Changing the Odds: Exploring Gambling and Gambling Harms Through Arts & Humanities
Professor Evelyn Welch, Professor Martin Hurcombe, Rohann Irving, Sharon Martin, Moveable Type Theatre, Melanie Manchot
Humanities Research Space (Rm H20), Arts Complex, Main Entrance 3-5 Woodland Road, Bristol, BS8 1UJ
- When: 10 September 2025, 09:00–14:00 (GMT+1)
- Where: Humanities Research Space (Room H20), Arts Complex, University of Bristol
- Register: Free to attend – sign up on Ticket Tailor
- This is an in-person event
Can history, drama, music and culture studies shed new light on gambling and its impact?
Changing the Odds is a unique one-day symposium that puts the Arts and Humanities at the heart of the gambling harms debate. Moving beyond statistics and surveys, this event will explore the stories, meanings and creative responses that shape how gambling is understood across time and place.
The programme brings together leading researchers, artists and performers to share fresh perspectives – from the gendered history of Australian sports betting to the complex role of lotteries in sixteenth century Florence. Highlights include two live drama performances by Moveable Type Theatre, Film Director Melanie Manchot showing and talking about her recent film Stephen, and an interactive discussion session with experts to spark new ideas and collaborations.
What to expect:
- Inspiring talks by:
- Professor Evelyn Welch, Professor of Vice-Chancellor, University of Bristol (Lotteries in Early Modern Italy)
- Professor Martin Hurcombe, Professor of French Studies, University of Bristol (A Brief History of How Sports and Gambling are Intertwined)
- Rohann Irving, University of Queensland (Sport, Gambling and Masculinity: A Gendered History of Australian Sports Betting)
- Sharon Martin, University of Bristol (What Role can Songwriting play in the Lived Experience of Gambling Harms?
- Two live performances by Moveable Type Theatre exploring gambling through drama
- Film Director Melanie Manchot showing and talking about her recent film Stephen
- Lively Q&A sessions and a collaborative discussion
- Opportunities to connect over coffee and lunch
Whether you’re a researcher, practitioner or simply curious about how the arts can deepen our understanding of gambling, this symposium promises lively debate, creative inspiration and fresh insights. Register today – spaces are limited!
Finding the venue: Humanities Research Space (Rm H20) is in the Arts Complex. The main entrance to the Arts Complex is at 3-5 Woodland Road, Bristol, BS8 1UJ. Arts Complex Map
Contact information
Email gambling-harms@bristol.ac.uk if you have any questions about the event.
Painting by Salvator Rosa of soldiers gambling (Date c. 1656-8)