UK Gambling Regulator adds two new members to the ABSG

The gambling regulator in the UK, the Gambling Commission, confirmed two new appointments to the Advisory Board for Safer Gambling (ABSG).

The ABSG is a separate body that provides independent advice to the Commission.

Earlier this week, the gambling watchdog confirmed it appointed Dr Spencer Murch and Dr Virve Marionneau to the ABSG.

The two executives bring solid experience in gambling addiction research and have gained knowledge in international markets.

This makes them a perfect fit for the Advisory Board where they will be able to deliver key advice.

The experts bring unique insights and experience

As a cognitive psychologist, Dr Murch is an AGRI Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Calgary, Canada.

He aims to study the behavioral, cognitive and psychosociological aspects involved in the use of addictive digital products.

What's more, Dr Murch also focuses on exploring different possibilities where AI technologies can improve human health by identifying, addressing and combatting gambling-related issues.

On the other hand, Dr Marionneau, a sociologist, is also the director of the Center for Research on Addiction, Control and Governance at the University of Helsinki in Finland.

Her research focuses on a variety of gambling-related subjects.

The list includes the impact of digital gambling environments, analysis of gambling harm and experiences, as well as evaluation of policies and regulations, among other important gambling-related issues.

ABSG's Chair welcomes the two new members

Anna van der Gaag, ABSG's Chair, shared her excitement about the two strategic appointments.

"We are very fortunate to have Virve and Spencer as our newest members," she revealed in a statement.

What's more, ABSG's Chair spoke about the national and international research experience the two experts bring to the Gambling Commission.

Van der Gaag added that the global gambling industry faces similar challenges in different jurisdictions across the world.

Finally, she explained: "I am delighted to be welcoming them and have no doubt they will bring valuable new insights to an ever-expanding range of topics which inform policy and practice in gambling regulation."

Dr Murch was similarly delighted to join the ABSG, revealing that he is looking forward to contributing to the team of experts at the Advisory Board.

Dr Marionneau added: "I am honored to join the ABSG, especially at a time when increasing international and cross-sector collaboration is needed to regulate and control gambling."

Last month, the provider of gambling software, powering online and retail operators across the globe, Digitain, grew its European footprint after securing a UK gambling license.

The key achievement recognized the company's compliance with the country's gambling regulatory framework.

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