Is gambling industry-funded research necessarily a conflict of interest? A reply to Cassidy (2014)

Abstract

This article addresses the issue of industry-funded research and specifically responds to the critique that such research necessarily involves a conflict of interests. It also offers four areas that need attention in order to improve transparency in gambling-related research.

Keywords::

• funding
• industry
• ethics
• transparency
• research
• gambling

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Michael J.A. Wohl

Michael J. A. Wohl is a professor of psychology at Carleton University, Ottawa. The majority of his work examines means to promote responsible gambling. In addition, his work has focused on stress and coping responses, and on non-rational thought and craving as predictors of continued gambling behaviour. He has published over 60 peer-reviewed papers. He is the recipient of Carleton's Research Achievement Award and a Canadian Foundation for Innovation award.

Richard T.A Wood

Richard Wood is a psychologist and the president of GamRes Limited, an international research and consultancy company that examines gambling behaviour. He has developed cutting-edge responsible gambling tools such as GAM-GaRD, that informs the development of socially responsible game design, as well as www.GamTalk.org, a not-for-profit service that provides free online support for people with gambling related issues. He is co-editor of Responsible Gambling Review (www.RGReview.org), an open-access journal that reports on responsible gambling research and issues, with an emphasis on translating research into usable practice.