Addiction 26: The Secret Challenges of Predicting Problem Gambling with Data, with Dr Rob Heirene

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/]

Addiction 28: Do Social Media and Gambling Share a Common Psychological Root? With Dr Guyonne Rogier

Another banging episode – brought to you by GLI! – as we delve into the complex world of addiction, featuring Dr. Guyonne Rogier, an Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology from UniCamillus University in Rome. We explore the psychological underpinnings of various addictive behaviours, the role of personality traits, cultural factors, and the latest research models that help explain these pervasive issues. 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: * An introduction to Dr. Guillaume Rogier and his research background. * Insights into his study on gambling, gaming, shopping, and social media addiction, focusing on meta-realistic and hedonic values. * The concept of transdiagnostic variables influencing multiple addiction types. * The heterogeneity and common profiles across different addictive behaviors. * The role of cultural and environmental factors in addiction vulnerability. * The pathway model of gambling development—learning, emotional regulation, and personality influences. * How personality disorders and early childhood factors contribute to addiction risk. * The implications for prevention, policy, and responsible marketing. * Cross-cultural considerations and future research directions on addiction pathways. Chapters, but add a minute maybe because of all the fanfare at the start: 00:00 - Introduction and overview of the episode 02:01 - Who is Dr. Guyonne Rogier and her academic background 04:58 - Summary of Rogier's paper on gambling, gaming, shopping, and social media addiction 05:49 - Profiles of addiction risk and co-occurrence of behaviours 08:13 - Recruitment and methodology of Rogier’s study involving over 350 adults 11:45 - Key findings: low-risk vs high-risk profiles in addictive behaviours 13:03 - The concept of hedonism versus eudaemonism and their influence on addiction 16:27 - The association between hedonistic profiles and problematic behaviours 17:23 - Transdiagnostic variables: Materialism, hedonic orientation, and social constructs 18:46 - Cross-cultural implications and prevalence of addiction across cultures 19:52 - The significance of subclinical behaviours and non-diagnosed addiction symptoms 24:06 - Exploring narcissism and its role in gambling disorder 26:32 - Materialism's impact on gambling behaviour and self-esteem 29:40 - Psychodynamic theories and childhood influences on addiction pathways 37:14 - The Pathways Model of heterogeneity in gambling trajectories 38:39 - Structural characteristics of gambling and learning processes 40:55 - Co-occurring disorders and personality traits in gambling addiction 42:55 - The impact of early childhood development on addiction vulnerability 45:20 - Commonality of addiction traits across different behaviours and preventive strategies 55:41 - The idea of shared markers in various addictions and profiling tools 59:19 - How industry and policy can tailor interventions considering individual variability 60:44 - The importance of targeted approaches for vulnerable populations like adolescents 62:15 - Closing remarks and thanks Resources & Links: GLI: https://gaminglabs.com/ [https://gaminglabs.com/] Guyonne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guyonne-rogier-8546b999/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/guyonne-rogier-8546b999/] 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 27: Is constant entertainment killing creativity? With author Dr Dean Burnett

We’re back – thanks to those absolute legends at GLI! – with another engaging discussion around the subject of addiction. Hosts Dr Michael Auer and Jon Bruford are joined by Dr. Dean Burnett, neuroscientist and author, to delve into the fascinating ways our brains interact with social media, entertainment, routines, and cultural references. Discover how neuroscience explains our habits, susceptibility to influences, and the impact of modern technology on mental health and creativity. 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 social and biological basis of human connection and social media influence * How short-form videos and algorithms shape our attention and beliefs * The role of routine, boredom, and risk-taking in brain health and creativity * The subconscious decision-making process and autopilot behavior * Tips for maintaining brain health, sleep hygiene, and encouraging curiosity * Cultural references and the importance of shared and diverse experiences CHAPTERS, BUT ADD A MINUTE FOR THE MAGNIFICENCE THAT IS THE START OF THE EPISODE: 00:00 - Welcome and introductions to the podcast 00:20 - Anecdotes about being hated or surviving past stories 00:50 - The importance of recognising guest titles and introducing Dr. Burnett 01:49 - Dr. Burnett's background in neuroscience and science communication 02:10 - Interest in social brain wiring and social media’s influence 06:02 - Dr. Burnett’s role as a neuroscience communicator 07:07 - Educational pathways for neuroscience in the UK 08:08 - Clinical vs. research-oriented careers in neuroscience 09:07 - Surprising aspects of neuroscience, including social interactions 09:54 - Social media’s impact on social psychology and group dynamics 12:01 - Effects of reward cycles in short videos and social media 13:09 - The brain's default toward reward and minimal effort 15:05 - The influence of neuro-marketing and short-form content 16:02 - The danger of oversimplification in neuroscience information 17:01 - The importance of nuance and complex real-world information 19:07 - Sleep hygiene, blue light, and mental health tips 21:25 - The importance of sleep schedules for teens 22:51 - Physical activity, nature, and brain health 24:48 - The influence of algorithmic feeds and echo chambers 25:17 - Questioning beliefs and promoting critical thinking 26:21 - Teenage sleep cycles and social media’s role 27:32 - The role of boredom in fostering creativity 28:11 - The historical context of boredom in music and art 29:41 - Cultural saturation and the loss of shared cultural references 31:01 - Nostalgia for past shared experiences and cultural diversity 33:23 - The resurgence of creativity through digital platforms 37:18 - The importance of genuine connections and avoiding superficial interactions 38:48 - Autopilot decisions and subconscious processing 39:47 - Instant impressions and neurotransmitter responses 40:23 - Conditioning, habituation, and marketing influences 41:22 - The subconscious vs. conscious brain processes 42:49 - The impact of routine and risk-taking on brain health 43:54 - Cultural differences in communication styles 45:08 - The process of appraising and reappraising responses in the brain 45:52 - How emotional reactions influence behaviour and learning 46:10 - How routine can both benefit and hinder brain health 47:24 - Genetic predispositions for thrill-seeking behaviour 48:49 - The mechanics of desire, risk, and reward in decision-making 49:45 - Biscuits and dopamine 51:17 - The role of books and media in understanding human behaviour 52:02 - Closing remarks and gratitude Choice-ish quotes: * “The illusion of conscious control masks automatic brain processes.” * “Sleep and nature are fundamental to cognitive health because they align with evolutionary needs.” * “Social media reinforces echo chambers by algorithmic reinforcement of pre-existing beliefs.” * “Boredom is a catalyst for creativity because it forces the brain to seek new, self-generated stimuli.” * “Autopilot mental states are evolutionarily pragmatic, conserving energy for novel, critical situations.” Resources & Links: GLI: https://gaminglabs.com/ [https://gaminglabs.com/] Dean on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-burnett-16303117/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-burnett-16303117/] 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. 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/]. 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 26: The Secret Challenges of Predicting Problem Gambling with Data, with Dr Rob Heirene

In this spectacularly brilliant episode – brought to you by GLI! – we explore the complexities of problem gambling, risk prediction models, and regulatory challenges. Join us as Dr. Rob Heirine shares insights from his research on using behavioural data to identify at-risk gamblers and evaluate harm reduction policies. What we talk about, but in a list: * Challenges in predicting problem gambling using operator data * Limitations and biases in self-reported problem gambling measures like PGSI * The importance of target variables and transparency in predictive models * Practical considerations for implementing affordability checks and loss limits * The role of behavioural indicators and real-time detection in intervention * Ethical and regulatory issues around thresholds, metrics, and model explainability Choice quotes: * "Changing the target is more vital than tweaking algorithms." * "The subjective misunderstanding of one's spending is a potent risk signal." * "A system's credibility hinges on how well stakeholders understand and trust its judgments." * "Current risk is best assessed over recent days or weeks." * "Simplicity introduces bias, leading to over- or under-inclusion of at-risk individuals." * "Trust in algorithms depends on rigorous validation and openness." * "Gambling harm is not solely a behavioural phenomenon but includes personal, social, and mental health dimensions." Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and guest Dr. Rob Heirine's background 01:30 - Challenges of predicting problem gambling from operational data 03:00 - Limitations of self-exclusion as a predictor 04:45 - The difficulty of behavioural and self-reported measures 06:00 - The importance of target variables and validation in modeling 08:00 - How model transparency influences regulation and trust 10:30 - Effectiveness of prompts and limit-setting policies 13:00 - Problems with using short-term data windows for prediction 15:30 - The small prevalence of problem gamblers and implications for models 17:00 - Using treatment-seeking behavior as a risk indicator 19:00 - Thresholds and rule-based approaches vs. complex models 21:30 - Challenges of real-time behavioural detection and lag in intervention 23:00 - The importance of transparency, explainability, and trust in algorithms 25:00 - Behavioural discrepancies, underestimating spending, and subjective experiences 28:00 - Incorporating affordability and expenditure data into predictive models 31:00 - Evaluation metrics: sensitivity, specificity, and their limitations in gambling research 34:00 - Using behavioral indicators like deposit and withdrawal patterns 37:00 - Feedback systems and behavioral summaries as harm prevention tools 40:00 - Combining behavioral and self-report data for effective risk assessment 43:00 - The effect of participant bias in surveys and population estimates 46:00 - Measuring harm at population vs. individual risk levels 48:00 - Optimal time windows for assessing gambling behaviour Resources & Links: GLI: https://gaminglabs.com/ [https://gaminglabs.com/] Rob on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-heirene/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-heirene/] 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. 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/]. 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/]