This historic, multidisciplinary MOU formalizes a new research collaboration between the IGI and the University of Sydney’s Gambling Treatment Clinic & Research Unit centered around the issue of sports-wagering integrity.

“We are about to ‘invent the field’ of scientific study of these phenom-ena, alongside our colleagues in Australia,” says Bernhard, who was recently appointed the Philip G. Satre Chair in Gaming Studies at the University of Nevada, Reno, as well—a dual appointment that advances a collaborative effort between these two institutions. “As a leader in gaming scholarship and gaming regulation, the IGI and our new International Center for Gaming Regu-lation (ICGR) are well-equipped to collaborate with a world-class scholar in the University of Sydney’s Alex Blaszczynski on issues that matter deeply to both of our communities.”

Under the MOU, the IGI, the IGI’s new ICGR, and University of Sydney’s Gambling Treatment Clinic & Research Unit will collaborate on a series of studies and literature reviews related to the evaluation of sports integrity and regulation in professional and amateur sports. The institutions will review current international regulatory approaches, with the aim of proposing guidelines designed to minimize the potential for gambling-related sports-match fixing. They will also research the psycho-logical and personality factors that might increase the potential for elite sports athletes, officials, team employees, and referees to engage in behaviors that compromise the integrity of sports.