Addiction: An Hour With Auer

The Gambling Files Presents
  • 0.0 (0)
  • MENTAL HEALTH

Gambling addiction expert Dr Michael Auer co-hosts this unique podcast where we discuss addiction in a holistic way with experts from around the world.

  1. 1D AGO

    Addiction 18: Exploring the Intersection of Addiction and Mental Health with Andrew Kim

    In this episode, hosts Jon Bruford and Dr. Michael Auer engage with Andrew Kim, a Canada research chair in addictions and mental health comorbidity. They explore the complex relationship between addictions and mental health, focusing on gambling, cannabis, and the role of poverty. The conversation delves into the motivations behind gambling, the impact of social determinants of health, and the need for personalized approaches in treatment and responsible gambling messaging. Andrew shares insights from his clinical experience and research, emphasising the importance of addressing underlying mental health issues in addiction treatment. Things we discuss, but in a list: Addictions often co-occur with mental health issues.Self-medication hypothesis explains why individuals turn to substances.Cannabis addiction can be psychological, not just physiological.Gambling serves as a coping mechanism for many individuals.Poverty significantly impacts addiction and mental health.Motivations for gambling vary, including escapism and social factors.Responsible gambling tools may not be effective for all individuals.Addiction substitution can occur when one addiction replaces another.Treatment approaches should address both addiction and underlying mental health issues.Advertising influences gambling behavior, especially among younger demographics. Choice quotes: "No one chooses to become addicted.""You can't CBT poverty away.""You can't really will that away." Chapters (add a minute or so though, because I glued an ad read and our theme music to the front): 00:00 Introduction to Addiction and Mental Health02:51 Understanding Addictions and Mental Health Comorbidity05:58 The Role of Cannabis in Addiction09:03 Gambling as Escapism and Coping Mechanism11:52 Motivations Behind Gambling15:09 The Impact of Poverty on Addiction17:53 Addiction Substitution and Concurrent Recovery20:55 Treatment Approaches for Gambling Addiction23:48 The Interconnectedness of Addictions27:11 The Role of Social Determinants in Addictionli...

    1h 6m

  2. FEB 17

    Addiction 17: Understanding Lower Risk Gambling Guidelines, with David Hodgins

    Hosts Jon Bruford and Dr. Michael Hour engage in a deep conversation with David Hodgins, Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of Calgary, about the complexities of gambling, its risks, and the development of lower risk gambling guidelines. We explore the differences between gambling harm and addiction, the profiles of individuals seeking help for gambling issues, and the normalisation of gambling in society. The discussion also touches on responsible gambling measures and the potential for minimising harm through better practices. This episode is brought to you by Gaming Laboratories International, who we love. For more information, visit gaminglabs.com. All the things we talk about: Lower risk gambling guidelines are based on extensive research.Gambling harm is distinct from gambling addiction.The guidelines suggest spending less than 1% of gross income on gambling.People generally find the guidelines reasonable and applicable.There is a need for better measures of gambling-related harm.Normalisation of gambling has significant societal consequences.Many individuals want to reduce their gambling but do not seek treatment.Responsible gambling measures are often not used effectively.The gambling industry is concerned about regulations that limit spending.Understanding the motives for gambling is crucial in addressing gambling issues. Choice quotes: "It's good to be here again, isn't it?""The normalisation of gambling has consequences.""There's lots of room for us to do better." Chapters (but you might want to add 75 seconds or so because of the music and the lyrical waxing about GLI, who are terrific): 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction02:43 Lower Risk Gambling Guidelines10:52 Understanding Gambling Harm vs. Addiction20:47 Profiles of Gamblers Seeking Help26:10 The Role of Money in Gambling and Escapism31:32 Normalization of Gambling in Society35:01 Responsible Gambling Measures and Their Effectiveness David Hodgins on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hodgins-david-81a2073/ Addiction: An...

    42 min

  3. FEB 10

    Addiction 16: Incentivisation, national frameworks, and much more with Kasra Ghaharian

    In this episode, hosts Jon Bruford and Dr. Michael Auer engage with Kasra Ghaharian, Director of Research at the International Gaming Institute at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. We discuss various aspects of gambling, including responsible gambling, prediction tools, and the complexities of regulation. The conversation delves into the challenges of incentivising responsible behaviour, the role of AI in risk detection, and the need for standardised frameworks in the gambling industry. Kasra shares insights from his background in poker and academia, while the hosts explore the implications of gambling behaviour on both a personal and regulatory level. All the things we talk about: The importance of a national framework for gambling regulation.Incentivizing responsible gambling behavior can be achieved through various means.Prediction tools should be used proactively to prevent gambling issues.The US online gambling market is still developing compared to Europe.Chasing losses is a significant marker of harm in gambling.Algorithmic risk detection needs to be transparent and explainable.Feature engineering in AI may soon be automated.The gambling industry requires standardized terminology for better communication.Understanding player behavior is crucial for effective regulation.The commercialization of gambling can hinder responsible practices. Choice quotes: "Feature engineering is going to be automated.""The research is constantly evolving." Chapters (But you should probably add 75 seconds to each one because Jon reads a sponsor message, and we have the music…): 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 03:00 Kasra's Background and Journey to Vegas 06:00 Discussion on Problem Gambling and Player Protection 09:08 The Role of Prediction Tools in Gambling 12:05 Incentivising Responsible Gambling Behavior 14:58 Challenges in Gambling Regulation and Data Collection 18:01 The Importance of Market Understanding in Gambling 21:14 Revenue Distribution in Gambling and Its Implications 24:00 Public Health Approaches to Gambling Regulation 26:56 Algorithmic Risk Detection in Gambling 29:53 Benchmarking in AI for Gambling Risk Detection 33:00 Challenges in Data Labeling and Algorithm Training 35:51 The Future of Automated Machine Learning in Gambling 39:10 The Need for Explainability in Gambling Algorithms 42:00 The Role of Regulation in Gambling Algorithms 44:52 Innovative Approaches to Risk Detection 47:59 Chasing Losses as a Marker of Harm 50:55 The Complexity of Gambling Behavior Analysis 53:57 Commercialisation vs. Regulation in Gambling 57:06 Conclusion and Future Directions Kasra Ghaharian on LinkedIn: a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kasrag/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    1h 6m

  4. FEB 3

    Addiction 15: Gambling regulation – a complex world, with Brendan Bussmann

    First up, we are really delighted (not to mention warm and tingly) to announce the podcast’s first-ever sponsor. We welcome the magnificent Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) as our headline act! In this episode, hosts Dr Michael Auer and Jon Bruford engage with Brendan Bussman, a leading regulatory consultant, to explore the complexities of gambling regulation in the U.S. They discuss the differences in state laws, the role of regulators and operators, and the importance of responsible gaming practices. The conversation also touches on cultural influences, the impact of religion on gambling laws, and the evolution of responsible gaming in Las Vegas. The need for national gambling studies and the role of stakeholders in shaping regulations are also examined, along with a discussion on prediction markets and their regulation. Things we talk about, but in a list: Regulatory structures vary significantly across U.S. states.Responsible gaming is often driven more by operators than regulators.Cultural and religious factors heavily influence gambling laws.Player protection measures are not uniformly prioritised in new regulations.The U.S. lacks a national gambling prevalence study, complicating harm assessment.States like Massachusetts are leading in research on gambling impacts.Operators have the ability to implement responsible gaming tools voluntarily.The gambling industry is seen as a personal responsibility issue in the U.S.Stakeholders can influence regulations through open comment periods.Prediction markets are gaining traction but face regulatory challenges. Brendan Bussmann on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendan-bussmann-3456011/ Addiction: An Hour With Auer is a weekly podcast where hosts Dr Michael Auer – he of the title – and Jon Bruford talk about addiction in all its forms. Not just gambling addiction, they discuss all forms of addiction with experts, academics and researchers from around the world. This episode is brought to you by Gaming Laboratories International. GLI is a world-class Testing, Inspections and Certification company committed to delivering the highest quality land-based, lottery, and iGaming testing and assessment services around the world. GLI provides suppliers, operators, and regulators with expert guidance for navigating the future of gaming and ensuring gaming innovations meet regulatory standards with confidence in more than 710 jurisdictions. For more information, visit gaminglabs.com. 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 homepage: a...

    58 min

  5. JAN 27

    Addiction 14: Research integrity and much more, with Travis Sztainert

    In the latest episode of our holistic look at all things addiction, we are joined by the excellent Travis Sztainert, director of research and education at the International Center for Responsible Gaming (ICRG). With Travis, Dr Auer and Jon discuss the organisation's mission to support gambling research and promote responsible gaming practices. Travis emphasises the importance of research integrity, the role of player protection, and the need for effective knowledge mobilisation to ensure that research findings are applied in real-world contexts. Then we get into the complexities of gambling research, particularly focusing on the shift towards online gambling studies, the ethical considerations in experimental design, and the importance of industry data. The speakers discuss the need for more product-focused research, the challenges of funding in the gambling research sector, and the impact of regulation on gambling behaviour. They also explore emerging trends in gambling research, including the integration of AI and data science, and the necessity of measuring the effectiveness of responsible gaming initiatives. Choice quotes: "Experimental lab research has its limitations.""Gambling is a dynamic environment.""The future of gambling research is wide open." Travis Sztainert on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travis-szt/ Addiction: An Hour With Auer is a weekly podcast where hosts Dr Michael Auer – he of the title – and Jon Bruford talk about addiction in all its forms. Not just gambling addiction, they discuss all forms of addiction with experts, academics and researchers from around the world. 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 homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/addiction/ Media behemoth homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/ Other podcasts we do: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/the-gambling-files/ https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/dessert-island-discs/

    1h 22m

  6. JAN 20

    The power of micro breaks, with Richardson Amartey

    This week's episode sees Dr Auer and his extraordinary sidekick Jon Bruford meet The Digital Wellness Center’s Richardson Amartey. We explore the significance of micro breaks in altering moods, and the role of competition in enhancing engagement through leaderboards, among much, much more. Richardson Amartey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardson-amartey/ Addiction: An Hour With Auer is a weekly podcast where hosts Dr Michael Auer – he of the title – and Jon Bruford talk about addiction in all its forms. Not just gambling addiction, they discuss all forms of addiction with experts, academics and researchers from around the world. 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 homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/addiction/ Media behemoth homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/ Other podcasts we do: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/the-gambling-files/ https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/dessert-island-discs/

    59 min

  7. JAN 13

    Addiction 12: Workaholism, The Hidden Epidemic – with Paweł Atroszko

    We're back with another absolute blockbuster episode that you didn't even know you needed to hear! This time Dr Michael Auer and Jon Bruford are joined by Professor Paweł Atroszko of the University of Gdansk to discuss the concept of work addiction, its symptoms, assessment methods, and global prevalence. Paweł highlights the significant impact of socioeconomic factors and cultural perceptions on work addiction, as well as the differences in prevalence across age groups. The discussion also touches on the comorbidities associated with work addiction and the misconceptions surrounding it. Atroszko emphasizes the need for further research to better understand this phenomenon and its implications for mental health. Then we get into treatment options, psychological profiles of workaholics, and the interplay of genetics and environment in the development of workaholism. The discussion highlights the need for awareness of the consequences of workaholism in the workplace and the importance of recognizing burnout as a serious condition. Choice quotes: "The prevalence of work addiction is very high.""The risk is highest among 25 to 34 year olds.""Women have a higher risk of work addiction.""There are two addictions like that.""Workaholics Anonymous operate for decades now.""Having fun is a skill that needs to be trained." Paweł Atroszko on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paweł-atroszko/?locale=en_US Addiction: An Hour With Auer is a weekly podcast where hosts Dr Michael Auer – he of the title – and Jon Bruford talk about addiction in all its forms. Not just gambling addiction, they discuss all forms of addiction with experts, academics and researchers from around the world. 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 homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/addiction/ Media behemoth homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/ Other podcasts we do: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/the-gambling-files/ https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/dessert-island-discs/

    1h 11m

  8. JAN 6

    Addiction 11: The Intersection of Game Design and Gambling with Kim Lund

    Join Dr Michael Auer and Jon Bruford for a weekly discussion about addiction in all its forms. In this episode, Kim Lund, CEO of Aftermath Interactive, discusses his journey in the gambling industry, the challenges of game design, and the importance of responsible gaming. He emphasises the need for intelligent analysis and critical questioning within the industry, particularly regarding addiction and regulation. The conversation explores the intersection of gambling and video games, the role of randomness, event frequency, and the impact of social casinos. Kim also shares insights on designing non-addictive games and the future of regulation in gambling. Choice quotes: "What is the use case for specific slots?""Can we build something around it?""Regulation is often miles behind technology" Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Kim Lund and Aftermath Interactive 02:37 Kim's Journey in the Gambling Industry 05:32 Game Design and Innovation in Gambling 08:14 The Challenges of Regulation in Gambling 11:01 Understanding Game Popularity and Addiction 14:08 The Role of Randomness in Gambling 16:50 Event Frequency and Player Engagement 19:42 The Importance of Game Design and Themes 22:55 Disguising Losses as Wins in Gambling 25:55 The Future of Game Design in Gambling 33:36 Understanding Social Casinos 36:38 The Impact of Social Casinos on Gambling Behavior 39:04 Designing Games for Sustainable Engagement 42:55 The Complexity of Game Design and Player Experience 45:09 The Dark Side of Free-to-Play Games 48:12 Defining Gambling and Its Regulations 54:44 The Role of Regulators in Player Protection Kim Lund on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-lund-pro/ Addiction: An Hour With Auer is a weekly podcast where hosts Dr Michael Auer – he of the title – and Jon Bruford talk about addiction in all its forms. Not just gambling addiction, they discuss all forms of addiction with experts, academics and researchers from around the world. 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 homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/addiction/ Media behemoth homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/ Other podcasts we do: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/the-gambling-files/ https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/dessert-island-discs/

    1h 7m
See All (18)

About

Gambling addiction expert Dr Michael Auer co-hosts this unique podcast where we discuss addiction in a holistic way with experts from around the world.

Information

  • Creator
    The Gambling Files Presents
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 The Gambling Files Presents
  • Show Website
    Addiction: An Hour With Auer

You Might Also Like