Charles Livingstone

My Biography, Research Journey, and Work in Gambling Studies

My name is Charles Livingstone, and I am a public health academic, researcher, and policy advocate whose work has focused extensively on gambling harm, regulatory reform, and the social impacts of commercial gambling systems.

Over the course of my career, I have become particularly known for my research into electronic gaming machines—commonly referred to in Australia as “pokies”—and their relationship to addiction, financial harm, and community wellbeing. My work sits at the intersection of public health, social justice, and government accountability.

I have always believed that gambling should not be viewed purely as entertainment or economic activity, but as a population health issue requiring evidence-based regulation and harm prevention strategies.

Early Academic Foundations

My academic journey began broadly within the social sciences, public administration, and health policy fields. Early in my career, I was less focused on gambling specifically and more interested in how public systems function—how governments regulate industries, how policy affects communities, and how structural environments shape health outcomes.

I spent years researching:

• Health system governance
• Public sector reform
• Community service delivery
• Social determinants of harm

These interests gradually converged and led me toward gambling research, particularly as I began to see parallels between gambling products and other regulated harmful commodities such as tobacco and alcohol.

Entering Gambling Research

My transition into gambling studies was driven by concern about the rapid expansion of electronic gaming machines across Australian communities.

I observed that pokies were being placed disproportionately in lower-income areas, often marketed as harmless entertainment while generating significant revenue from people experiencing gambling harm.

This raised critical questions for me:

• Who benefits from gambling expansion?
• Who bears the cost?
• How is harm measured?
• What responsibility do governments hold?

These questions became central to my research agenda.

Academic Career

I have held senior academic roles for many years, most prominently at Monash University, where my work has been situated within public health and preventive medicine.

My academic responsibilities have included:

• Teaching public health policy
• Supervising postgraduate researchers
• Conducting epidemiological studies
• Advising regulatory bodies
• Publishing peer-reviewed research

My Academic & Professional Roles

Focus on Electronic Gaming Machines

A major portion of my research has examined electronic gaming machines. I have long argued that these machines are not neutral entertainment devices but engineered products designed to maximise player expenditure.

My work has analysed features such as:

• Near-miss reinforcement
• Rapid spin cycles
• Losses disguised as wins
• Continuous betting mechanics

Through empirical research, I have linked these structural characteristics to increased addiction risk and financial harm.

Gambling as a Public Health Issue

I approach gambling through a public health lens. This means shifting focus away from blaming individuals and toward examining environments, products, and policy systems.

From my perspective, effective harm reduction must include:

• Product safety regulation
• Advertising restrictions
• Accessibility controls
• Government accountability

This framework mirrors successful tobacco control strategies.

Research Outputs

Over the years, I have authored and co-authored a large body of research across journals, policy reports, and regulatory submissions.

My work often informs parliamentary debate and legislative review processes.

Selected Publications

Government Advisory Work

Throughout my career, I have been invited to contribute to numerous government inquiries and regulatory reviews.

My involvement has included:

• Parliamentary submissions
• Expert testimony
• Policy drafting consultation
• Harm impact modelling

I view this advisory work as essential—research should inform real-world reform.

Policy Engagements

Industry Critique

I have often been described as a critic of the gambling industry. While that characterisation is not entirely inaccurate, my position is grounded in evidence rather than ideology.

My research indicates that:

• A significant share of gambling revenue comes from people experiencing harm
• Machine design intensifies risk
• Self-regulation is insufficient
• Advertising normalises gambling for youth

These findings compel policy response.

Harm Minimisation Advocacy

I have supported a range of harm reduction strategies, including:

• Mandatory pre-commitment systems
• Bet size limits
• Reduced machine spin speeds
• Cashless gambling cards
• ATM removal from venues

Such measures aim to reduce impulsive, high-intensity gambling behaviour.

Collaboration with Fellow Researchers

My work has intersected with many respected scholars in gambling studies, including:

• Alex Blaszczynski
• Nerilee Hing
• Sally Gainsbury

Collaborative research strengthens policy impact and methodological rigour.

Teaching & Mentorship

Teaching has been one of the most rewarding parts of my academic life. I have supervised students researching:

• Addiction epidemiology
• Gambling regulation
• Health inequity
• Behavioural risk systems

Many now contribute to research, government, and advocacy sectors.

International Work

My research has informed gambling debates beyond Australia, particularly in:

• United Kingdom
• Canada
• New Zealand
• European jurisdictions

The public health model of gambling harm has gained global traction.

Career Timeline

Methodology

My research employs multidisciplinary methods:

• Population surveys
• Economic modelling
• Venue mapping
• Harm prevalence studies

This integrated approach allows systemic harm assessment.

Views on Sports Betting Expansion

In recent years, I have also expressed concern about the rapid growth of online sports betting, particularly:

• Mobile wagering accessibility
• In-play betting intensity
• Advertising saturation

Young audiences are especially vulnerable to these trends.

Legacy & Continuing Work

Looking back, I believe my greatest contribution has been helping reframe gambling harm as a structural public health issue rather than merely an individual pathology.

My work continues to focus on:

• Regulatory accountability
• Product safety reform
• Community harm reduction
• Evidence-based policy

My Perspective on Responsible Gambling

Throughout my career, I have argued that the concept of “Responsible Gambling” must extend beyond individual behaviour and incorporate product design, regulatory systems, and industry accountability.

Too often, responsibility is framed solely as a matter of personal choice. However, decades of evidence demonstrate that gambling environments, machine mechanics, marketing exposure, and accessibility significantly shape gambling risk.

For Responsible Gambling frameworks to be effective, they must operate across three levels:

1. Individual protection — education, self-exclusion, counselling
2. Product safety — machine design, bet limits, speed controls
3. Regulatory reform — advertising rules, venue density, licensing

My career has been driven by a commitment to public wellbeing, social equity, and regulatory integrity. Gambling, when insufficiently regulated, can produce significant harm—not only to individuals but to families, communities, and public systems.

Through research, advocacy, and collaboration, I remain committed to advancing policies that prioritise harm prevention and public health.