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 Melissa:
- Dr Tony Schellinck, CEO, Focal Research Consultants
- Tracy Schrans, President, Focal Research Consultants
- TBC
About Melissa:
Dr. Melissa Salmon is the Applied Research Lead at Focal Research Consultants. Melissa has specialized in the field of gambling studies for over 10 years with a background in psychological research and knowledge mobilization to guide her work.
Throughout her career, Melissa has led several research and evaluation initiatives focused on preventing and reducing gambling-related harms, working with national and international stakeholders in the gambling field to achieve this common goal.
At Focal, Melissa continues to explore meaningful approaches to harm prevention through examining play behaviours associated with gambling risk and evaluating safer gambling outcomes using real-world player data.
