The Gambling Harm Podcast

The Gambling Harm Podcast is back with a new episode: Loot Boxes. Special guests Dave Sproson (Head of Safer Gambling at EPIC), Jonny Peniket (Gaming and Esports Consultant at EPIC), Nathan Quarless (Programme Facilitator at EPIC and pro boxer) join our new host John-Paul Davies, best known for his presenting roles with the BBC and Sky Sports. In this episode we will be discussing what loot boxes are and the role they play in gaming; a pertinent topic with many parents set to buy the latest games for their children this Christmas (1:28). We will be asking the question if these are an early introduction to gambling to the younger generation (33:52). What makes them particularly dangerous and do they target a specific demographic? (47:52) And finally what the future holds for legislation around loot boxes (44:48).

In episode five of The Gambling Harm Podcast by EPIC Risk Management, Scott Davies and Alan Smart talk about the impact of gambling harm on an addict’s friends and family, hosted by Steve Cotton from JMP. Among other topics, they discuss: their personal experiences of gambling harm (01:30), how they affected those closest to them through their gambling addiction (06:50), the process of re-building trust (09:50), why speaking to those closest to you can be the hardest thing to do (13:50), why it feels strange being applauded for telling the story of their gambling addiction (19:15), the domino effect of how many people gambling harm can impact (22:50), the legacy of their addiction (29:35) and looking to the future (34:35). Trigger warning: This episode includes a mention of suicide attempt For further information about EPIC Risk Management, please visit: https://www.epicriskmanagement.com

In episode four of The Gambling Harm Podcast by EPIC Risk Management, Andy Margett and Craig Cornforth look at the road to recovery from gambling addiction, hosted by Steve Cotton from JMP. Among other topics, they discuss: their personal experiences of gambling harm (01:30), why it is so important for their respective recoveries to tell their stories on a regular basis (05:00), Craig rediscovering his love for watching football in recovery (08:20), Andy on how difficult it was to break away from watching horse racing as a spectator sport (12:00), why recovery doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all approach/dealing with temptation in the initial stages of recovery (16:20), the impact on those closest to gambling addicts (21:40), the process of re-earning trust from family and friends (26:20), the time they lost during the height of their addictions (33:20) and how giving up gambling was the hardest thing marathon runner Andy has ever done (36:30). Trigger warning: This episode includes mentions of suicide ideation and attempt. For further information about EPIC Risk Management, please visit: https://www.epicriskmanagement.com

In episode three of The Gambling Harm Podcast by EPIC Risk Management, Paul Findlay MBE – trustee of EPIC Restart Foundation – looks at the world of casinos and how they are changing, hosted by Steve Cotton from JMP. Among other topics, they discuss: how a serious military injury and subsequent compensation pay-out impacted Paul’s gambling journey (03:00), his introduction to poker, his initial success and why his winnings didn’t last (07:00), why casinos appeal to many gamblers (10:00), why losing big in person can feel different than when it’s online (15:00), some of the realities of Las Vegas (19:50), breaking away from the grip of the casino (21:10) and how casino operators are improving their interactions with customers (25:45). Trigger warning: This episode references serious injury suffered as a result of military conflict. For further information about EPIC Risk Management, please visit: https://www.epicriskmanagement.com

In episode two of The Gambling Harm Podcast by EPIC Risk Management, Director of Safer Gambling, Dan Spencer, and Head of Safer Gambling, Dave Sproson, discuss some of the changes being made within the industry, hosted by Steve Cotton from JMP. Among other things, they discuss: their personal experiences of gambling harm (01:30), how technology is changing the gambling industry in terms of spotting patterns of harmful behaviour (04:30), why those using loot boxes are not offered the same protections as those using gambling operators (10:45), the emergence of gambling in the United States (17:30), the need for more collaboration between regulators and operators (26:30), why EPIC provides a number of key services to the industry (29:00), why there can be some optimism for the future (39:00) and how we are entering a critical time for gambling regulation (40:45). For further information about EPIC Risk Management, please visit: https://www.epicriskmanagement.com

In episode one of The Gambling Harm Podcast by EPIC Risk Management, CEO and founder Paul Buck and VP of Prevention (United States) Dan Trolaro discuss the future of gambling, with a particular focus on the changing landscape in the US, hosted by Steve Cotton from JMP. Among other things they discuss: their personal experience with gambling harm (01:45), the similarities between their own personal journeys (05:50), the fundamental differences between the UK and US gambling markets (12:15), the increased opportunities to gamble in the US (22:15), the potential for widespread harm if the right regulations are not put in place (25:00), EPIC's ongoing work in the US (30:00), the importance of collaboration when it comes to reducing gambling harm (36:30) Trigger warning: This episode includes mentions of suicide. For further information about EPIC Risk Management, please visit: https://www.epicriskmanagement.com