BetBlocker’s chief of safer gambling partnerships, the legendary Pedro Romero, joins Dr Auer and Jon to discuss a wide range of things, including the evolution of responsible gambling practices, the challenges of regulation, and the importance of algorithms in identifying problem gambling. He also highlights the role of BetBlocker in providing anonymous support for individuals struggling with gambling addiction.

Pedro also gets into the work around the potential of psychedelics in aiding recovery from gambling-related harm, emphasising the need for more research and the importance of addressing stigma surrounding these treatments. It’s fascinating stuff.

Exec summary, kind of:    

• Regulation in the gambling industry is evolving but still faces challenges.
• Algorithms can help identify problem gambling but must be used carefully.
• Preventing gambling harm should be prioritized over just detection.
• Bet Blocker offers a free and anonymous solution for those struggling with gambling addiction.
• Psychedelics may provide new avenues for recovery from gambling-related harm.
• Stigma surrounding addiction and treatment options remains a significant barrier.
• Research on psychedelics is gaining traction in the context of mental health and addiction.
• Controlled environments are crucial for safely exploring psychedelic treatments.
• The gambling industry must continue to adapt and improve its practices.

Choice quotes:

"I think things have improved."

"We need more research."

"The stigma is a real hurdle."

Chapters (allow maybe 40 seconds for Jon's introductory waffle first)

00:00 Introduction to Pedro Romero

04:02 The Evolution of Responsible Gambling

07:49 Regulatory Challenges in Gambling

12:04 Algorithmic Approaches to Problem Gambling

16:36 Preventing Gambling Harm

28:21 Exploring Bet Blocker

43:46 Psychedelics and Gambling Recovery

This week, hosts Dr Michael Auer and Jon Bruford welcome Chris Tipping, a lifelong football-sticker obsessive who crossed over to the other side, working inside Merlin/Topps in the late ’90s/early ’00s. It’s a warm, nerdy ramble through the golden age of sticker albums, how swap-shops became a phenomenon, and why foil “shinies” felt impossible to pull. We also get inside the production sausage: league photo days, image rights, and how album stats turned into research bibles (even for legendary commentator John Motson).

Along the way we trace the evolution from simple collectibles to sophisticated products – from Panini’s Modena newsstand roots to licensing bets on WWF, Star Wars and (later) Lord of the Rings – and we poke at the psychology: scarcity, near-completion itch, and the social theatre of playground trades. It’s industry-minded but chatty, with happy detours including the eternal regret of sticking Peter Hucker in at a 20-degree angle.

Executive Summary:

• Origins & mechanics: Panini’s blind-pack model emerged from a newsstand trying to shift unwanted cards; self-adhesive stickers + uniform headshots + league-mandated photo days professionalised the product.
• Distribution & engagement: Swap-shop tours were free, brand-building events powered by warehouse stock – turning organic fan behaviour into mass participation and retention.
• Designed scarcity (not star-rigged): In Chris’s era, foils were intentionally rarer; regular players weren’t printed less. Completion difficulty drives repeat purchase and community swapping.
• Data as product: Album bios and stats became trusted references – even used by John Motson – foreshadowing today’s sports-data obsession.
• Licensing & diversification: Pre-Premier League doldrums gave way to a surge via WWF, then film/TV (e.g., Star Wars: The Phantom Menace). Smart licensing + timing created fresh audiences beyond football.
• Addiction lens: Collecting sits on the same psychological rails as gambling: fixed print runs, variable rewards, and the “just 10% to go” compulsion loop – yet delivered as family-friendly culture.

Choice Quotes

• “We’d roll into a gym and it was hundreds of kids floor-trading – absolute madness, and brilliant brand building.”
• “In my time, scarcity was about foils, not making star players rarer.”
• “The albums became research bibles – Motson even used them.”
• “I finally got the last QPR sticker… and stuck Peter Hucker in at a 20-degree angle. Heartbreak.”

In the third episode of Addiction: An Hour With Auer, we meet Paul Delfabbro, a Professor of Psychology at the University of Adelaide, to discuss the complex relationship between cryptocurrency trading and gambling. Paul shares insights on the psychological factors influencing crypto traders, including the role of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) and the socio-demographic profile of those involved in crypto trading. The conversation also explores the emerging field of Web3 gaming, the rise of crypto casinos, and the prevalence of problem gambling in Australia. Additionally, Paul delves into the impact of conspiracy theories on gambling psychology and the cognitive biases that affect decision-making in both gambling and crypto trading.

Choice quotes:

• "FOMO plays a crucial role in crypto trading behaviour."
• "Australia has one of the highest rates of gambling expenditure per capita."

Episode length: 1:05:51

Chapters

00:51 Introduction to Paul Delfabro

03:43 Exploring Cryptocurrency and Gambling

06:35 Understanding FOMO in Crypto Trading

09:38 The Psychology of Crypto Trading

12:44 Comparing Crypto Trading to Traditional Gambling

15:36 The Socio-Demographics of Crypto Traders

18:31 Web3 Gaming and Play-to-Earn Models

21:32 The Rise of Crypto Casinos

24:37 Problem Gambling in Australia

27:37 The Future of Currency: Crypto vs. Traditional

30:42 The Impact of Gambling Culture in Australia

33:22 Conspiracy Theories and Gambling Psychology

36:13 The Intersection of Crypto and Gambling Disorders

39:20 Cognitive Biases in Gambling and Crypto

42:01 The Emotional Drivers Behind Gambling and Trading

45:16 Conspiracy Beliefs and Their Influence

48:01 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Hosts Dr Michael Auer and Jon Bruford are joined by Simo Dragicevic, formerly of the Game Safety Institute and many other interesting projects…

This episode we explore the complexities of the gambling industry, focusing on the evolution of regulations, the importance of data in identifying problem gambling, and the structural characteristics of gambling products. The challenges faced by initiatives like the Game Safety Institute, the impact of game mechanics on player behaviour, and the need for innovative regulatory approaches is covered, and we get into the differences between lottery and casino gambling, the role of marketing, and the future of player protection in a rapidly changing landscape.

It's a lot, and we hope you enjoy the show.  

• Key takeaways:
• Regulatory approaches vary significantly between countries, impacting player safety and industry practices.
• Data plays a crucial role in identifying and addressing problem gambling behaviours.
• The gambling industry must innovate to keep pace with changing player expectations and technology.
• Structural characteristics of games influence player behaviour and risk levels.
• Marketing strategies in gambling often prioritize engagement over responsible gaming practices.
• The distinction between lottery and casino gambling is significant in terms of player behaviour and regulation.
• Regulators need to adapt to new gaming formats and player preferences to remain effective.
• Collaboration between operators and regulators is essential for creating a safer gambling environment.

Episode length: 1:29:25

Simo Dragicevic on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simo-dragicevic-54469b13/

Dr Auer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-auer-51a48a/

Jon Bruford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/

Podcast website: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/addiction/

Hosts Dr Michael Auer and Jon Bruford explore the Labubu craze and the rise of blind box purchasing, essentially a gambling mechanism that is widely accepted in society. We talk to assistant professor Leon Xiao of City University Hong Kong about blind boxes, and the conversation evolves naturally to encompass loot boxes, one of the more controversial aspects of modern gaming.

Leon explains the appeal of ‘pity mechanics’ that help players predict spending and highlights how these mechanics simplify complex probability information, making it easier for players to understand their purchasing decisions.

As first episodes go, it’s a banger. What are you waiting for? JOIN US.

Episode length: 1:11:59 ish.

Leon Xiao on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leon-xiao/

Dr Auer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-auer-51a48a/

Jon Bruford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/

Podcast website: http://localhost/dessert-island/addiction/