How the Concordia Research Chair on Gambling and Its Affiliates Protect Vulnerable Players
By Amelle Margaron
Published October 22, 2024
Reading Time: 6 minutes
The gambling industry has experienced unprecedented growth, transforming it into a major revenue stream for the Quebec government. Yet, amid the revenue boom, concerns over addiction and its repercussions on vulnerable populations have spurred academic inquiry and intervention efforts. Central to these efforts is the Concordia Research Chair on Gambling, led by Dr. Sylvia Kairouz. The chair focuses on understanding gambling behavior through a lens of public health and sociocultural determinants, championing systemic changes geared toward protecting vulnerable players.
Understanding the Landscape of Gambling in Quebec
“Sometimes you win five dollars. Sometimes you win a free ticket. Most of the time, you win nothing,” reflects Dr. Jeff Derevensky, who serves as the director of the McGill International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviours. This commentary underscores the seductive nature of gambling, where intermittent wins can reinforce compulsive behavior. In 2023, Loto-Québec generated nearly $3 billion from various gambling activities, positioning it as the province’s second-largest source of revenue after alcohol. “Gambling is not an ordinary commodity,” states Dr. Kairouz, emphasizing its potential for harm.
The Role of the Research Chair
First established in 2012, the Concordia Research Chair on Gambling has evolved into a pivotal center for gambling research in Canada. Funded annually with $100,000 over five years, the chair uses this financial backing to explore the social dimensions of gambling behaviors, moving beyond purely psychological analyses. Dr. Kairouz seeks to elevate social epidemiology to the forefront of gambling studies, framing gambling as a public health issue shaped by societal factors.
“It’s not only the individual that is responsible for their gambling addiction. There’s a whole ecosystem around it,” Dr. Kairouz notes, advocating for comprehensive research and interventions that consider these dynamics.
Pioneering Research Efforts
Among the chair’s most notable studies is an analysis of gambling in Kahnawake’s First Nation communities and an exploration of video lottery terminals (VLTs) — machines notorious for their addictive properties. The research chair also fosters new talent in the field, enabling early-career researchers like Dr. Adèle Morvannou to pursue vital studies focused on gender-specific gambling behaviors. Dr. Morvannou highlights that men’s motivations for gambling often revolve around thrill and competition, while women tend to gamble for escapism and relief from stress.
Addressing Societal Norms and Stigma
The societal stigma surrounding gambling can disproportionately affect women. They often face harsher judgment and societal expectations related to caregiving roles, leading to feelings of shame and isolation when grappling with gambling issues. Dr. Morvannou observes, “We still expect women to be the caregivers in their families,” which can exacerbate their difficulties in seeking help.
Regulatory Challenges
In Quebec, the government holds a monopoly on gambling, creating a complex situation where profit motives may occasionally overshadow harm prevention efforts. “At some point, more weight is given to one aspect over the other… currently it’s profit and revenues,” Dr. Kairouz asserts, highlighting a potential conflict of interest. Despite the increasing revenues reported by Loto-Québec, researchers emphasize that the casino’s financial success comes at a significant social cost.
To mitigate gambling-related harms, the Chair has actively consulted with government and public health officials to establish safeguards for players, resulting in impactful measures. For instance, Loto-Québec recently decided against opening new VLTs in high traffic areas, a decision influenced by research demonstrating potential harm.
Proposing Solutions for the Future
The advocacy for a dedicated regulatory body to oversee gambling practices continues, as Dr. Kairouz believes it is necessary to ensure compliance and consumer protection. She states, “You need an authority outside the government that should oversee the market.” The high concentration of VLTs in low-income neighborhoods poses significant risks, particularly to children, underscoring the need for targeted regulation.
With the rise of online gambling—an evolution accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic—there are increasing concerns about accessibility and the risk of addiction. Research on the shift to online gambling in light of the pandemic is ongoing, but the effects are immediate, necessitating urgent policy discussions.
The Future of Collaborative Research
The Chair’s collaboration with national and international research teams enhances the quality and reach of its findings. By pooling resources and expertise, researchers can propose solutions that are both innovative and feasible. Dr. Morvannou emphasizes the importance of collective action, stating, “Working together means our research holds more weight, more strength.”
Conclusion
The work of the Concordia Research Chair on Gambling represents a critical intersection of research, policy, and public health, highlighting the complexities of gambling as a societal issue. As the industry continues to expand rapidly, the need for proactive measures to protect vulnerable populations has never been more paramount. This research generates valuable insights, advocating for evidence-based solutions that ensure the industry can operate responsibly while safeguarding the health and well-being of all players.
