Sally Gainsbury

Pioneering Research in Gambling Psychology and Harm Minimisation

I’m Sally Gainsbury, an Australian psychologist and academic researcher whose work focuses on understanding gambling behaviour, particularly in the digital age. Currently, I hold the position of Associate Professor at the University of Sydney and serve as Co-Director of the Gambling Treatment and Research Clinic within the Brain and Mind Centre. My work stands at the forefront of research into behavioural addictions, online gambling, and harm minimisation strategies.

I hold dual doctoral qualifications—a PhD in Psychology and a Doctorate of Clinical Psychology (Doc.Clin.Psych)—which provide me with a unique combination of theoretical insight and practical clinical expertise. Over the years, I’ve published more than 155 research works that have been cited over 12,000 times globally, earning an h-index of 68. My research doesn’t just contribute to academic discourse—it actively influences public policy, industry practices, and treatment protocols in Australia and beyond.

My Motivation

I was born and raised in Australia, a country where gambling is deeply embedded in the cultural fabric. Sports betting, poker machines (pokies), and online casinos are commonplace here. My interest in psychology emerged early, driven by a fascination with human decision-making processes and risk-taking behaviours. Within the Australian context, my focus on gambling psychology addresses a critical public health issue.

Problem gambling affects thousands of Australians annually, leading to financial distress, mental health challenges, and social disruption. My work emphasises harm minimisation, advocating for responsible gambling practices that balance enjoyment with safety. This is particularly relevant in the context of emerging technologies, where online platforms have democratised access to gambling but simultaneously amplified risks.

Education

Whilst I prefer not to elaborate extensively on my early childhood, my Australian upbringing and academic journey reflect a foundation built on intellectual curiosity and a commitment to addressing societal challenges. Growing up in a nation with high per-capita gambling expenditure likely influenced my choice of specialisation.

I earned my Bachelor of Psychology (BPych) with Honours, which laid the groundwork for understanding human behaviour, cognition, and mental health. From March 2005 to November 2010, I completed my Doctorate of Clinical Psychology at the University of Sydney—a rigorous programme combining advanced theoretical training with clinical practice. This qualification equipped me with skills in assessment, diagnosis, and therapy for mental health disorders, including addictions.

Concurrently or shortly thereafter, I earned my PhD in Psychology, also from the University of Sydney. My doctoral research delved into the psychology of gambling, examining how cognitive distortions—irrational beliefs about luck and control—contribute to problematic behaviours. This period marked my entry into specialised gambling studies, a field gaining prominence as internet gambling surged in popularity.

My education wasn’t isolated from practical experience; I integrated clinical placements and research assistantships, honing my ability to translate theory into practice. By 2010, I had developed a robust skill set in quantitative methods, qualitative analysis, and ethical research practices.

Academic and Professional Career

My career began post-PhD in 2010 as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Centre for Gambling Education and Research at Southern Cross University in Lismore, New South Wales. This role, lasting until around 2016, allowed me to conduct foundational studies on internet gambling. During this time, I published seminal works on the prevalence of problem gambling in Australia and assessed the impact of new technologies such as mobile apps.

From January 2010 to September 2016, I advanced to Associate Professor at Southern Cross University, where I led projects on interactive gambling. This period saw me secure grants from bodies such as Gambling Research Australia, funding nationwide surveys that revealed rising trends in online sports betting. My work highlighted vulnerabilities amongst young adults and the role of advertising in normalising high-risk behaviours.

In September 2016, I transitioned to the University of Sydney as an Associate Professor in the School of Psychology. This move to a top-tier institution elevated my profile, providing access to advanced resources such as the Brain and Mind Centre. By 2017-2018, a significant milestone came with my appointment as Co-Director of the Gambling Treatment and Research Clinic—Australia’s only university-affiliated centre for gambling issues. Here, I oversee treatment programmes using cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing, whilst supervising PhD students and clinicians.

My career accolades include the Australian Research Council Discovery Early Career Researcher Award (DE1060100459), which supported my investigations into internet-based therapies for addictions. I’ve received over AUD$2.5 million in grants, funding longitudinal studies on COVID-19’s impact on gambling patterns.

My editorial roles—Editor of International Gambling Studies since around 2015 and board member for other journals—demonstrate my influence in peer review and knowledge dissemination. Internationally, I’ve consulted for organisations such as the World Health Organisation on behavioural addictions, and in Australia, I advise government bodies on harm minimisation policies.

Throughout my career, I’ve balanced academia with outreach, presenting at conferences and publishing in high-impact journals. As of 2026, I continue to innovate, exploring AI-driven interventions for at-risk gamblers.

Below is a table summarizing her key places of work:

My Research Contributions

My research portfolio is extensive, spanning over 155 publications that explore the psychology of gambling, behavioural addictions, and harm reduction strategies. My work is characterised by empirical rigour, using surveys, longitudinal studies, and experimental designs to uncover insights into how individuals interact with gambling technologies. With a focus on emerging trends such as online and mobile gambling, my studies have direct implications for Australia’s gambling sector, where digital platforms dominate.

Online Gambling and Technological Influences

A core theme in my research is the transformation of gambling through the internet. In my 2015 paper «Online gambling addiction: the relationship between internet gambling and disordered gambling» published in Current Addiction Reports, I examine how digital accessibility exacerbates addiction risks. Cited over 422 times, this work highlights immersive interfaces and ease of access as factors increasing problem gambling prevalence. I argue that online platforms, unlike land-based venues, allow continuous play without social cues, leading to dissociation and overspending.

My 2012 study «A digital revolution: Comparison of demographic profiles, attitudes and gambling behavior of Internet and non-Internet gamblers» in Computers in Human Behavior compares user groups, revealing that internet gamblers are often younger and more tech-savvy, with higher rates of participation in multiple gambling forms. This research, cited 296 times, informed policies on age verification and marketing restrictions in Australia.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, I led studies on shutdown impacts, such as «Impacts of the COVID-19 Shutdown on Gambling Patterns in Australia» (2021). I found that venue closures shifted activity online, increasing risks for those experiencing psychological distress. This work emphasises the need for robust digital safeguards.

Problem Gambling: Identification and Treatment

My clinical background shines in my research on problem gambling. The 2014 publication «Professional help-seeking for gambling problems: Awareness, barriers and motivators for treatment» in the Journal of Gambling Studies explores why individuals delay seeking help, identifying stigma and lack of awareness as key barriers. Cited 330 times, it advocates for targeted interventions such as internet-based therapies.

In «A systematic review of Internet-based therapy for the treatment of addictions» (Clinical Psychology Review, 2011), co-authored with Alex Blaszczynski, I review online CBT’s efficacy, concluding it’s accessible and effective for remote populations. This has influenced telehealth services in Australia.

My 2013 paper «The impact of internet gambling on gambling problems: a comparison of moderate-risk and problem Internet and non-Internet gamblers» in Psychology of Addictive Behaviors uses national data to demonstrate that internet gamblers face higher harm levels due to anonymity and rapid betting cycles.

Harm Minimisation and Policy Recommendations

I’m a vocal advocate for evidence-based harm reduction. In «Responsible gambling strategies for Internet gambling» (Computers in Human Behavior, 2009), I evaluate pop-up messages, finding they enhance self-awareness and reduce impulsive bets. This research supports mandatory features on Australian sites.

My work on advertising, such as «Do advertising and promotions for online gambling increase gambling consumption? An exploratory study» (International Gambling Studies, 2014), reveals how promotions normalise risk, recommending curbs on inducements.

In «Unfair play? Video games as exploitative monetised services» (Computers in Human Behavior, 2019), I extend my scope to the gaming-gambling convergence, warning of loot boxes’ addictive potential.

My studies on self-exclusion, such as «Review of self-exclusion from gambling venues as an intervention for problem gambling» (Journal of Gambling Studies, 2014), evaluate multi-venue programmes, suggesting improvements for better compliance.

These contributions have shaped Australia’s National Consumer Protection Framework, promoting tools such as pre-commitment and activity tracking.

Selected Publications

My career represents an ongoing pursuit of knowledge to mitigate gambling-related harm. From my educational foundations at the University of Sydney to my leadership in research and clinical practice, I’ve become an essential voice in this field. My work not only advances academic understanding but also fosters safer gambling environments in Australia.

As digital gambling continues to evolve, my emphasis on ethical innovation ensures my legacy endures for the benefit of gamblers, regulators, and society at large. With ongoing projects exploring AI and virtual reality’s role in addictions, I remain a beacon for responsible practices in the industry