Sally Gainsbury: leading voice in gambling research and responsible gaming advocacy

When I first stepped into the world of gambling research over fifteen years ago, I never imagined it would become my life’s work. Today, as an associate professor at the University of Sydney and director of the Gambling Treatment and Research Clinic, I’ve dedicated my career to understanding how people interact with gambling, particularly in the digital age. My journey hasn’t been about moralizing or condemning—it’s been about understanding the complex relationship between humans and games of chance, and finding ways to make gambling safer for everyone who chooses to participate. Growing up in Australia, I watched gambling transform from something that happened exclusively in brick-and-mortar venues to an activity accessible from anywhere at any time.

My background and credentials

My academic path led me through psychology and public health before I specialized in gambling studies. I completed my PhD focusing on internet gambling behavior, which at the time was still a relatively new field. Since then, I’ve published over 200 peer-reviewed articles examining everything from problem gambling prevalence to the effectiveness of various harm minimization strategies. My work has been cited thousands of times by fellow researchers, policymakers, and industry professionals trying to navigate this complex landscape.

What sets my research apart is the methodological rigor I bring to each study. I don’t rely on anecdotes or assumptions—I use large-scale surveys, clinical interviews, and advanced statistical modeling to understand gambling behavior. This evidence-based approach has earned me recognition from organizations like the National Council on Problem Gambling and the International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors. My role at the University of Sydney allows me to mentor the next generation of gambling researchers while continuing my own investigations. The Gambling Treatment and Research Clinic provides direct support to people struggling with gambling problems, which keeps my research grounded in real-world experiences rather than abstract theories.

Research focus areas

My research spans multiple critical areas in gambling studies, each addressing different aspects of how Australians engage with gambling products and services. These focus areas have evolved over the years as the gambling landscape has shifted, particularly with the rise of online platforms and mobile gaming. I’ve deliberately chosen to concentrate on topics where evidence-based research can make the most difference in protecting vulnerable populations while respecting individual freedom.

Online gambling behavior

The internet has fundamentally changed gambling in ways we’re still trying to fully understand. My research has examined how the 24/7 availability of online platforms affects playing patterns, how quickly people can deposit and lose money, and what happens when there’s no social accountability present in physical venues. Platforms like FastPay Casino offer incredible convenience—you can play pokies while sitting on your couch in Melbourne or betting on sports from a café in Brisbane—but this accessibility comes with risks that traditional gambling never posed.

I’ve studied how online gamblers differ from those who exclusively visit land-based venues. The data shows that internet gamblers tend to be younger, better educated, and more likely to engage in multiple forms of gambling. They’re also more likely to gamble frequently, though not necessarily at higher amounts per session. Understanding these patterns helps operators and regulators design better protections tailored to how people actually use these platforms. Through clinical work and research, I’ve developed a comprehensive picture of modern Australian gambling behavior.

Problem gambling identification

One of my primary research interests involves developing better ways to identify problem gambling before it becomes severe. Traditional screening tools often miss people in the early stages of developing issues, when intervention could be most effective. I’ve worked on creating more sensitive assessment methods that can detect concerning patterns earlier, giving individuals and treatment providers a better chance at preventing serious harm. Through my clinical work, I’ve interviewed hundreds of people affected by gambling problems, and their stories have taught me that problem gambling rarely looks the way most people imagine.

Key research findings

My extensive research across multiple studies has revealed critical insights into modern gambling behavior that directly inform policy and operator practices. The data I’ve collected from thousands of Australian gamblers shows clear patterns in how people use online platforms, when interventions work best, and which warning signs predict developing problems. These findings have practical applications for platforms like FastPay Casino and regulators working to balance consumer freedom with necessary protections.

One finding that surprised even me was how effective simple behavioral nudges can be. In one study, we showed that pop-up messages displaying actual time and money spent reduced session length by an average of 18 minutes. That might not sound dramatic, but across thousands of users, it represents significant harm reduction. The key is making these interventions informative rather than preachy—people respond better to factual information about their own behavior than to warnings about gambling dangers.

My approach to responsible gambling advocacy

I don’t believe in prohibitionist approaches to gambling. Most people who gamble do so recreationally without experiencing problems, and I respect their right to choose how they spend their money and leisure time. However, I’m also acutely aware that gambling causes serious harm to a significant minority of participants. My advocacy focuses on finding the middle ground—preserving freedom while implementing safeguards that genuinely protect vulnerable individuals. This balanced perspective sometimes puts me at odds with both industry advocates who resist any regulation and anti-gambling activists who want severe restrictions.

Some key principles guide my advocacy work:

• Interventions should be evidence-based, not based on moral judgments or assumptions
• Gambling operators have ethical responsibilities beyond legal compliance
• Consumers need accurate information to make informed decisions about participation
• Treatment options should be accessible, affordable, and destigmatized
• Regulation should evolve as technology and gambling formats change
• Research funding should come from diverse sources to avoid conflicts of interest

I’ve been vocal about the need for gambling operators to invest in harm minimization research and implementation. It’s not enough to simply comply with minimum regulatory requirements. Platforms serving the Australian market, including FastPay Casino, should be actively seeking ways to identify and assist customers who might be developing problems. This includes features like deposit limits, reality checks, self-exclusion options, and connections to support services.

Publications and recognition

Over my career, I’ve contributed to the gambling research literature in ways that have shaped both academic understanding and practical policy. My work has appeared in journals like Addiction, Journal of Gambling Studies, and International Gambling Studies. Beyond academic publications, I regularly contribute to public discourse about gambling policy through opinion pieces for major Australian newspapers, appearances on radio and television programs, and presentations at conferences across five continents. This public-facing work is important to me because research that stays locked in academic journals doesn’t create change.

My contributions have been recognized with several awards, including early career researcher honors and grants from organizations like the Australian Research Council. More meaningful to me than these accolades are the messages I receive from people who’ve read my work and found it helpful—whether they’re struggling with gambling problems themselves, concerned about a family member, or working in the industry and trying to do better by their customers.

Looking forward

The gambling landscape continues evolving rapidly, and my research evolves with it. Cryptocurrency gambling, virtual reality casinos, and esports betting all present new questions that need rigorous investigation. I’m particularly interested in how artificial intelligence might be used to detect problem gambling patterns in real-time. The technology exists to analyze playing patterns and identify concerning behaviors much earlier than currently happens. The challenge is implementing these systems in ways that respect privacy while genuinely protecting vulnerable users.

My clinical work continues to inform my research priorities. Every person I treat teaches me something new about how gambling problems develop and what helps people recover. The future of gambling in Australia and globally will be shaped by decisions made today about regulation, technology implementation, and social responsibility. I’m committed to ensuring those decisions are informed by solid evidence rather than ideology, profit motives, or moral panic.