Expert Author Leading Authority on Gambling Psychology & HarmProfessor Paul Delfabbro is one of Australia’s most cited gambling researchers. Based at the University of Adelaide, he has published over 400 peer-reviewed articles on behavioural addictions — spanning gambling psychology, technology use, gaming disorder, and child welfare. His research informs regulatory bodies, government policy, and treatment services across Australia and internationally. From the psychology of slot machine design to cryptocurrency speculation, Prof. Delfabbro’s work bridges academic rigour with real-world application — making complex research accessible to players, policymakers, and clinicians alike.
Research Focus Primary Gambling & Behavioural Addiction Psychology Risk assessment, player behaviour, EGM design, harm measurement, treatment efficacy, and the intersection between gambling, gaming, and cryptocurrency. Secondary Gaming Disorder & Technology Use Problematic internet use, video game addiction, loot box spending, monetisation in games, and digital wellbeing in children and adolescents. Applied Methodology & Statistics in Psychology Statistical analysis, psychometric validation, research design, and evidence quality assessment across applied psychology domains. Credentials
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Research Impact Three Decades of Gambling ResearchOver 30 years, Prof. Delfabbro has produced one of the most comprehensive research portfolios in gambling psychology — covering everything from the neural substrates of slot machine design to the policy implications of cashless gaming. His work has directly informed Australian government inquiries, regulatory frameworks in multiple states, and harm minimisation strategies deployed by treatment services nationwide. He is regularly consulted by the WHO, international gaming regulators, and state governments on emerging risks from cryptocurrency gambling and digital convergence. |
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Recent Work
Behavioral Addictions in Africa: Emerging Trends, Challenges, and Policy Implications
Critical overview of behavioral addictions in Africa driven by rapid digitalization and socioeconomic shifts — covering problematic internet use, gaming, and gambling as emerging public health concerns across the continent.
2025 Hyper-Systemizing and Conspiracy Beliefs in Clinical Populations Research linking systemizing tendencies to conspiracy belief formation in general and clinical populations | 2024 FOMO, Regret, and Cryptocurrency Speculation Examined fear of missing out and regret in digital asset investing with volatile price movements | 2024 Gambling Harm Measure (GHM) Validation 16-item instrument assessing harm levels across six life domains — now used across Australian services |
Why Independent Academic Expertise Matters
Prof. Delfabbro’s contributions to Fair Go Casino are grounded in 30 years of peer-reviewed research — not promotional copy. When he explains how EGM design influences session length or why certain bonus structures increase risk, it’s based on hundreds of studies conducted with Australian players.
His work has never been funded by gambling operators. Research grants come exclusively from government bodies (ARC, NHMRC) and independent health foundations. That independence is what makes his analysis valuable: it serves players, not platforms.
For Casual Players Research identifies which game features — near-misses, credit disguise, ambient sound — statistically increase spending. Knowing this helps you play consciously. | For At-Risk Players His harm measurement tools are used by helplines to screen for problem gambling early — before financial or psychological harm becomes entrenched. | Bottom Line Academic expertise on a casino site is rare. It’s here because informed players make better decisions — and safer ones. |
Contact School of Psychology University of Adelaide North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5005 Availability Media inquiries, research collaboration, conference speaking Mon–Fri · 9AM–5PM ACST | Profiles
| Funding Sources Australian Research Council (ARC) NHMRC Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation WHO NSW Dept of Customer Service No industry funding accepted |
Gamble Responsibly Gambling should be for entertainment only. If you or someone you know is experiencing gambling harm, free and confidential support is available 24/7. | Gambling Help Online 1800 858 858 gamblinghelponline.org.au · 24/7 |
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