ABSTRACT
This chapter looks critically at the way the Gambling Establishment uses evidence to bolster its support for the continued expansion of commercial gambling. The chapter begins by considering the more critical way in which ‘evidence-based policy’ is now understood in controversial social-policy areas, of which gambling regulation is one. Conflicts of interests and their effect on research are still poorly understood in the gambling field: examples are given of prominent gambling researchers who have accepted financial support from the gambling industry. Two British case examples of how evidence has been used are examined in some detail: research on electronic gambling machines; and the decision to allow television gambling advertising before the 9.00 pm watershed. Both illustrate the bias in the way evidence is generated and interpreted towards supporting existing liberalised arrangements rather than a more precautionary position of protection against harm.
