UKGC partners with independent specialist Gambling Research Exchange Ontario

To support the National Strategy to Reduce Gambling Harms, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has announced a key new role for independent research dissemination specialist Gambling Research Exchange Ontario (GREO).

GREO will develop a program of activity to support the new strategy’s two priority areas – Prevention and Education, and Treatment and Support, and will focus on the dissemination of research, applying research to policy and international collaboration. Funding for the work will come from UKGC regulatory settlements.

Tim Miller, Executive Director at the Gambling Commission, said: “The new role for GREO to support the National Strategy is a perfect example of the collaboration we called for in the Strategy. GREO is a well-respected independent research organisation with a wealth of experience in gambling research and dissemination. Ultimately, their expertise, networks and insight will help us and our partners to accelerate progress over the next three years.”

Trudy Smit Quosai from Gambling Research Exchange added: “We are thrilled to announce our work as part of the National Strategy to Reduce Gambling Harms. It means we will be working with the best thinkers around the world to help tackle the issue and provide independent, evidence-based research to support the strategy’s priorities.”

When developing the strategy, the Gambling Commission looked worldwide for examples of excellence and recognized GREO as an international leader in mobilizing research evidence to reduce gambling harms, says the Ontario-based organization. A recent evaluation of GREO's work demonstrated that for every $1 invested, $2.41 of value is created. “This demonstrates GREO's capacity to move forward harm reduction initiatives in an exceptionally cost-effective manner,” it says.