Impact follow-on awards

In 2025 the Bristol Hub for Gambling Research invited Research Innovation Fund Awardees to submit applications for follow-on funding to develop the impacts of their research projects.

These impact follow-on awards have been used to create dissemination videos (Bournemouth University, University of Namibia (UNAM), Makerere University, Hohenheim University), develop educational assets and policy briefs (Arizona State University/Nigeria), run outreach workshops and dissemination events with relevant stakeholders (Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST), University of Mainz, Swansea University, University of Bristol) and write research bids (University of Edinburgh).

  • Bournemouth University: Empowering Change: Disseminating Research and Building Collaborative Solutions for Gambling Harm in LGBTQIA+ Communities
  • Bournemouth University: Risky-Free or Risky? A student campaign to highlight gambling harms and the dangers of matched betting
  • University of Bristol: Local Council Guidance for Gambling Policy – a Toolkit
  • JOOUST: Identification of and Intervention in Gambling Effects Among Vulnerable Groups in Public Universities in Kenya
  • UNAM: Promotion of gambling harms awareness through public gambling education: A Namibia Mitigation Strategy
  • ASU: Exploring the Nexus of Gambling in Irregular Migration: A Study of Nigerian Returned Migrants
  • University of Mainz: Gambling Addiction Prevention in Practice: Knowledge Dissemination to relevant Stakeholders
  • Swansea University: GamPIT Impact: Building Capacity through Networks and Funding Pathways
  • Makerere University: The Role of Performing Arts in Educating the Youth Against Harmful Gambling in Uganda
  • University of Edinburgh: Intersecting Harms: Exploring the Links Between Gambling and Substance Use, and Gambling and Coercive Control
  • Hohenheim University: Understanding the Gambling Marketing during Sporting Event: A Comparative Study of Sports Broadcasting in the US and Germany  

Below are short summaries of some of the projects that were funded.

Bournemouth University: LGBTQIA+ Impact Award

The LGBTQIA+ Impact Follow-On Award enabled the delivery of a national Conference and Think Tank, Addressing Gambling Harms in LGBTQIA+ Communities,  which successfully brought together over 20 organisations, including individuals with lived experience, practitioners, researchers, community organisations, and policymakers. The event facilitated meaningful knowledge exchange and collaborative discussion, resulting in co-produced short- and long-term recommendations to improve visibility, inclusion, and culturally competent support across the gambling harms sector. Attendee feedback indicated substantial increases in understanding, confidence, and motivation to change practice, with many participants reporting intentions to implement concrete actions within the organisations. The event also strengthened cross-sector networks and highlighted a clear appetite for ongoing collaboration, training, and policy management. Alongside the publication of new Open Access research, this award has significantly extended the reach, relevance, and applied impact of the project, embedding its findings within practice, service development, and policy discussions. An overview of the talks, think-tank discussions, and recommendations were drawn by a live artist. 

LGBTQIA+ event live illustration

Bournemouth University: Matched Betting Impact Award

The Matched Betting project translated academic research into visible, student-facing harm prevention activity. Commissioned short videos addressing common myths, lived experiences, and the realities of matched betting were displayed alongside accompanying artwork on campus for a month-long period, reaching and being observed by hundreds of students. Informal conversations with students during this period indicated strong engagement, with many reporting that the materials were informative and challenged their assumptions about matched betting being “risk-free”. The campaign also enabled the distribution of practical support materials, including information about gambling support organisations and budgeting tools. Progress on manuscript preparation was also met during a writing retreat with staff.

Makerere University: The role of performing arts in gambling harm education in Uganda

The project adopted a participatory strategy to address harmful gambling among youth in Uganda. Through stakeholder workshops, translated song videos in Kiswahili and Runyankole languages, and a purpose-designed magazine, the project translated research evidence into contextually relevant messages accessible to diverse audiences including students, informal-sector workers, and institutional leaders. By integrating performing arts, multilingual media, and dialogue-based engagement, the workshop promoted awareness, inspired safe and honest conversation about gambling, and encouraged critical reflection, peer advocacy, and potential behavioural change.

JOOUST: Gambling Effects Among Vulnerable Groups in Public Universities in Kenya

The Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) team held a workshop with key stakeholders such as the Kenyan Gambling Regulatory Authority to outline initiatives aimed at reducing gambling-related harm within Kenyan universities. During the event, Oluoch Oyucho, Assistant Director of the Kenyan Gambling regulatory Authority, praised JOOUST’s project, noted that its findings will help policymakers to better regulate gambling activities on campuses. The Authority is keen to collaborate with academic institutions and other stakeholders to address the adverse effects of gambling, with discussions ongoing to formalise partnerships and share research insights. The JOOUST team have also developed a Gambling Harm Intervention Policy that includes measures such as restricting access to betting sites on campus, enhancing counselling services, and coordinating with financial aid bodies to ensure fee payments are protected. The hope is that this could serve as a blueprint for other Kenyan institutions, while the collaboration with the Gambling Regulatory Authority offers prospects for stronger national guidelines to mitigate gambling harms. News items about the JOOUST project: