Exploring gambling journeys: Round 12 research grants

Projects funded in Round 12 of the Foundation’s Grants for Gambling Research Program aim to shed light on the different pathways individuals tread towards and away from gambling harm.

Under the theme Gambling journeys, the Round 12 projects are delving into how and where to employ preventive measures and intervention services to effectively interrupt a journey towards gambling harm. In addition, the research will strengthen our understanding of how to support the gambling harm recovery process with appropriate programs, services, and supports.

The Foundation received 17 applications following a six-week open tender process in late 2022. From these applications, five projects were funded, showcasing a diverse array of research endeavours.

In the investigative grants category, which offers funding of up to $150,000 excl. GST over three years, two projects were successful:

• Journeys towards harm: A narrative study of gambling and gambling harm amongst young online sports bettors, from childhood to early adulthood, led by Professor Nerilee Hing from CQUniversity
• Recovery, Relapse, Repeat: A multi-study exploration of gambling relapse, recovery, and continuing care, spearheaded by Professor Nicki Dowling from Deakin University.

In the mid-career researcher grants category, which offers funding of up to $100,000 excl. GST over two years, the successful proposals were:

• Journeys towards gambling harm: Exploring the personal, social, and environmental context for young adults’ sports and horse-race betting and their experiences of harm, led by Dr Anna Thomas from Deakin University
• Mapping journeys into and out of gambling harm: assessing actionable predictors of onset, maintenance, cessation, and relapse, helmed lead by Associate Professor Alex Russell from CQUniversity.

In the early career researcher category, which offers grants of up to $50,000 excl. GST over 18 months, Dr Simone McCarthy from Deakin University is undertaking a project titled, My life in recovery: A photovoice study of people who have experienced gambling harm.

Significantly, two projects are examining journeys towards gambling harm, and two away from gambling harm. One project considers both perspectives. Three out of the five grants were awarded to Deakin University, while the remaining two have gone to CQUniversity. The researchers at both institutions have relevant specialist expertise. Importantly, all five projects will engage with Victorian participants, ensuring the relevance and applicability of the research outcomes to the local community.

‘The selected projects offer value for money and promise quality research outcomes that will inform policy and program decisions,’ said Rosa Billi, who heads up the Foundation’s Research & Evaluation branch.

‘They herald a significant stride towards understanding the multifaceted journeys individuals undertake toward and away from gambling harm and will help to design better support for relapse, recovery and, ongoing care.’

The projects align with the Foundation's research agenda, addressing priority areas such as gambling products, gambling environment, recovery and support, and gambling harm.