Gambling is a common activity and is part of everyday life across society. Although many people gamble—more than half of UK adults—the vast majority consistently lose money. So, when the overall outcome is negative, why do so many people keep gambling? This talk will explore some of the ways gambling games are designed and how certain game features can influence the way we think, shape our decisions, and encourage us to continue gambling. In essence, how does the gambling industry make losing feel like fun?
Speaker
Dr Steve Sharman is a Reader in Psychology in the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences at Loughborough University. Dr Sharman is internationally recognised for his research on gambling and behavioural addictions, with a specific focus on the influence of product design in the development and maintenance of gambling disorder. He has also worked on projects investigating the social and economic costs of gambling, and the relationship between gambling and significant harms such as suicide and homelessness.
Organisers
The NCSEM East Midlands (NCSEM-EM) is one of three hubs forming the National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine, along with London and Sheffield. The East Midlands hub is a partnership between the University of Leicester, Loughborough University, The University of Nottingham, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust and Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust.
