Research Grants
The Office of Responsible Gambling welcomes expressions of interest for research proposals that build the evidence base for responsible gambling policy, interventions and programs.
Our priority research areas
The priority research areas for the Responsible Gambling Fund are:
- Individual and community level gambling harm minimisation
- Regulation of gambling products, practices and environments
- Gambling among vulnerable groups
- Emerging technologies and new trends
- Measuring and understanding gambling prevalence and harm
- Efficacy and effectiveness of treatment.
Applications from a diverse range of disciplines, fields and contexts are encouraged, to ensure issues are explored from a range of perspectives. Cross-disciplinary approaches and collaborative partnerships, for instance between academics and industry, service providers, or consultancies, will also be regarded highly.
Both large-scale proposals involving multi-year investments and small proposals with short timeframes may be funded.
Types of funding:
The Office is open to supporting a variety of proposals. We encourage a wide range of research activities, including:
- literature reviews
- academic and applied research projects
- data analysis and data linkage studies
- pilots and trials to test feasibility
- evaluations of programs and services.
How to make a submission
Right now, there are no formal submission rounds scheduled. However, out-of-round submissions are welcome, especially if there’s a timing or policy imperative.
For us to accept your submission and consider it for funding, make sure your proposal addresses these criteria in addition to the eligibility criteria in the submission guide:
- evidence of a new opportunity that the study will capitalise on, or an emerging issue or trend that the research will explore.
- the impact of opportunity loss and increased risks to success if the research was delayed.
The Research Grants Funding Submission Guide provides more information on the process and expectations for submissions.
To express your interest in submitting a proposal contact the Office at info@responsiblegambling.nsw.gov.au.
Current research grant recipients
Australian National University
Family and domestic violence and gambling harm: Developing the evidence-base for prevention programs and intervention services in NSW.
Gambling harm and family and domestic violence (FDV) often co-occur and present challenges for prevention and intervention programs, including planning for coordinated responses. The aim of this project is to provide local evidence that supports improved policy and practice to address co-occurring gambling harm and FDV in NSW through identification of; (1) geographical areas where targeted responses are needed; and (2) service needs and gaps in responding to co-occurring FDV and gambling harm in current gambling and FDV service. Outcomes will inform decisions about cross-service planning, gambling regulation, and public health strategies.
Grant amount: $194,432
University of Sydney
Live Streaming Gambling: Who watches, why, and what effects is it having?
The objective of this research is to establish the first ever body of knowledge about live streaming gambling in Australia (and globally). Drawing on interviews, surveys, observation and a study of gambling live streaming as reported in the news, this project will provide academic insights, accessible reports, and actionable policy suggestions to address the potential impacts of these channels.
Grant amount: $37,858
Western Sydney University
Early identification of gambling comorbidity in a hospital setting
This project aims to identify people with substance use and psychiatric problems who are at risk of problematic gambling due to impulsive/impaired decision-making. Given treatment is not always sought when needed, the hospital setting may prove to be a good opportunity for early identification and responding to gambling risk.
Grant amount: $100,591
Past research grant recipients
Central Queensland University
The role of parents in youth gambling
This project surveyed parents of young people, aged 12 to 17 years, to assist in furthering knowledge in its priority areas of 1) attitudes and behaviours towards gambling in vulnerable or target groups, and 2) what works in prevention and harm minimisation.
Grant amount: $79,791
Central Queensland University
Development and randomised control trial of safe gambling guidelines for EGM play
This project developed evidence-based guidelines for safe Electronic Gaming Machine (EGM) gambling, based on safe gambling practices that best predict nonharmful gambling among players most vulnerable to gambling-related harm. A brief intervention and guidelines were delivered to people wanting to reduce their EGM gambling, and their efficacy was tested through a randomised control trial.
Grant amount: $191,063
Central Queensland University
Exploring the changing landscape of gambling in adolescence
Technological changes have introduced new formative gambling experiences to young people. A cohort study of young adults explored how the changing environment of gambling, including the advent of social casino games, esports betting, skins gambling, loot boxes and daily fantasy sports, influenced gambling involvement and gambling harm.
Grant amount: $99,968
Central Queensland University
Loot boxes: Are they grooming youth for gambling?
Video game loot boxes can be unwrapped to reveal items that enhance the appearance of the game. Sometimes these items can be converted into cash, making them similar to a lottery product. This research outlines how much youth (12–24) are spending on loot boxes, and how does their use predicts future gambling.
Grant amount: $79,728
Central Queensland University
Smartphone betting on sports, esports and daily fantasy sports among young people
In NSW, the use of smartphones to bet on sports, esports and daily fantasy sports has grown rapidly. This study was a world-first investigation into how the distinctive structural and situational characteristics of mobile-technologies impact betting behaviour, gambling problems and harm among young people. Methods consisted of interviews, discrete-choice experiment and ecological momentary assessments.
Grant amount: $185,927
Deakin University
Family member treatments: systematic review and content analysis across addictions
Despite frequently presenting to Australian gambling services, there are few therapy options for the family members of people with gambling problems. This project undertook a systematic review of treatment efficacy and content across the addictions to inform the development of online, telephone and face-to-face treatments for problem-gambling family members.
Grant amount: $30,000
University of Sydney – Business School
Do “cash-out” products offered by bookmakers exploit behavioural biases?
A new product offered by bookmakers, and advertised heavily on Australian television, involves “cashing out” of bets; bettors are offered the opportunity to sell their stake back to the bookmaker for some fraction of the final contingent pay-off. We investigated whether these products take advantage of known bettor behavioural biases.
Grant amount: $24,500
University of Sydney (Gambling Treatment and Research Clinic)
Randomised control trial comparing face-to-face with online problem gambling treatment
The primary aim of the study was to examine different ways of delivering psychological treatments for problem gambling. The study was designed to compare face-to-face treatment, online self-directed treatment, and a hybrid that had both face-to-face and online components.
Grant amount: $277,500
Funded under the 2019 RGF grant round
This project was discontinued in October 2021
Western Sydney Community Forum
Culturally Responsive Framework to Address Problem Gambling Behaviours
This research project, initiated and led by Western Sydney Community Forum, utilised an action research model to deliver a practical framework for mainstream services to utilise and deliver culturally responsive support to people with problem gambling behaviours.
Grant amount: $156,000
Coffs Refugee Support
Gambling harm research project with the Karenni refugee community
