Module Overview:
"Product Risk Perspectives on Gambling" offers an academic exploration of product-related risks in gambling. This e-learning module delves into both situational and structural characteristics that influence gambling behaviours. It addresses various aspects, including near misses, the concept of chasing losses, and their impact on risk perception. The module also delves into cognitive perspectives on gambling, exploring the illusion of control and cognitive biases. Psychological aspects are covered, focusing on the need-state model and its relevance in risk assessment. To enrich the learning experience, the module presents research on how behavioural markers of harm align with specific product risk characteristics.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand product-related risks in gambling from an academic perspective.
- Analyse situational and structural characteristics that impact gambling behaviours.
- Examine aspects such as near misses, chasing losses, and their implications on risk perception.
- Explore cognitive perspectives, including the illusion of control and cognitive biases.
- Consider psychological perspectives like the need-state model in assessing gambling risks.
- Gain insights from research on the correspondence between behavioural markers of harm and product risk characteristics.
Dr. Maris Catania is a Chartered Psychologist and a veteran in the gambling industry, with over fourteen years of experience in game integrity and safer gambling.
Dr. Catania holds multiple advanced degrees, including a PhD from Nottingham Trent University, where her research focused on consumer protection, markers of harm, and responsible gambling under the supervision of Professor Mark Griffiths. She also holds an MSc in Occupational Psychology, a MSc in Addiction Studies, and is currently pursuing a MSc in Artificial Intelligence. Her work has earned her the Gambling Compliance Most Significant Contribution to Responsible Gambling Research award for three consecutive years.
In addition to her industry work, Dr. Catania teaches at the University of Malta, delivering lectures on gambling psychology, gaming psychology, gambling policy, behavioral addiction, and cyberpsychology. Her research is available on ResearchGate.