Addiction 31: At the conference, with Tracy Schrans and Alan Feldman

Addiction 33: Shane Kraus on Veteran addiction issues, plus the legendary Howard Stutz

Brought to you by those mighty folks at GLI! Another double-header from the UNLV Risk and Gambling conference, this time we talk with Shane Kraus about gambling addiction among the armed forces, and among veterans. It's an enlightening field of study, and we hope to welcome Shane back on the podcast soon to talk more on this. [2:22 – 40:59] Then we meet the mighty Howard Stutz, reporter extraordinaire from The Nevada Independent; Jon gets to be a bit fanboy here, while asking the question: does the media play a role in reframing how gambling is perceived in the future? [41:04 – 1:14:00] This episode comes to you courtesy of the excellent Gaming Laboratories International. GLI is a world-class testing, inspections and certification company committed to delivering the highest quality land-based, lottery and iGaming testing and assessment services, working in more than 710 jurisdictions. For more information, visit gaminglabs.com [http://www.gaminglabs.com/]. Resources & Links: GLI: https://gaminglabs.com/ [https://gaminglabs.com/] Shane on the UNLV site: https://www.unlv.edu/people/shane-kraus [https://www.unlv.edu/people/shane-kraus] Howard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/howard-stutz-b3b0219/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/howard-stutz-b3b0219/] The Gambling Files on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-gambling-files-podcast/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-gambling-files-podcast/] 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/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-auer-51a48a/] Jon Bruford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/] Podcast homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/addiction/ [https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/addiction/] Media behemoth homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/ [https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/] Other podcasts we do: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/the-gambling-files/ [https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/the-gambling-files/] https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/dessert-island-discs/ [https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/dessert-island-discs/]

Addiction 32: Simon Thomas and Dan Waugh at the (awesome) UNLV Risk conference

This episode is brought to you thanks to those benevolent wonders at GLI. Back at the conference, we unexpectedly bumped into a proper couple of legends in the shape of Simon Thomas, top man at London's Hippodrome Casino, and Dan Waugh, a luminary at Regulus Partners. We get in to all sorts in these conversations – the challenge of a safer gambling program at a land-based operation, a Handmaid's Take-style future for prohibitive marketing measures in the industry, and much more. Simon is 0:00 – 37:18, and you can hear Dan from 37:23 to 1:07:47. Enjoy the episode! Resources & Links: GLI: https://gaminglabs.com/ [https://gaminglabs.com/] Simon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-thomas-2522314/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-thomas-2522314/] Dan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-waugh-3847164/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-waugh-3847164/] The Gambling Files on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-gambling-files-podcast/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-gambling-files-podcast/] 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/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-auer-51a48a/] Jon Bruford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/] Podcast homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/addiction/ [https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/addiction/] Media behemoth homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/ [https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/] Other podcasts we do: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/the-gambling-files/ [https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/the-gambling-files/] https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/dessert-island-discs/ [https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/dessert-island-discs/]

Addiction 31: At the conference, with Tracy Schrans and Alan Feldman

This episode is brought to you by GLI, and bless them for doing so! Hurrah! This is the second episode from the UNLV conference on Risk and Gambling, and we find Dr Auer and Jon with Tracy Schrans, of Focal Research Consultants. Tracy was there when a new form of gambling arrived out of the blue in Nova Scotia, in the shape of electronic gambling machines. This means she has been part of evolving research around problem gambling and much more from a time when many televisions were still black and white. I'm kidding, I'm kidding… Tracy tells us about how things unfolded from that first installation and much more. Michael explains that Jon's girlfriend is definitely not real [0:00 – 51:19]. Then we meet the excellent Alan Feldman, Director, Strategic Initiatives & Distinguished Fellow, Responsible Gaming at UNLV International Gaming Institute. Yes, I copied that off the internet, but he really does hold that title. Alan talks about many things, like organising such an event, what it means for the UNLV, and how sports can hugely integrate with a community, among many other things [51:20 – 1:26:24]. This episode comes to you courtesy of the excellent Gaming Laboratories International. GLI is a world-class testing, inspections and certification company committed to delivering the highest quality land-based, lottery and iGaming testing and assessment services, working in more than 710 jurisdictions. For more information, visit gaminglabs.com [http://www.gaminglabs.com/]. Resources & Links: GLI: https://gaminglabs.com/ [https://gaminglabs.com/] Tracy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-schrans-80044717/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-schrans-80044717/] Alan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-feldman-318837b/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-feldman-318837b/] The Gambling Files on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-gambling-files-podcast/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-gambling-files-podcast/] 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/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-auer-51a48a/] Jon Bruford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/] Podcast homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/addiction/ [https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/addiction/] Media behemoth homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/ [https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/] Other podcasts we do: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/the-gambling-files/ [https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/the-gambling-files/] https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/dessert-island-discs/ [https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/dessert-island-discs/]

Addiction 30: Jon Cohen and Sarah Nelson, Live(ish) from the UNLV conference on Risk and Gambling

A slightly different episode here, not least in sound quality, as we bring you the first of our recordings from the 2026 UNLV conference on Risk and Gambling. And it's brought to you thanks to GLI! As mentioned, the sound quality isn't the best – sadly, especially in Sarah's chat – but bear with us... We get into the impact of gambling on young people in America with Jon Cohen [0:00 – 37:35], then it's karaoke, inspiration and running 100 miles with Harvard legend Sarah Nelson [37:36 – 56:59]. I think you'll find these are topics worth sticking with even when the sound quality isn't all that... The sound is better in forthcoming episodes but when you're outside a closed room, it's always going to have the potential to suck a little bit, am I right? This episode comes to you courtesy of the excellent Gaming Laboratories International. GLI is a world-class testing, inspections and certification company committed to delivering the highest quality land-based, lottery and iGaming testing and assessment services, working in more than 710 jurisdictions. For more information, visit gaminglabs.com [http://www.gaminglabs.com/]. Resources & Links: GLI: https://gaminglabs.com/ [https://gaminglabs.com/] Jon Cohen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-cohen-6219b989/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-cohen-6219b989/] Sarah Nelson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-nelson-3178813b/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-nelson-3178813b/] The Gambling Files on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-gambling-files-podcast/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-gambling-files-podcast/] 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/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-auer-51a48a/] Jon Bruford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/] Podcast homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/addiction/ [https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/addiction/] Media behemoth homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/ [https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/] Other podcasts we do: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/the-gambling-files/ [https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/the-gambling-files/] https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/dessert-island-discs/ [https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/dessert-island-discs/]

Addiction 29: Dr Dan Lieberman – The Evolution of Dopamine’s Role in Risk and Reward

Another smash-hit episode – brought to you by GLI! – as we delve into the fascinating world of dopamine, often called the "molecule of more", and explore its profound influence on our motivation, addiction, creativity, and even social trends. With insights from Dr. Dan Lieberman, a respected psychiatrist, author and researcher, we connect neurochemistry to real-world behaviours and societal shifts. Whether you're interested in the science behind addiction or how dopamine impacts innovation across cultures, this discussion offers valuable perspectives. This episode comes to you courtesy of the excellent Gaming Laboratories International. GLI is a world-class testing, inspections and certification company committed to delivering the highest quality land-based, lottery and iGaming testing and assessment services, working in more than 710 jurisdictions. For more information, visit gaminglabs.com [http://www.gaminglabs.com/]. What we talk about, but in a list: * The true role of dopamine beyond just pleasure and reward * How dopamine influences motivation, craving, and addiction * The concept of reward prediction error and its impact on behavior * The neurobiology of addiction: drugs, gambling, social media, and food * Cultural differences in dopamine activity and societal behaviors * The relationship between dopamine, mental health, and creativity * How modern technology hijacks dopamine circuits for profit * The implications of dopamine on free will, morality, and responsibility Choice quotes: * Dan Lieberman: "Dopamine is more than what people think it is. A lot of people think of dopamine as the pleasure molecule or the reward molecule. It has a much more general purpose, though, and that is to orient us to the future, to how things could be better for us." * Dan Lieberman: "Interest is a marker of dopamine. I think we've all tried to learn material that we just don't care about. And it's torture. But if it's something you're passionate about, you read it once and you remember it, maybe forever." * Dan Lieberman: "Genius and insanity are next door neighbors. And so places like the United States, where there is higher levels of dopamine among the people, there will also be higher levels of mental illness." Chapters, but add a minute maybe because of all the fanfare at the start: * (00:00) - Introduction and episode overview * (03:37) - Dr. Lieberman's background and motivation for writing about dopamine * (06:17) - Dopamine defined: the 'molecule of more' * (12:23) - Reward prediction error explained through everyday examples * (16:46) - Dopamine, learning, and the cycle of addiction * (22:32) - Dopamine as a driver of curiosity and risk in societal progress * (28:26) - The similarity between gambling, pornography, and dopamine release * (35:26) - The three primary dopamine pathways and their functions * (42:09) - The debate on free will, morality, and biological influences on behaviour * (48:18) - The link between dopamine levels, mental illness, and genius Resources & Links: GLI: https://gaminglabs.com/ [https://gaminglabs.com/] Daniel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielzlieberman/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielzlieberman/] The Molecule of More by Dan Lieberman and Mike Long [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Molecule-More-Chemical-Creativity_and-Determine/dp/1948836580/] https://www.danielzlieberman.com/ [https://www.danielzlieberman.com/] The Gambling Files on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-gambling-files-podcast/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-gambling-files-podcast/] 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/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-auer-51a48a/] Jon Bruford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/] Podcast homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/addiction/ [https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/addiction/] Media behemoth homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/ [https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/] Other podcasts we do: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/the-gambling-files/ [https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/the-gambling-files/] https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/dessert-island-discs/ [https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/dessert-island-discs/]