Gambling Research
Gambling Research
At Focal Research Consultants, gambling research isn’t just about data – it’s about leaving the world a better place than we found it.
Building on 30 years, we’ve been at the forefront of applied gambling research – translating player data into actionable insights to support safer gambling environments and sustainable industry practices. We work alongside operators, regulators, governments, and researchers to develop evidence-based tools that help reduce gambling harm while supporting informed player choice.
Whether it’s through our peer-reviewed studies, live field trials, or advanced data analytics, our work is grounded in science and designed to have real-world impact.
Areas of Expertise
Player Risk Detection & Behavioural Analytics
Using real play data, we identify behavioural markers associated with elevated risk. This research forms the foundation of player protection systems like Focal Prevent and Focal Assist.
Harm Minimization & Safer Gambling Strategy
We evaluate the effectiveness of prevention tools, messaging, thresholds, and in-venue interventions to ensure they truly support customers in making safer choices.
Session Length & Play Intensity Research
Our work on time and intensity thresholds is helping operators worldwide better understand when play may be drifting into risk – leading to earlier, more supportive intervention.
Technology-Enabled Safeguards
We develop, test, and validate digital solutions that help staff to identify and respond to risk in real time, while supporting customer care, privacy and dignity.
Policy, Regulation & Responsible Innovation
From pilot projects to regulatory submissions, our research helps shape policy and industry standards, both in Canada and internationally.
Global Research Impact
Our findings have been shared at leading industry and academic conferences, including
We also collaborate with global thought leaders, including the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, to expand understanding of play patterns like session length and their role in gambling risk.
Recognition & Industry Leadership
Focal’s research continues to influence safer gambling standards worldwide. In 2024, ALeRT Bettor Protection (now Focal Prevent) won a European Casino Award for its innovative approach to player care. We’ve been invited to share our work at international pitch events and advisory panels, helping regulators and operators explore new approaches to player protection.
Our thought leadership challenges assumptions, drives innovation, and ensures the conversation around safer gambling stays rooted in evidence – not opinion.
Access Our Research
We maintain a robust library of peer reviewed publications, technical reports, conference presentations, and commissioned studies – each designed to support data-driven decisions and meaningful outcomes.
Explore our latest research and publications
Stay Up to Date
Subscribe to our quarterly newsletter to get insights from Focal straight to your inbox.
Our Solutions
Prevent
Focal Prevent is a real-time risk detection system that identifies at-risk customers through live player data alerts, integrates with operator systems to support proactive, data-driven safer gambling, and enables operators to act early to reduce harm and meet compliance requirements.
Learn More
GO
Focal GO is a mobile app that gives staff real-time access to alerts, risk insights, and logging tools on the floor. It connects directly to Focal Prevent for seamless safer gambling delivery, and assists teams in taking timely, informed action without leaving the venue floor.
Learn More
Assist
Focal Assist is an anonymous mobile-based interactive tool for customers. With anonymous 24/7 access to 3rd party validated safer gambling tools, education and direct links to support.
Learn More
Care
Focal Care is a training system that equips staff with the skills to engage customers and use the Focal Prevent dashboard effectively. It includes role-based modules, system walkthroughs, and live or virtual training, and supports frontline teams in delivering consistent, confident safer gambling interactions.
Learn More
Comply
Focal Comply is a bespoke set of products and services to support operators and regulators in operationalizing and monitoring data for safer gambling effectiveness.
Learn More
