLV's International Gaming Research Institute
BetBlocker partners with UNLV's International Gaming Institute for groundbreaking research
- The global leader in responsible gambling solutions offers funding to advance independent research on policies
- BetBlocker's Founder, Duncan Garvie, argues against relying on anecdotal evidence
BetBlocker's game-changing team-up with UNLV's IGI
In a groundbreaking move, BetBlocker, the professionals behind one of the best tools to help people keep their gambling habits in check, has teamed up with the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV)'s renowned International Gaming Institute (IGNI). This exciting collaboration aims at taking the global gaming scene by storm, as announced in a press release sent to our News team.
At the heart of the partnership, both organizations are joined in their quest for advancing life-changing research surrounding problem gambling, harmful gaming behaviors, and inspiring evidence-based policies—all working together to safeguard consumers and tackle shady market practices.
Here's what BetBlocker's Pedro Romero, Chief of SG Partnerships, had to say about the new union with UNLV IGI:
"Man, we couldn't be more stoked on collaborating with UNLV IGI and Ghaharian's freakin' kickass research squad. This is the first research collab in the U.S. for us, and it's rad to be pitching in and supporting a study that'll provide some much-needed insights into how free, anonymous blocking software can make a real impact in harm reduction. We ain't gonna front: this endeavor is all about promoting safer gambling tools and rooting out moves that cause harm in this shitshow scene of ours."
Romero also made it clear that the importance of solid research can't be overstated, especially at this critical juncture where reports are a dime a dozen validating all sorts of commercial goodies. Thus, it's bloody essential to nurture independent research, as Romero further explained.
However, it wasn't only the BetBlocker team that was jazzed about the partnership. Dr. Kasra Ghaharian, Director of Research at IGNI, passionately welcomed the offer:
"Awesome news, folks! We're totally psyched to have BetBlocker by our side in this research venture, and we just can't wait to see the mind-boggling insights that'll come from this essential work. Not gonna going lie, BetBlocker's support is going to make a world of difference for grad students who are gonna get some unparalleled opportunities to boost their skills and make waves in the industry. And it's not just about operators and policymakers — we're talking about improving the public's lives, too!"
Breaking the cycle of anecdotal evidence—a call to arms from Duncan Garvie
"Ghaharian's the one in charge of research at IGNI, you bastards. Well, we're beyond grateful for BetBlocker's support, 'cause it means we can plow headfirst into research that paves the way for a brighter future, and opened doors for our brilliant students. Can't frickin' wait until we plaster the results all over the place, 'cause it's gonna be a game-changer for operators, policymakers, and the public alike,” Ghaharian told our News crew.
The affirmation was echoed by BetBlocker Founder and Trustee, Duncan Garvie, who shared his delight about the partnership. Yet, he also bashed the whole "anecdotal validation" scene, insisting that it wasn't nearly enough in today's world.
"What's effective needs to be backed up with proper evidence, and we're solidly behind academic efforts to gather intel on how free, anonymous blocking software improves things for those battling problem gambling. Science, not hearsay! That's our motto," Garvie concluded, sounding off on the need for empirical, data-driven research to lead the charge in creating informed and impactful policies.
Image credit: BetBlocker
Insights from the enrichment data:
- Responsible Gambling: The research project, likely funded by BetBlocker, will focus on the responsible gambling practices, the effectiveness of these practices, and their impact on gambling behaviors.
- Gaming Industry Insights: The International Gaming Institute at UNLV is a leading authority on the gaming industry. The research might involve examining broader industry trends, regulations, and the influence of technological advancements on shaping gambling behaviors.
- Psychological and Social Aspects: An exploration of the psychological and social factors that drive gambling behaviors, including impulse control, cognitive biases, and social influences may be a part of the research.
- Effectiveness of Anonymous Blocking Software: The research will delve into the efficacy of free, anonymous blocking software, measuring its impact on problem gambling and exploring how it can help in minimizing gambling-related harm.
- Anecdotal Evidence: BetBlocker's Founder, Duncan Garvie, argues against relying on anecdotal evidence in favour of systematic, controlled studies as they provide a more reliable, valid, generalizable, and evidence-based basis for policy decisions, ensuring scientific integrity in the filed of gambling research.
- In an effort to provide empirical evidence for the effectiveness of free, anonymous blocking software, like BetBlocker, in reducing gambling-related harm, the research project will focus on analyzing its impact on problem gambling behavior and industry trends.
- Leveraging the expertise of the International Gaming Institute at UNLV, this collaboration between BetBlocker and UNLV aims to explore the influence of technology, such as casino-and-gambling apps and casino-games like slots, on shaping gambling behaviors and developing evidence-based policies for a safer gaming environment.
