Join Dr Michael Auer and Jon Bruford for a weekly discussion about addiction in all its forms.

In this episode, Kim Lund, CEO of Aftermath Interactive, discusses his journey in the gambling industry, the challenges of game design, and the importance of responsible gaming. He emphasises the need for intelligent analysis and critical questioning within the industry, particularly regarding addiction and regulation. The conversation explores the intersection of gambling and video games, the role of randomness, event frequency, and the impact of social casinos. Kim also shares insights on designing non-addictive games and the future of regulation in gambling.

Choice quotes:

1. "What is the use case for specific slots?"
2. "Can we build something around it?"
3. "Regulation is often miles behind technology"

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Kim Lund and Aftermath Interactive

02:37 Kim's Journey in the Gambling Industry

05:32 Game Design and Innovation in Gambling

08:14 The Challenges of Regulation in Gambling

11:01 Understanding Game Popularity and Addiction

14:08 The Role of Randomness in Gambling

16:50 Event Frequency and Player Engagement

19:42 The Importance of Game Design and Themes

22:55 Disguising Losses as Wins in Gambling

25:55 The Future of Game Design in Gambling

33:36 Understanding Social Casinos

36:38 The Impact of Social Casinos on Gambling Behavior

39:04 Designing Games for Sustainable Engagement

42:55 The Complexity of Game Design and Player Experience

45:09 The Dark Side of Free-to-Play Games

48:12 Defining Gambling and Its Regulations

54:44 The Role of Regulators in Player Protection

Kim Lund on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-lund-pro/

Addiction: An Hour With Auer is a weekly podcast where hosts Dr Michael Auer – he of the title – and Jon Bruford talk about addiction in all its forms. Not just gambling addiction, they discuss all forms of addiction with experts, academics and researchers from around the world.

Dr Auer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-auer-51a48a/

Jon Bruford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/

Podcast homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/addiction/

Media behemoth homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/

Other podcasts we do:

https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/the-gambling-files/

https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/dessert-island-discs/

In this conversation, the brilliant Professor Sally Gainsbury joins Dr Auer and Jon to discuss the significance of effective message delivery over the content itself, emphasising the need for ecological validity in research settings, particularly in gambling studies. Oh, and much more!

Choice quotes:

"It's not the message, but it's how you deliver it."

"You have to do it in applied setting."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests

00:38 Consumer Protection and Transparency in Gambling

Seriously, the chapter summary done by the recording software has done a sterling job there. Great work, gang.

Sally Gainsbury on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sallygainsbury/

Addiction: An Hour With Auer is a weekly podcast where hosts Dr Michael Auer – he of the title – and Jon Bruford talk about addiction in all its forms. Not just gambling addiction, they discuss all forms of addiction with experts, academics and researchers from around the world.

Dr Auer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-auer-51a48a/

Jon Bruford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/

Podcast homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/addiction/

Media behemoth homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/

Other podcasts we do:

https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/addiction/

https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/dessert-island-discs/

In this episode, hosts Jon Bruford and Dr. Michael Auer engage with Dr. Jeffrey Derevensky, a leading expert in youth gambling issues. The conversation explores the increasing prevalence of gambling among young people, the challenges of research and data collection, and the impact of online gambling and sports betting. They discuss the normalisation of gambling in society, the influence of advertising, and the public health perspective on gambling disorders. The episode emphasises the importance of prevention and education in addressing gambling issues among youth, as well as the financial incentives that drive gambling policies.

Choice quotes:

1. "Nobody likes talking about these things."
2. "Young kids really like to do scratch tickets."
3. "Follow the money trail."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Hosts and Guest

02:31 Understanding Youth Gambling Issues

06:31 Research Challenges and Data Collection

10:34 The Evolution of Gambling Among Youth

14:13 The Impact of Online Gambling and Sports Betting

18:26 Advertising and Its Influence on Youth Gambling

23:56 Normalization of Gambling in Society

29:51 Public Health Perspective on Gambling

35:52 Lower Risk Gambling Guidelines

40:22 The Role of Operators in Gambling Behavior

44:49 Comorbidities and Gambling Disorders

47:33 The Impact of Digital Entertainment on Gambling

50:12 Prevention and Education in Gambling

54:51 The Financial Incentives Behind Gambling Policies

Jeffrey Derevensky on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-derevensky-14b78a5/

Addiction: An Hour With Auer is a weekly podcast where hosts Dr Michael Auer – he of the title – and Jon Bruford talk about addiction in all its forms. Not just gambling addiction, they discuss all forms of addiction with experts, academics and researchers from around the world.

Dr Auer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-auer-51a48a/

Jon Bruford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/

Podcast homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/addiction/

Media behemoth homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/

Other podcasts we do:

https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/addiction/

https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/dessert-island-discs/

In this episode, the estimable Dr Auer and his craptacular sidekick Jon Bruford meet Dr. Richard Wood to discuss the complexities of responsible gambling, emphasising the importance of cultural differences, game design, and advertising in shaping player behaviour. The conversation highlights the shift towards a positive play approach, which encourages healthy gambling practices and aims to reduce gambling-related harms. Dr. Wood also addresses the challenges of gambling addiction, the role of escape in gambling behaviour, and the need for improved gambling literacy among players. The episode concludes with insights on implementing effective responsible gambling strategies based on scientific evidence.

Choice quotes:

• "Escape is a core motivator for many gamblers."
• "Gambling literacy is low among players."

Chapters (+30 seconds for our intro jingle…)

00:00 Introduction to Responsible Gambling

02:47 Global Perspectives on Gambling Regulation

05:42 Cultural Differences in Gambling Attitudes

08:39 The Shift Towards Positive Play

11:25 Game Design and Responsible Gambling

14:40 The Role of Advertising in Gambling

17:29 Understanding Player Behaviour and Risk

20:27 The Importance of Gambling Literacy

23:16 The Cycle of Gambling Addiction

26:22 The Role of Escape in Gambling

29:19 Challenges in Addressing Gambling Addiction

32:29 The Impact of Advertising on Gambling Behaviour

35:20 The Future of Responsible Gambling Initiatives

38:17 Positive Play: A New Approach

41:12 Implementing Positive Play Strategies

44:02 Measuring Success in Responsible Gambling

47:01 The Science Behind Positive Play

50:08 Closing Thoughts on Gambling Responsibilities

In this episode we meet Vasiliki Panousi, Senior Manager of European Affairs at the EGBA, to discuss the role of the European Gaming and Betting Association in advocating for online gambling operators. The conversation covers various topics including the challenges of influencer marketing, the fragmentation of gambling regulations across Europe, the impact of regulation on black markets, and the importance of standardising markers of harm to protect players. Vasiliki emphasises the need for effective intervention strategies and the importance of transparency in gambling advertising.

Choice quotes:

• "Gambling is betting where it hurts to lose."
• "Gamblers are inherently risk takers."
• "Effective intervention contains many aspects."

Chapters (maybe)

02:00 Introduction to the EGBA and Its Role

05:04 Influencer Marketing in Gambling

07:46 Collaboration with Other Industries

10:55 Regulatory Challenges in Online Gambling

13:45 Game Standards and Player Protection

16:42 Fragmentation of Gambling Regulations in Europe

19:54 The Impact of Regulation on Black Markets

22:34 The Role of Data and Algorithms in Gambling Regulation

25:50 Standardization of Markers of Harm

28:53 Challenges in Player Communication and Intervention

31:36 Conclusion and Future Directions for Gambling Regulation

And again, I have no idea why the chapters end there. I’m not even sure they’re right. But we talk for another 40 minutes after this!

Vasiliki Panousi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vasiliki-panousi-69bb0567/

Addiction: An Hour With Auer is a weekly podcast where hosts Dr Michael Auer – he of the title – and Jon Bruford talk about addiction in all its forms. Not just gambling addiction, they discuss all forms of addiction with experts, academics and researchers from around the world.

Dr Auer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-auer-51a48a/

Jon Bruford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/

Podcast homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/addiction/

Media behemoth homepage and other podcasts we do: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/

This episode of Addiction: An Hour With Auer sees us welcome the wonderful Keith Whyte to the show. If you’re not familiar with Keith’s work, where have you been exactly???

Keith discusses his extensive experience and the evolution of responsible gambling practices in the US, reflecting on the formation of the American Gaming Association (AGA), the growing awareness of problem gambling, and the importance of setting limits for players. The discussion also touches on the psychological aspects of gambling, the unique role of lotteries, and the future of safer gambling strategies. And, of course, much more.

Choice quotes:

• "Understanding the psychology of gambling is crucial."
• "Safer gambling equals higher lifetime value for operators."

Chapters

01:00 Introduction to Keith Whyte and His Background

03:56 The Evolution of the AGA and Responsible Gambling

06:41 The Rise of Problem Gambling Awareness

09:39 Key Figures in Responsible Gambling Research

12:35 The Impact of Gambling Disorder Classification

15:42 The Shift Towards Gambling-Related Harm

18:42 The Role of Lotteries in Gambling Discussions

21:41 Understanding the Psychology of Gambling

24:35 The Importance of Setting Limits in Gambling

27:43 The Future of Responsible Gambling Strategies

Not a clue why the chapters end there, we talk for another 30 minutes after this!

BetBlocker’s chief of safer gambling partnerships, the legendary Pedro Romero, joins Dr Auer and Jon to discuss a wide range of things, including the evolution of responsible gambling practices, the challenges of regulation, and the importance of algorithms in identifying problem gambling. He also highlights the role of BetBlocker in providing anonymous support for individuals struggling with gambling addiction.

Pedro also gets into the work around the potential of psychedelics in aiding recovery from gambling-related harm, emphasising the need for more research and the importance of addressing stigma surrounding these treatments. It’s fascinating stuff.

Exec summary, kind of:

• Regulation in the gambling industry is evolving but still faces challenges.
• Algorithms can help identify problem gambling but must be used carefully.
• Preventing gambling harm should be prioritized over just detection.
• Bet Blocker offers a free and anonymous solution for those struggling with gambling addiction.
• Psychedelics may provide new avenues for recovery from gambling-related harm.
• Stigma surrounding addiction and treatment options remains a significant barrier.
• Research on psychedelics is gaining traction in the context of mental health and addiction.
• Controlled environments are crucial for safely exploring psychedelic treatments.
• The gambling industry must continue to adapt and improve its practices.

Choice quotes:

"I think things have improved."

"We need more research."

"The stigma is a real hurdle."

Chapters (allow maybe 40 seconds for Jon's introductory waffle first)

00:00 Introduction to Pedro Romero

04:02 The Evolution of Responsible Gambling

07:49 Regulatory Challenges in Gambling

12:04 Algorithmic Approaches to Problem Gambling

16:36 Preventing Gambling Harm

28:21 Exploring Bet Blocker

43:46 Psychedelics and Gambling Recovery

This week, hosts Dr Michael Auer and Jon Bruford welcome Chris Tipping, a lifelong football-sticker obsessive who crossed over to the other side, working inside Merlin/Topps in the late ’90s/early ’00s. It’s a warm, nerdy ramble through the golden age of sticker albums, how swap-shops became a phenomenon, and why foil “shinies” felt impossible to pull. We also get inside the production sausage: league photo days, image rights, and how album stats turned into research bibles (even for legendary commentator John Motson).

Along the way we trace the evolution from simple collectibles to sophisticated products – from Panini’s Modena newsstand roots to licensing bets on WWF, Star Wars and (later) Lord of the Rings – and we poke at the psychology: scarcity, near-completion itch, and the social theatre of playground trades. It’s industry-minded but chatty, with happy detours including the eternal regret of sticking Peter Hucker in at a 20-degree angle.

Executive Summary:

• Origins & mechanics: Panini’s blind-pack model emerged from a newsstand trying to shift unwanted cards; self-adhesive stickers + uniform headshots + league-mandated photo days professionalised the product.
• Distribution & engagement: Swap-shop tours were free, brand-building events powered by warehouse stock – turning organic fan behaviour into mass participation and retention.
• Designed scarcity (not star-rigged): In Chris’s era, foils were intentionally rarer; regular players weren’t printed less. Completion difficulty drives repeat purchase and community swapping.
• Data as product: Album bios and stats became trusted references – even used by John Motson – foreshadowing today’s sports-data obsession.
• Licensing & diversification: Pre-Premier League doldrums gave way to a surge via WWF, then film/TV (e.g., Star Wars: The Phantom Menace). Smart licensing + timing created fresh audiences beyond football.
• Addiction lens: Collecting sits on the same psychological rails as gambling: fixed print runs, variable rewards, and the “just 10% to go” compulsion loop – yet delivered as family-friendly culture.

Choice Quotes

• “We’d roll into a gym and it was hundreds of kids floor-trading – absolute madness, and brilliant brand building.”
• “In my time, scarcity was about foils, not making star players rarer.”
• “The albums became research bibles – Motson even used them.”
• “I finally got the last QPR sticker… and stuck Peter Hucker in at a 20-degree angle. Heartbreak.”