IAGR2025 session:
PANEL – Academic and applied research collaboration: Using industry data to support evidence-based regulation
Land-based gambling systems generate a wealth of behavioural and transactional data — yet this resource remains underused in efforts to reduce gambling harm.
In this session, Focal Research and the UNLV International Gaming Institute share findings from a research collaboration that applies real-world systems data to identify risky play patterns and inform policy. The presentation explores how industry–academic partnerships can protect sensitive data, replicate findings across venues and generate practical insights for regulators — including when and how to engage players during continuous sessions.
On the panel with Tony:
- Tracy Schrans, President, Focal Research Consultants
- Dr Melissa Salmon, Applied Research Lead, Focal Research Consultants
- Dr Kasra Ghaharian, Director of Research, International Gaming Institute, UNLV, United States
About Tony:
Dr. Tony Schellinck is the CEO of Focal Research Consultants. During his full-time tenure at Dalhousie University, Tony held the FC Manning Chair in Economics and Business, publishing articles and papers in consumer psychology, research methods and gambling.
As co-chair of the Informatics Initiative at Dalhousie University, he was responsible for the research program in data science, measurement, and construct development, working with large consumer databases for financial, retail and insurance clients.
At Focal, Tony leads a team of data analysts setting new standards in risk detection and safer gambling through research, data insights, leading-edge processes, analysis, and predictive modelling.
